Attractions of Negombo (Sri Lanka) - what to see

Dutch Fort Negombo (Dutch Fort)

Remains of the old Dutch Fort can be seen near the new Fish Market. It was built in 1672 and was almost completely destroyed in the 19th century for the construction of a prison, the gates of which are located immediately behind the preserved entrance. Only the gates, part of the walls and the tower remain from the former grandeur of the Fort. In fact, what you see in the photo is all you can see here. The fort remains are maintained by prisoners. More about the Dutch Fort in Negombo, photos, history.

Fish Markets

Fish markets are one of the main attractions in Negombo. There are two of them here - new and old, and in our opinion, without visiting them, getting to know the city will be incomplete. However, you need to be prepared for the "spicy" fish smell even when approaching the markets and not too clean conditions in the trading area and around. The New Fish Market is considered one of the largest in Sri Lanka. There is an Old Fish Market 1.5 km south of the new market. Essentially the same thing, only the area is smaller and there is no opportunity to dry fish on the shore, like the previous one. But in a way, the old market is even more colorful and interesting, besides, tourists don't come here as often as to the new market. More about Negombo fish markets and photos.

St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Cathedral is considered one of the large Catholic churches. In total, there are more than 20 similar churches in Negombo, which confirms the rich historical past of the Dutch period of influence. This church stands out for its concise architectural ensemble, beautiful frescoes and figures that decorate the interior of the cathedral. The construction of the cathedral had a long history and began in 1874, and was completed only in 1922. A few meters to the west there is a college under the patronage of the church. More about St. Mary's Church in Negombo, photos, history.

Angurukaramulla Temple

One of the famous and large Buddhist temples in Negombo and a very worthy (if not mandatory) place for tourists to visit. It is notable for its unusual entrance to the main temple - through the mouth of either a cat or a lion. After recent renovation and reconstruction, the interior has taken on a new life: with bright colorful paintings about the life of Buddha, his statues surrounded by associates. The reproduced cycle of human life with the help of sculptures may seem interesting: from the parents' acquaintance and conception to death. More about Angurukaramulla Temple and photos.

Sri Muthumariamman Temple

A Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess. Similar temples with the mention "mariamman" or "amman" in the name, which means "mother", can be found almost everywhere in Sri Lanka. Locals believe that she blesses with offspring, successful marriage and cures some diseases.

The temple looks very modest on the outside, even inconspicuous, without the characteristic tower crowning the main entrance; inside it is somewhat gloomy. Like all Hindu temples, in its center there is a room where the main deity is installed, only priests are allowed to enter here. More about Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Negombo, its meaning, photos.

Sri Sithivinayagar Temple

About 100 m from Sri Muthumariamman on the same street there is another one, dedicated to another Hindu god Ganesha - the god of wisdom and prosperity. This is a beautiful and bright temple with a low tower decorated with bright statues and bas-reliefs. Inside Sri Sithivinayagar there is a central sanctuary with an image of Ganesha and a tower crowning it. Around the perimeter of the temple there are several separate pedestals with figures of different deities.

Kali Amman Temple

Almost next to Sri Sithivinayagar Temple, behind an inconspicuous entrance blocked by a large tree, there is a Kali Amman temple dedicated to Kali, the goddess of time and change. In terms of architecture, it is no different from the previous temples: the same main sanctuary and tower. If you pass by, you can stop by.

St. Sebastian's Church

The amazing architecture of St. Sebastian's Church inevitably attracts the attention of any tourist, especially since it is located very close to the tourist area. The high spiers and facade design look amazing. In front of the building there is a large area where believers gather during the evening service. It is calm inside and you can rest a little by sitting on a bench. The window openings inside are decorated with colorful frescoes, the altar is designed quite simply. To the right of the building, "Golgotha" with Jesus on the cross is recreated.

In general, this place is worth visiting, and it is simply impossible to miss it during a visit to Negombo. More about St. Sebastian's Church and photos.

St. Joseph's Church

One of the many Catholic churches scattered throughout Negombo. It is located not far from the bus station, and if you wish, you can stop by. The road to the church building leads through an alley, a stream flows nearby. In general, it can be said, albeit with a stretch, a rather picturesque place.

St. Mary's Church

This is another St. Mary's Church in the city, but it is located near the lagoon. It is perhaps the largest of the similar churches in this area. In the evenings there are many parishioners here, and the services with chants can be heard throughout the area.

St. Peter's Church

The small church itself is nothing special. However, there is a college of the same name nearby, where students study various specialties and are always happy to communicate with tourists.

Negombo Beach Park

In fact, it is difficult to call this place a park; there are no attractions, no cafes, no pools, no benches or gazebos for relaxation. In the evenings, mobile food and ice cream stalls (vans) and children's toys work here. There is a small beautiful pond and a children's train for riding. There are practically no tourists here, the main visitors to this place are local residents.

Negombo Canals

One of the famous attractions of Negombo is its canals. They penetrate the entire territory of the city and stretch for hundreds of kilometers. Many local residents live along the numerous canals, and fishing boats are moored at the edge. You can simply look at the canals from the bridges, or if you wish, walk along them and the houses of local residents, who are always happy to communicate with tourists, and some even invite them to visit their modest homes.

Negombo Lagoon

The lagoon is located southwest of Negombo and is connected to the Indian Ocean by a narrow strait. This small body of water with an area of about 35 sq.m. will add variety to your stay in Negombo and may seem quite interesting if you take an excursion and swim on it. Traveling through the Lagoon you can see mangrove thickets and, if you are lucky, a large number of different waterfowl. You can also go fishing. Along the Lagoon, local residents live very modestly and poorly, whose main source of income is fishing and agriculture.

Munneswaram Devasthanam Temple

The temple is located in a small village near the town of Chilaw north of Negombo. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and is considered one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka, although nothing remains of the temple originally founded in 1000 AD. Largely "thanks" to the Portuguese, who destroyed it twice (in 1578 and 1600), and the stubbornness of the local residents, who restored it again and again, today it looks impressive. It is a complex of several temples, including the main altar for Shiva (in the center), to the southeast and southwest - a shrine for Ganesha, in the northeast corner - a Buddhist shrine for Ayyanayake. More about Munneswaram Temple and photos.

Munneswaram Kali Kovil Temple

This temple is located 100 m north of the main Munneswaram Temple and is part of it. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali and is popular not only among followers of Hinduism, but also Buddhists and even Catholics. Externally, it is not very well maintained, but interesting in its own way. Until 2011, animal sacrifice rituals were performed in the temple, which is part of the ritual of worshiping the goddess Kali. Animals were killed in large numbers, and this greatly outraged some animal rights activists. After their repeated appeals to the local authorities to stop such rituals, they were banned. More about Munneswaram Kali Temple and photos.

Udappu Village

Udappu (Udappuwa) is a small fishing village on the coast 65 km north of Negombo. It is sometimes visited by rare tourists in passing when traveling from Negombo to the north, including to Anuradhapura or to Trincomalee. In the center of the village is the main temple Sri Partha Sarathi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Draupadi. It is thanks to this temple that the village has earned the attention of the most inquisitive travelers. There are several more small temples in different parts of the village. More about Udappu Village and photos.

Colombo

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka (but let us remind you, it is not the capital), and a real treasure trove of attractions and various historical places. There are many temples, architectural sites, interesting museums and much more. And what's great is that you can get to Colombo from Negombo during the day, get to know the city and return back in one day. There are also excursions from Negombo to Colombo. In addition, in Colombo you can go shopping, walk along the conditional embankment, and visit a casino. In general, there is a lot to do there, and you can go there every day. Details about Colombo attractions and what to see.