Fishing village of Negombo puts Sri Lanka tourism under spotlight

Sri Lanka came under the international spotlight once again for its unique tourism offering, but drawing the attention this time round is the scenic city of Negombo.

 The New York Times in its latest travel review placed the fishing village of Negombo as one of the 52 places to go this year. Negombo was ranked 16th on the list.

 Tourism in Sri Lanka has long focused on Dambulla’s astonishing cave temple and the beaches of the southern coast. But travellers in search of less-trafficked destinations are paying new-found attention to Negombo, a fishing village, the New York Times said. 

 Less than 25 miles up the western coast from the capital, Colombo, the village of Negombo offers a nearby international airport, hiking, and plenty of beaches.

 “Had enough sun? Visit stunning temples and landmark cathedrals then unwind in one of the dozens of seafood restaurants — chefs here make good use of local prawns and crabs — in the charming downtown, known for its colonial-style buildings and Dutch canals,” said travel writer Liza Weisstuch.

 She pointed out that sustainability is a focus for businesses, especially the just-opened Uga Riva, a luxe hotel in a refurbished manor house that once welcomed Mohandas K. Gandhi and diplomats from around Asia.

 “Tourism in Sri Lanka took a hit in recent years because of political unrest, followed by the corona virus pandemic — but the country is back on track, and your money goes a long way,” she said.