Threaded with stretches of golden sand overrun by colourful wooden boats, Negombo enjoys a steady stream of visitors to its coastal spot just some 35 kilometers north of Colombo. They come for the curious lingering remnants of colonial history (courtesy of Dutch, English and Portuguese power struggles during the 16^th and 17^th centuries), some of the finest seafood on the island, easy access to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, and most of all, some of the west coast’s less-crowded, more tourist-friendly beaches.

From its very beginnings this humble peninsula city was famed for its aromatic cinnamon crop, the scents of which drifted down through the Muturajawella marshes and into the Dutch transports that would have clustered around the old fortress and dock area. Today, this section of town retains the criss-crossing canals that would have helped move the powdered spice to the shore, along with a collection of elaborate neoclassical churches and mansions. Of course, the town is not without its Sri Lankan dash of Hindu charm, while Negombo tour guides are also quick to champion tours through the city’s famous fish market.