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Negombo is a leading resort on Sri Lanka's western coast, easily reached from Colombo and quite close toBandaranaike International Airport. A thriving fishing community as well as a major seaside tourist resort, Negombo's proximity to the airport makes it a convenient starting or ending point on a tour of the island nation, but it's also a worthwhile destination in its own right.Water sports are the predominant activity here, with diving, surfing and windsurfing topping the list in popularity. It's the winds offshore that attract windsurfers, helping Negombo to develop a reputation as a world-class location for the sport.

The early recorded history of Negombo notes its prominence in the spice trade - particularly trading in cinnamon, which grew in the jungle nearby. As the significance of this trade waned, fishing took on increasing importance, as has tourism more recently. Income from tourism now accounts for a large percentage of the area's economy.

The town maintains a quaint atmosphere, with architecture dating from the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods. There are plenty of churches, mostly built by the Portuguese. St Mary's in particular is of interest for its excellent examples of ceiling paintings.

Near the seafront you'll find the ruins of an old Dutch fort and well-known gate dating from 1672. There are also a number of other Dutch structures, including a church and a well-designed canal that stretches from Colombo to Negombo and on to Puttalam. The canal can be navigated by boat or bicycle on the path which follows alongside the canal.

Local fishermen still head out to sea in their traditional outrigger canoes, known as oruwa, and follow traditional fishing methods. The sight of these craft with their brown sails billowing in the offshore winds is one of the pleasures of spending time here, particularly as the sun goes down.

If you're looking for a holiday destination within easy reach of Colombo, Negombo is a great choice. You'll findaccommodation choices ranging from smaller family hotels to full-service beachfront resorts. You can relax under swaying palms, enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down, or get out on the water and join the growing numbers of surfers and windsurfers who are finding Negombo to be the best choice