Probably one of the first things you will see as your aircraft approaches the runway of the pearl of the Indian Ocean, is the Negombo Lagoon. The short stretch of water protected by land on three sides opens out to the sea from the north. With the vast extensions of beach, ocean and coconut groves around the island, it is mandatory to be exceptional to stand out and this is precisely what the lagoon does.
Being an estuary fed by several rivers and canals, the Negombo Lagoon has much more than a picturesque appearance to offer its visitors. From the welcoming lulls of the wave that first beckoned towards you as you arrived in the country, the Negombo seas are good for bathing and some water sports. The low sand banks that border the lagoon’s exterior, are thickly crusted with coconut palms and plenty of greenery, granting a refreshing view to the locals and tourists both.
The small body of salt water is not very deep almost up to the point it pours into the sea, therefore it is a safe stretch for wading, bathing and playing even for the young ones. Locals engage in some quick fishing in these waters as well. Even though the shoals are limited, there is opportunity to take home quite a catch especially when the tide is high and it is unsafe to go deep sea fishing.
The mangroves that grow along the lagoon’s fresh and saltwater mixture protect the shoreline from erosion and add color to the area. Resident and migrant birds; egrets, shoreline birds, gulls, terns and cormorants fly into the swamp on a regular basis, making it all the more interesting for nature loving tourists. Trek through the greenery or wade through the waters to encounter more and more of the natural wonders that unfold as you watch, knowing that land mass will save you from the tide.
Due to the proximity to the airport, the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions has always been popular among tourists. A spa hotel Sri Lanka is famous for their administering of indigenous medicines in therapeutic healing. Hence, any Sri Lanka Ayurveda hotel scores well amongst foreigners who come specifically for treatment.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
