Picturesquely located on a scenic lagoon that is its namesake the beach holiday hub known as Negombo leaves little to the imagination when it comes to unforgettable holidays. Littered with breathtaking beachfront, historic points of interest harking back to the region’s past as a former Dutch and Portuguese stronghold and more churches per square kilometre than any other city in Sri Lanka, Little Rome just may be as intriguing as its European counterpart

Less than 40km from capital Colombo this highly accessible seaside town is also famous as a food haven as delicacies prepared from fresh seafood are a veritable staple at every household and eatery here. Setting off at dusk the fishing communities of Negombo haul in the day’s catch during the early hours of the morning and the fresh seafood consisting of crabs, prawns, cuttle fish, tuna and other fish varieties that are bought fresh off the boat by local restaurants and residents while the bigger hotel chains purchase their seafood quota for the day from the local fish market. This is of course the cornerstone of Negombo’s culinary prowess as the freshest seafood is found in abundance here and is a vital part of the diet and menus of the local restaurants and citizens.

Often referred to as a happy marriage between traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and colonial culinary influences Negombo’s dishes combine true Sri Lankan staples such as rice and curry with a spicy twist. In fact most Negombo fare is spicier than other regional cuisines of the island and is popular among locals for this very reason. Consumed with locally made alcoholic beverages as well as beer and gin the delectable treats feature generous helpings of spices to bring out the taste of the seafood items that are often complimented with traditional Sri Lankan meals such as rice, hoppers, rotti, string hoppers and pittu. Fusion cuisine is also found in Negombo and guests can stroll down to the city’s best eateries to sample continental favourites with a Sri Lankan twist. Highlights include catamaran barbeque excursions while restaurants such as Amerhula, Browns, Camelot, Salwa and Rodeo are deemed the city’s best seafood hubs.

Travellers on the lookout for luxury Sri Lanka beach hotels should look no further than the stylish Jetwing Beach hotel. Offering guests a picturesque base in a strategic location this elegant rest is undoubtedly one of the best Negombo hotels in the island.

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