About Entertainment

Negombo – where entertainment abounds

Named after the lagoon of the same name Negombo is situated at just 35km away from Colombo the capital of Sri Lanka. Positioned at the opening of the lagoon this small town in the coastal region of the island comprises of a small port and is famous for its fishing industry which dates back through the ages.

The economic basis for the town centers on tourism mainly, although it also produces ceramic, brass and cinnamon. The town in Sinhalese is referred to as Migamuva although the Portuguese began calling it Negombo. It was a popular port for trading during the time of the Portuguese and the Dutch.

With the country's international airport 15km away, it is the perfect place to begin one's holiday. Certain areas of the town still retain its colonial feel, such the Dutch Fort which was built in 1672. A side from this, there are numerous churches, Dutch houses and administrative buildings which still boast of colonial architecture. The second largest fish market in Sri Lanka is situated here in Negombo and a visit to the fish auction is an opportunity for visitors to get acquainted with the simple life of local fishermen.

An attraction nearby is the marsh land known as Muthurajawela that is home to more than a hundred species of animals. The area is protected and extends over 6,000 hectares. The canal which is about a hundred kilometres in length and goes through the town is often plied by fishermen and boat rides can be organized for tourists as well.

The country famous for its magnificent beaches has perhaps the better ones towards the west coast of the island. With Negombo being so close to the airport it is a popular stop over for tourists coming into the country for a few days. Diving and water sports are a favourite among tourists who come to Negombo and certain diving institutions along the beach offer scuba diving gear for hire.
Negombo also has a few coral reefs and glass bottom boat rides could be arranged to see them. For divers the ship wreck commonly referred to by the locals called Kudapaduwa is about 50 years old and serves as a home for various species of fish.

The Negombo town commonly known as 'Little Rome' is where tourists could explore Roman Catholic churches founded during the time of the Portuguese. These churches have still managed to retain their ornate structures and are quite unique. Those such as the Grand Street Church are one of the main churches in the Negombo town.

As the sun begins to set across the town of Negombo, party goers get ready for an evening of entertainment as the nightlife in this part of the island is the best and attracts crowds from even the urban areas.

The town offers accommodation for every traveler and most of the Negombo hotels offer access to the beach. Checking into one, such as the Jetwing Beach tourists could be sure to spoil themselves with the beautiful ocean views that some of the rooms offer. In addition tourists could enjoy the large pool and taste local cuisine prepared at Jetwing Beach, a popular option among Sri Lanka hotels.