Often referred to as 'Little Rome' the town of Negombo is a historically interesting place, which has been strongly influenced by the Catholic faith.

Now an ever expanding town, Negombo is a hotspot for tourists and is famed for its lagoon and harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns. Fish auctions regularly take place on the beach and its intricate network of canals merit exploring too.

The Dutch, Portuguese and the British all laid claim to Negombo at different points in history, resulting in the beachside town's colourful past. The town has several buildings dating back to colonial days and influences can be seen in the style of architecture.

During the Dutch era, Negombo was also one of the most important sources of cinnamon, which was highly profitable at the time.