Setting: Negombo, a quaint old fishing town by the sea, also known as 'little Rome' is home to a predominately Catholic community. From Portuguese and Dutch ramparts, forts, churches and wayside shrines to interesting canals and creeks, Negombo still maintains some of its old world charm and remnants of a colorful bygone era of the Dutch and Portuguese settlers.
Folklore at Negombo: The name Negombo used by the Portuguese is a derivation of the Sinhala name Meegamuva, the village of honey. Folklore states that it originated from the story of a swarm of bees settling in a boat, which had been hauled ashore there. Although Negombo never had a booming honey trade it was once a spice town, especially cinnamon.
Negombo Fishing Port: Negombo has become one of the islands biggest fishing ports, where over 500 edible species of fish inhabit the sea and the inland lagoon. The Catamarans (large boats with sails) lined up at the beach are hauled out to sea early morning and the fresh catch brought in by mid-day.
Negombo Beach: Negombo also has a colorful array of coral reefs and a 50 year old shipwreck that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish. Catamaran ride can be arranged at most hotels in Negombo.Negombo, a tourism hot spot is ideal for a variety of water sports such as diving and wind surfing. Facilities and water sport equipment are available at most of the hotels at Negombo.
Accomodation at Negombo: The Negombo sea stretch has an impressive tourist infrastructure of hotels, guest houses, restaurants and cafe's along the beach, where one can indulge in the highest standards of local service and accommodation.
Excursions from Negombo: A casual stroll down the street would cover some of the sites in and around Negombo such as its Portuguese and Dutch style churches, canals and ramparts.
