A Brief History of Negombo
The influx of international tourists who visit Negombo annually is just a continuation of its rich history as a melting pot of cultures. The town was initially captured by the Portuguese, who converted many of the local Karavas. Today, Negombo remains a stronghold of Christian Sri Lanka, evident in its impressive churches and ornate Catholic shrines scattered throughout the town and its surroundings. The Dutch played a significant role in shaping Negombo into a thriving commercial center. They built a canal, along with a fort to protect it, enabling the transportation of valuable spices, particularly the abundant cinnamon grown in the nearby areas, from the interior to the coast before exporting them abroad. While tourism now drives much of the town’s economy, fishing continues to be of vital importance. The sea provides an abundant supply of tuna, shark, and seer, while the Negombo lagoon, located at the town’s back, is known for its finest prawns, crabs, and lobster.
The Karavas
The people of Negombo, known as Karavas, are a mix of Tamil and Sinhalese fishermen who embraced Catholicism during the mid-sixteenth century under the influence of Portuguese missionaries. They adopted Portuguese surnames and became the first wave of de Silvas, de Soysas, and Pereras that now make up Sri Lanka’s population.
The Karavas are also famous for their unique fishing boats called oruwas. These distinct catamarans, derived from the Tamil word “ketti-maran,” are crafted from hollowed-out trunks attached to massive sails. Even today, hundreds of these small vessels are in use, creating an unforgettable sight when they return to shore.
Boat Trips, Watersports, and Diving
Local boatmen can often be found on the beach, offering oruwa trips into the sea or the Negombo lagoon. Some guesthouses and tour operators organize boat trips along the Dutch canal, providing opportunities to visit a coir factory, observe low-level birdwatching, witness toddy tappers at work, and sample some of the resulting brew—Negombo’s very own booze cruise. However, the most interesting boat ride can be experienced through the nearby Muthurajawela wetlands.
For those seeking more adventurous activities, the watersports and diving center between Jetwing Beach and Jetwing Blue hotels offers diving, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing lessons. They also provide kayaks, sailing boats, boogie-boards, and other equipment for hire. Diving arrangements can also be made through Colombo Divers. Negombo is renowned for kitesurfing, especially during the months of January to March. One of the highlights is an impressive 8km-long downwinder along the coast from Waikkal to Negombo.
Accommodation in Negombo
Negombo boasts a wide range of accommodation options, from affordable guesthouses to chic modern resorts. While some of the budget hotels still maintain a 1970s vibe, catering to all-inclusive package tourists who seek nothing more than cheap beer, mediocre quasi-European cuisine, and ping-pong tournaments, the town also offers more upscale choices. Most budget accommodations can be found along Lewis Place, at the southern end of the beach area. For those seeking a more luxurious stay, options are concentrated to the north along or just off Porutota Rd in the suburbs of Ettukala and Palangatura. Please note that the landmark Brown’s Beach Hotel was demolished and is set to be rebuilt as a new posh five-star hotel, scheduled to reopen in 2014. All the listed places can be found on the Negombo Beach map.
For more information about Negombo and planning your trip, visit DHPL Travels.
