Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located just off the southern coast of India, famously known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Its attractions are unmatched, from unspoiled nature and pristine beaches to flavorful cuisine made with spices, coconut, and fresh seafood, key highlights when considering what to eat in Sri Lankan food. Covering about 65,610 km², Sri Lanka draws travellers not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and historical sites.
Sri Lanka
History
Sri Lanka’s
fascinating history is shaped by ancient kingdoms and colonial powers,
including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Buddhism, practiced for over two
thousand years, has left a lasting mark on the island, reflected in its
temples, architecture, and traditions. These cultural and historical landmarks
are among the main reasons to discover things to do in Sri Lanka.
Language
While Sinhala
is the national language, English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas,
and by most guides. In rural villages, English may be less common, but this
does not hinder travel, as locals can communicate in basic English.
Sri Lanka
Travel Guide
Most travellers
enter Sri Lanka through Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, though
domestic airports such as Mattala and Hambantota provide access to other
regions. Trains, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are available for
transportation, though travel times can be longer in outskirts due to road
conditions and city traffic.
Hotels in Sri
Lanka
Accommodations
in Sri Lanka range from luxury resorts and five-star hotels to budget stays and
homestays. To ensure a smooth trip, it is recommended to book online in advance
to secure the best places to stay in Sri Lanka and avoid the hassle of searching
upon arrival.
Negambo, Sri
Lanka
Sightseeing in Sri Lanka can begin in Negombo, just 40 to 50 minutes’ drive from Colombo and the main airport. A medium-sized coastal city, Negombo is fairly busy with daily activities, but it isn’t rushed - more of a relaxed pace of Sri Lankan life. For those visiting other parts of Sri Lanka with limited time, a day in Negombo is ample, as there are not many sightseeing spots. Among the few top sites in Negombo, the Negombo Dutch Fort and St. Mary’s Church are worth including.
Negombo Dutch
Fort
One of
Negombo’s historical sites, the Negombo Dutch Fort is located by Negombo Beach
and holds significant colonial history. The fort dates back to the 16th century
when it was built by the Portuguese to protect their trading interests. Later,
the Dutch expanded it with walls and defensive structures as the area became a
key center for trade and military control.
Today, much of the original structure is gone, with only parts of the walls and the old gate remaining. Standing at the fort, it is possible to sense its historical importance and strategic role along the west coast. Walking around the ruins, which takes just a few minutes, and reading the informational plaques makes it one of the must-visit sites in Negombo.
St. Mary’s
Church, Negombo
It is best to
check the opening hours of St. Mary’s Church in Negombo before visiting. The
church is popular for weddings, so visiting during a wedding may limit access
to the interior. These factors determine whether the interior can be viewed or
if it is only possible to admire the church from outside.
St. Mary’s
Church is about 140 years old and is the largest church in Negombo. A prominent
landmark, its interior is spacious and elegant, featuring high ceilings, large
arches, and rows of wooden pews. The walls and ceilings are decorated with
paintings and religious artwork. Outside, a statue of Mary adds to the church’s
historical and spiritual significance.
Including St. Mary’s Church in a Negombo itinerary is worthwhile, as it is a landmark that catches attention while passing by. This Catholic church in Negombo, Sri Lanka, is certainly one of the top sightseeing spots in Negombo.
Negombo Lagoon
What is
captivating about Negombo Lagoon is that it is a must-see destination in
Negombo. Just outside the town, the large waterway catches attention while
passing by. Boats are parked along the shore, and small fishing boats move
across the waters as part of daily life. Along the way, locals, including Sri
Lankan women, can be seen selling fish and also other produce and handicrafts
from small-scale cottage industries.
The lagoon
stretches across a wide area, supporting both the city’s fishing industry and a
variety of wildlife. It connects to the sea through a narrow channel, creating
a mix of salt and freshwater that sustains its unique ecosystem.
The lagoon is also known for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views, and birdwatchers can spot a variety of local and migratory birds. The scenic views and cultural activity make it one of the top sightseeing spots in Negombo, reflecting traditional Negombo life.
Negambo Fishing
Village
There are
several fishing villages in Negombo, located along the lagoon, Dutch Canal, and
coastline. Together, they form the cluster known as the Negombo Fishing
Village, spread across different areas of the city.
One of the best
things to do in Negombo is visiting one of these fishing villages early in the
morning, around 6:30 to 7:00 am. Walking past the village houses leads to the
shore, where fishermen prepare to go out to sea. Before that, they check their
nets. Some are already in their boats, ready to begin fishing in the Negombo
Sea. Approaching the fishermen, they are pleasant and willing to share insights
about village fishing life, speaking in their Sri Lankan dialect.
Negombo Fishing Village has also, over the years, become a favorite spot for pre-wedding photo shoots. Couples arrive at the seashore early in the morning, capturing the atmosphere of the village and the scenic surroundings. Spending an hour here is more than enough to understand the daily life in the village. Indeed, it is one of the ultimate must-experience places in Sri Lanka. Standing at the seashore and watching the sunrise completes a memorable visit, after which it is usually time to depart from the fishing village.
Sri Lankan
Traditional Massage (Ayurveda Massage)
When in Sri
Lanka, it’s not just about moving from one tourist destination to another in
Negombo. There are also moments of relaxation, offered through Sri Lankan
traditional treatments, known worldwide as part of Ayurveda. Ayurveda centers
can be located within resorts or hotels.
For those that
do not provide Ayurveda treatments, brochures are usually available to refer
to, and self-appointments can be made. Hotel staff, even in 3-star hotels, are
willing to guide on which Ayurveda center to choose. Some even make
arrangements for the appointment, including transport to and from the center.
One popular
option among Ayurveda treatments is the Sri Lankan traditional massage, usually
offered in a nature-inspired, traditional setting. Male masseurs attend to men,
whereas female masseurs attend to women. After getting ready by changing into a
wrap and tying it around the chest, the oil massage begins. It can be strong
and even intense, but informing the masseur allows them to adjust the pressure
to suit individual preference.
For the
complete package, the massage is followed by a traditional herbal sauna in a
herbal steam box. The person lies down comfortably to fit inside. The cover
goes atop, leaving only the head outside. The herbs inside, combined with the
hot steam, release aroma and cause the body to sweat. The warm herbal steam is
said to help relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and cleanse and detoxify
the body.
The heat can be
overwhelming for some, feeling uncomfortable on the skin. In such cases, it is
best to inform the masseur and stop the session.
After the traditional sauna, it’s time to shower, make payment, and leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and naturally ready for sleep. Water is usually served, and it is advised to continue drinking water for the next few hours to avoid dehydration.