Walk through the heritage of Negombo
The tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes
Available in English
Description
Negombo has been known as the "little Rome" for centuries. It is a well-known maritime gateway to the country and was used as the main port during the Kotte era.
Negombo is the name given by the Portuguese, derived from the Tamil word "Neercolombo." Its ancient fortress, colonial buildings, and churches still preserve the Portuguese, Dutch, and British legacies. Negombo was the main fortress during the Kotte era (1412 AD - 1597 AD) for exporting the country's main export products: cinnamon and other spices, gemstones, and pearls. The fishing community and Roman Catholicism are notable heritages of the city. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited Negombo in 1954 AD and tasted the seafood of Negombo and enjoyed the famous Easter drama of Negombo (Duwe Pasku). She also stayed in the same lodge where her father, King George, stayed in 1901 AD.
As a multicultural city of Negombo, we start at the Sri Mutthu Mari Amman temple on Sea Street. And we walk through the local market where vendors sell vegetables and fruits at stalls. King George Drive is named after King George's visit to the city. The road runs parallel to the Indian Ocean, where the fishermen's activity area and the dry fish processing center are located.
When we tire of the smell of dry fish, we will walk through the fish market (Lellama) and past the prison (formerly the Dutch fort). We will pass by the famous Kothlawala bridge, where you can take a nice picture of the fishing boats. Then we will walk back to the opposite side and the next stop will be St. Mary's Cathedral in Negombo. Then, travelers can buy spicy Sri Lankan snacks or sweets with refreshments. Our guide, born in Negombo, will show and explain each stop.
It will be a great experience for travelers to get a deep insight into the country's history and culture.
· Sri Mutthumari Amman Temple.
· Local Fruit and Vegetable Market.
· King George Drive to the dry fish center and fish market.
· Famous Negombo Rest House
· Old Dutch Fort of Negombo and St. Stephen's Church.
· Negombo Fishing Harbor and Kothalawala Bridge over the lagoon.
· St. Mary's Cathedral.
· Street food tasting with refreshments.
Guide: Premil
Guiding since 2020Ayu-bo-wan!!! Which means you can live a long time and is our traditional way of welcoming anyone to Sri Lanka, our home and when they first meet you. I am Premil Shasendra and I work as an Independent National Tour Guide. I am also on TripAdvisor in Sri Lanka for many years. I have completed a diploma in tourism and orienteering under the Sri Lanka Tourism Board and have qualified and have a license as a national guide. I specialize in managing group tours and have extensive knowledge of archeological sites, history, culture, flora and fauna, bird watching, camping, biking, trekking, climbing, etc. I can also arrange your transportation in Sri Lanka (cars/vans/coaches) and hotel reservations (depending on star rating or accommodation style - boutique/villas/bungalows/guesthouses) with access to special and negotiated rates. Are you looking for a guide who knows the country by heart, who is honest, flexible, responsible, a good driver, dynamic and intelligent? Then contact me so that I can show you my country in the best possible way! As soon as you land in Sri Lanka, you will be in good hands and you will be looked after by a friendly, smiling and caring professional guide.
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