The city of Amsterdam has been fondly called the ‘Venice of the North’, and the ring of canals in the city has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Keizergracht, Herengracht and Prisengracht are the three main canals that make up the ring of canals known as Grachtengordel, and it is a sign of the importance the Dutch placed on canals during city planning. This feature of Dutch architecture has its echoes in Sri Lanka as well, as evident in the canals in Negombo, a city renowned for its Dutch influence in the Western Province.
Those residing in a villa in Sri Lanka in the seaside town of Negombo should be able to explore some of these canals with the assistance of a guide. The Dutch Canal, for instance, runs for over 60 miles and was a major canal that was utilised during Dutch occupation for the purpose of transport. Even with the Dutch influence, it may come as a surprise that the famous Hamilton Canal found in Negombo has been built by the British in 1802 under the guidance of George Atkinson, the principal engineer. The Hamilton Canal begins at the Negombo Lagoon near resorts such as Jetwing Thalahena Villas, and stretches across town until it reaches the Maha Oya.
As the Muthurajawela Visitor Centre is located on the banks of the Negombo Lagoon, patrons can opt for a boat ride of the lagoon and explore the wonderful plant and wildlife that lives within the ecosystem. Some boat rides will also include the option of exploring some of the canals in Negombo such as the Dutch canal. Known as the Muthurajawela wetlands, this marshy area is thought to be over five thousand years old and thus, abundant in marine, plant and bird species. Therefore, tours of the area are conducted by only a handful of persons to ensure that the ecosystem remains undamaged as far as possible.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.
