Negombo - OutboundHolidays

Goldi Sands Hotel celebrates its thirty fifth anniversary this…

By Sanath Weerasuriya, Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe

Goldi Sand Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the Golden Stretch of beach in Ethukala, Negombo. The hotel celebrates its thirty fifth anniversary this year.

This hotel is rated as a ‘three star’ plus hotel, yet offers a four star facilities and comfortable vacation by the Indian Ocean. The hotel boasts of a private beach and a cozy summerhouse by the sea, which is a favourtie of most of the holiday makers from overseas.

‘At Goldi Sands Hotel, the combination of Sun, beach and the ever attentive staff is guaranteed to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Our staff is our main asset’ said Lal Dissanayake, the General Manager of the Hotel.

Accommodation at Goldi Sands comprises a stunning array of seventy five air-conditioned double rooms. Each has a private balcony and some with terraces with a view of the golden sand of Popular Negombo beach. Each room has a telephone, piped music, fridge, electronic safe, tea, coffee making facilities and en-suite bathroom with a hot and cold shower and is beautifully decorated to complement the hotel’s surroundings.

As the hotel is just fifteen minutes drive away from the Bandaranaike International Airport, and is categorized as one of the main transit hotels in the area by SriLankan Airlines

Goldi Sands Hotel offers a host of amenities, facilities and levels of comfort and maintains the meticulous standards required by the discerning guest. The large, fresh water swimming pool and fresh seafood market on the beach during the weekend are the top attractions of the hotel.

‘We boast an un-crowded and unspoilt beach, for guests to stroll along at their pleasure and to cool off in the surf of the Indian Ocean’ he added.

The main restaurant has the open air concept. Renowned for excellent seafood, supplied fresh daily by local fishermen, Goldi Sand offers wide range of seafood for both Sri Lankan and foreign guests.

‘We have highly qualified and versatile chefs, who will cater to your individual tastes. Action stations during dinner is quite popular. The guests can select their own fish, meat or veg. varieties and the chef’s do the cooking according to guest’s choice’ Dissanayake said.

The hotel claims ‘if its in the ocean its on our menu’. ‘We also offer a broad and varied A la Carte menu featuring international as well as traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

In addition we are ready and will happily prepare special dishes for those with discerning tastes’ said the Chief Chef of the hotel. ‘Theme nights too is popular as guests always want to experience different cuisine. Seafood night is the biggest attraction’ he added.

To add a bit of spice to cuisine, hotel holds regular theme nights at the main restaurant and the ‘Beach Hut’ restaurant. These theme nights include Mongolian Night, Chinese Night, International Buffet, Italian Night, Sri Lankan Festival and Seafood Extravaganza.

Goldi Sands Hotel takes advantage of their excellent location to provide a beach barbeque during weekend. The theme is ‘fresh catch’.

Evening programmes with live entertainment is another attraction. Popular three piece band from Negombo ‘The Surge’ come alive every weekends. Saxophonist, pianist, a special Calypso band and DJ music and an oriental performing troupe share the week’s entertainment programme.

‘We are the market leader in wedding receptions in the area. Not only from the region, but from far out places and clientele from Colombo too’ said Lal Dissanayake.

‘Our wedding traditions are famous not only amongst locals but with overseas visitors as well. We offer them exotic wedding packages. Some foreigners visit Sri Lankan specially to get married in this exotic location.

Our services also extend to catering for birthday parties, seminars, conferences or any other social events’ he said

Excursions around Negombo as well as the rest of the resplendent isle are carried out by Goldi Holidays, a subsidiary of Goldi Sands. Explore Negombo, the ancient trading port, which includes such attractions as the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672, the Dutch Canal, old churches and sleepy fishing villages. Anavilundava bird’s sanctuary, Willpaththu, Seasonal Whale and Dolphin watching off Kalpitiya, ancient Angurukaramulla Temple and deep sea fishing are some of the attractions.

–

COMPARE PRICES AND BOOK GOLDI SANDS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

–

Sri Lanka

Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Negombo, Sri Lanka

DELUXE BEACH RESORT | 102 A/C ROOMS | 2 FAMILY SUITES

In a lush tropical garden set out in the vicinity of a golden stretch of the Negombo shoreline, the Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel offers exquisite service and accommodation with spectacular sea views from their large private terraces.

The Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel is located 12 km [15 minutes drive] from the Colombo International airport and only 43 km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Besides being close to the country’s only international airport, the hotel is also in close proximity to all local conveniences.

ACCOMMODATION

Bright and airy, the rooms at Jetwing Blue Oceanic offer comfort and privacy coupled with fantastic views of the Indian Ocean. All rooms are well appointed with modern amenities and all the comforts of home.

The total numbers of guest rooms are 106 and include 2 family suites. Room Area – 27 sq. meters. Bathroom area – 6 sq. meters

Room Facilities: Central air-conditioning with individual temperature controls – Electric Power – 220 to 240v – Ceiling Fans – IDD Telephone – Mini Bar – Bath & Shower – Hot & Cold water – Piped music – Multi Channel Televisions – Piped music – Room Safes

CUISINE

The dining at Blue Oceanic is far better than the hotels star rating suggests, absolutely five star cuisine coupled with superb service is evident in all the hotels outlets.

Main restaurant – Continental, western, Indian, Chinese, Italian and Sri Lanka buffet with themed evenings – Seafood restaurant: Outrigger – Center point bar & Grill, the pool bar – Pizza counter at Center Point Bar & Grill – Lobby Bar

FACILITIES

Foreign exchange encashment – Hair & Beauty salon at Blue Oceanic – All major Credit cards accepted – IDD telephone facilities – Facsimile – E-mail and Internet services – Ayurvedic treatment programmes at Ayurveda Niwasa – Doctor on call – Car Rental Services – Parking facilities – Kiddies corner – Laundry/Dry cleaning – Baby sitter on request – Baby cots on request – Hotel shop – Gem & Jewellery shop – 10% discount on Food & Beverages at any other Jetwing Hotel in Negombo and vies-versa – Daily Housekeeping – Hair dryer on request – Post Office

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Fully equipped Gymnasium – Swimming pool – Tennis Court at The Beach [Flood lit] – Squash Court – Table Tennis – Beach games – Boat rides – Scuba diving during winter – cycling – Boat & Catamaran tours – Volley ball [flood lit] – Evening programmes with live entertainment [Live bands, Magic shows, Fire limbo. etc] – Karaoke Music at Checkers’ bar – Live DJ at the Center Point every Friday and Saturday.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 30 minutes

COMPARE PRICES AND BOOK BLUE OCEANIC HOTEL IN SRI LANKA FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE HOLIDAYS IN SRI LANKA – HERE!

Sri Lanka

Ranweli Holiday Village, Negombo, Sri Lanka

ECO FRIENDLY RESORT | 84 A/C BUNGALOWS

Ranweli Holiday Village is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. Located only 18 km from Colombo’s International Airport, Ranweli is the perfect base to explore the fascinating history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka.

Enjoy a relaxing holiday in the scenic and tranquil surroundings or engage in numerous eco-friendly activities and sports both land and water based. If you wish to explore the flora & fauna in our extensive garden and its environs, Ranweli has many options of guided tours offering valuable insights to the sights and sounds that surround you. Part of Sri Lanka’s bird friendly hotel network, Ranweli has a wealth of bird species for the novice to the keen birder. Also available are a number of cultural trips further a field in which you could also participate.

Ranweli’s architecture blends with the unique and rich natural environment. The serene and idyllic location has been fully utilized in the layout of the land, featuring indigenous flora and fauna, bordering the wide sandy beach on one side, the river on the other.

The land was originally a coconut plantation surrounded by wetlands, mainly mangroves. In conceptualizing Ranweli, the architects used the spacing of the rows of the coconut trees (called the coconut grid by agriculturists) as the discipline for the design. The bungalows, central areas and facilities were built with minimum removal of coconut trees. For each bungalow only one tree was removed and the tree trunks used as pillars in the construction.

The connecting walkways open out into beautifully tended palm gardens leading to the heart of the resort. Architecturally and aesthetically the construction and furnishings of the village blend western standards of comfort and convenience with the traditions of indigenous Sri Lankan culture.

ACCOMMODATION

Ranweli offers bungalow-type accommodation constructed with local building materials, in a unique ethnic style resembling a typical Sri Lankan village.

The 72 individual bungalows (sea view) and 12 river view rooms nestle within a forested environment and provide comfortable accommodation. The bungalows offer privacy and an excellent view of the sea and/or river – an exotic tropical setting for a peaceful holiday.

All rooms are air conditioned, with private bathrooms that are sunlit from an open court and with solar powered hot showers to provide ventilation and natural lighting, substantially conserving energy. Rooms are also equipped with a sitting area, ceiling fans and telephone.

The interior décor includes terracotta pots, brass lamps, artefacts produced by local craftsmen, and hand-woven local cotton fabric.

CUISINE

Ranweli’s restaurant, offers a delicious buffet and a-la -carte Sri Lankan and International cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available on request and during all buffets.

In addition to the main restaurant, an outside Pavilion Bar by the swimming pool, constructed with eco-friendly and biodegradable material, provides snacks and beverages. This is a favourite meeting point of guests to enjoy the ambiance and sunset. Also, a small fruit stall, called Palathuru Masse, located next to the main bar, offering fresh fruit, juices and herbal drinks of medicinal value.

Whenever possible, fresh produce is procured from the local community. We also have our own organic vegetable plots.

Special diets to accompany your ayurveda treatments can also be arranged.

FACILITIES

To sustain the tranquillity and ambiance of the property, Ranweli offers only soft-impact sport and games facilities to our guests. There is a small local charge for some activities.

Indoor: squash, darts, carom, chess, pool billiards and table tennis
Outdoor: tennis, beach volleyball, badminton, basketball, bocce, cycle hire
Water sports: canoeing, paddle boating, river cruises, river fishing

Shops

Eco Shop: Selected quality hand crafted eco friendly products and herbal cosmetics are available, including pottery, terra cotta items, wall hangings, hand bags, purses made of reed ware & rush and many other artefacts made of local material by our craftsmen using skills passed down from generation to generation for centuries.

Hotel Shop: Sundry items for guests, toiletries, books, postcards etc…

Jewellery Shops: A selection of precious and semi-precious stone jewellery.

Evening Entertainment

Every night we offer some live entertainment:

Cultural show / Sri Lankan Dance
Live band
Calypso band
Magic show
Oriental Band

BIRD WATCHING

Sri Lanka is blessed with an abundant avifauna with 229 resident and 197 migrant species making a total of 426. With 24 endemic species, Sri Lanka has one of the world’s highest numbers of endemic bird species.

Ranweli itself is located in a coast wetland estuary amidst mangroves, contributing to a large diversity of over one hundred thirty (130) bird species. Bird watching on the river and mangroves by boat is offered as a specialised facility to guests. A three-hour tour, accompanied by an interpreter, has been developed with the assistance of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), an affiliate of Bird Life International (an international bird conservation organization).

CYCLING

Two exotic tours on bicycles through lush countryside are available, providing an opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and historical sites, including many local Catholic churches and Buddhist temples. The tour is accompanied by a member of the staff, so there is also an opportunity to interact with the local community in the villages. A route map with descriptions of the sites to be visited is provided to the participants.

Tour 1: 16 km/2 hours
Tour 2: 26 km/4 hours

RIVER CRUISE

Glide along the waterways by kayak or motor boat in the environs of Ranweli and explore the unique ecosystem of the mangrove community. Discover the numerous indigenous aquatic and terrestrial plants. Enjoy a green wonderland of breathtaking beauty.

Observe water monitors (Varanus salvator) swimming lazily in the waterways or lying on a branch of a tree along the river sunbathing, as well as a variety of bird and insect life, such as butterflies and dragonflies.

This fascinating and tranquil tour will last approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, guests often choose to take a canoe and explore the waterways by themselves.

UNIQUE NATURE TOUR

Anaivilundawa – Wildlife Sanctuary and International RAMSAR Site

Located only one hour from Ranweli, is a man made wetland constructed in the 12th Century AD and is located on the western migratory route of birds. This is a sanctuary of wetlands with prolific bird life in beautiful surroundings. The vegetation of the site is a forest of the low country dry zone, which is very scenic. In addition to birds, other interesting fauna which can be sighted here, such as:

Mammals: mouse deer, hare, mongoose, squirrels, wild cats [such as civets], wild boar and fruit bats.
Reptiles/amphibians: land monitors, water monitors, lizards, geckoes, skinks, and tortoises.

There are over 100 species of birds in this site. However, of special interest are species [Spoonbills, Ibises, Darters, Harriers, species of Bee-eaters, and the Jungle Fowl, which is an endemic species – the national bird of Sri Lanka] that are not found in Ranweli and its environs.

Sinharaja Rainforest Biosphere Reserve

1 or 2 day tours to Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last significant undisturbed stretch of rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage site are arranged on special request.

UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS

Panduwasnuwara & Yapahuwa

This 1-day tour will take you to Panduwasnuwara, one of the ancient Royal Capitals of Sri Lanka, which is only a one-hour drive from Ranweli. This impressive sprawling (50 acre), moated and walled ‘sleeping city’, some of it still unexcavated, was an expertly planned and well laid out metropolis with a stately palace, royal audience hall, store houses, granaries, monastic complexes, shrines, bath houses, toilets and ponds. Beautifully proportioned platforms, terraces, pavements and doorways enhance its architecture, handsome stone sculptures and carvings adorn it and rock inscriptions record its events and happenings.

After your visit to Panduwasnuwara you will be taken to Yapahuwa, a citadel built on a huge rock boulder in the style of the 5th Century Sigiriya rock fortress. Well defended with double ramparts and moats, Yapahuwa holds many delights for sightseeing. These include the remains of the King’s Palace, royal audience hall and other stately structures, shrines and baths.

YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT

Ranweli Village also offers unique yoga and meditation retreats. Please check with us for select packages. These are generally tailored and come in variations of 7, 14 and 21day packages.

Products & Services: Birding, butterfly watching, nature walks, cycling/habitat tours, fishing in the lagoon and river, demonstration of ethnic indigenous crafts and skills, sports – tennis, squash, archery, table tennis, pool billiards, volleyball, wave board, boogie board, paddle boating and canoeing. Vegetarian meals are provided during buffets and on request. Tours to cultural & heritage sites are also available.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Normal Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Waikkal, Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International [12miles]

COMPARE PRICES AND BOOK RANWELI HOLIDAY VILLAGE FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE HOLIDAYS IN SRI LANKA – HERE!

Sri Lanka

The Beach, Jetwing Beach, Negombo, Sri Lanka

75 LUXURY ROOMS | 3 LUXURY SUITES

The Jetwing Beach, Negombo, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world, lies nestled among the palm trees, along a beautiful sun-drenched beach in the coastal town of Negombo. It takes one to an ultramarine world of colourful interiors where each of the rooms open on to large private balconies, or terrace which looks out to the Indian Ocean.

The hotels architecture is truly impressive and also inspiring, it’s beach, it’s cool, it’s calm and it’s a temple of chic – A harmonious blend of soft colours and rich, dark woods, this place lives and breaths luxury.

Your cares will be swept away by the cool breezes that blow through its open spaces. Apart from its spectacular setting amidst windswept palms and sun bronzed beach. The Hotel’s spa features a comfortable lounge to relax in, a Jacuzzi, steam room and special treatment rooms with a choice of air-conditioned environments for treatment. The luxury and romance of this idyllic location forms the perfect backdrop for honeymoons too.

ACCOMMODATION

Jetwing Beach Resort offers 75 spacious, luxury rooms with minimalist interiors and 3 luxury suites with a large open court yard with rain shower and Jacuzzi.

Room with cement flooring and dark teak furniture, individual air conditioning, telephone and IDD facility, hair dryer, magnifying shaving mirror, mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities, safety locker, cable TV, CD/DVD Player, In -room dining, slippers and bath robes.

CUISINE

‘The Sands’, for all day dining; ‘Black Coral’, the fine dining restaurant, offering an exciting a la carte menu; ‘Al Fresco’ dining on the terrace; The Centre Point, a beach restaurant offering great pizzas and other snacks and Terrace Bar

ACTIVITIES

‘Water sports, kite surfing, fishing, a village walk, Anawilundawa bird watching tour including a train ride, a boat ride with breakfast through the Dutch canal or experience the marsh and narrowing water ways of Muthurajawela with a boat ride. You could also take a safari through the jungles of the Wilpatthu National Park or perhaps tour the many ancient Roman Catholic churches in the area.

Experience ‘Signature Dining’ – A romantic Rama & Sitha spa and dining experience, in-room dining for couples. Beach Bar-Be-Que for a couple or small group.

Experiences within the hotel: Learn to cook hot and spicy sea food dishes and other Sri Lankan specialities, tea tasting ceremony of J

etwing Teas, Signature Dining, Exotic Weddings and parties.

FACILITIES

2 Restaurants (à la carte, buffet and signature dining)
3 Bars including pool bar
2 Swimming pools
Gym (fully equipped)
Tennis & Squash courts
shops
Spa and Ayurvedic centre
Watersports centre offering Deep sea fishing, Boat rides, Catamaran sailing,
Body boarding
Kayaking
Babysitting service available
Evening entertainment programmes.

Address: Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 20 minutes

COMPARE PRICES AND BOOK THE BEACH HOTEL, NEGOMBO FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE HOLIDAYS IN SRI LANKA – HERE!

Sri Lanka

Club Hotel Dolphin, Waikkal, Negombo, Sri Lanka

FAMILY BEACH RESORT | 146 DELUXE A/C ROOMS AND CHALETS

The Club Hotel Dolphin is in Waikkal, a northern suburb of Negombo. The hotel is set in lush tropical gardens just steps away from the beach and has become a popular first-stop for most travellers as its location is only 12miles from the Bandaranaike International Airport and 35miles from Colombo, the capital.

At Club Hotel Dolphin, there’s fun for the whole family! Catch some sun, sand and surf on the private beach, there’s games in the activity pool, sports, horse-riding or theme shows. If relaxation is the order of the day, then just kick back and lounge by the poolside or treat yourself to a massage at the Pavilion Spa. There’s something for everyone at Club Hotel Dolphin, which is why the hotel is a popular destination for active family holidays.

ACCOMMODATION

Sustain the spirit of fun and laughter in each deluxe room that overlooks the main pool with its cheerful furnishings complemented by vibrant colour. It’s a fusion of tradition with contemporary design. Fancy a bit more subtality..? Then choose a soothingly furnished private chalet set in tropical gardens with fantastic views of the ocean.

Deluxe Rooms have private balconies facing the activity pool, with en-suite baths and showers, hair dryer IDD phone facilities, cable TV, DVD player and piped music.

Chalets are set in the quieter tropical garden area with direct beach access, closer to the main pool. All chalets have en-suite baths and showers, hair dryer IDD phone facilities, cable TV, DVD player, piped music and also includes tea/coffee-making facilities and a private terrace/patio to each room.

Club Hotel Dolphin has 2 luxury suites appointed with modern amenities and furnished in fine fabrics. The suites boast surround sound entertainment systems, security safes, refrigerator, twin attached bathrooms with bathrobe/slippers, and their own sitting areas.

CUISINE

The Miami Restaurant offers guests a choice of seafood and fine dining “Table D’hote and A la carte” facilities. For the all inclusive guests there are breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, which are generally a fusion of eastern, western and local cuisine. There’s Indian, Chinese, Italian, American and other themed nights, including a weekly barbeque night and an “Around the World” International buffet night.

The food is sumptuous and the fresh local seafood is absolutely “out of this world”. The Club Hotel Dolphin also offers morning snacks which include sandwiches, fruit salads, burgers & chips, salad bar, fruit juices, tea & coffee.

There’s afternoon tea [or coffee] as well, which consists of the finest Ceylon teas freshly grown a hundred miles away, cakes, biscuits, sandwiches and as always on the western coast, a spectacular sunset.

FACILITIES

Sports/Games: Kayaking on the river, archery, tennis, badminton and beach volleyball, aerobics, pool volleyball, bocce, croquette, biking, horse riding, mini golf and soft ball cricket.

Indoors there are Squash courts, table tennis, darts and billiards/pool/snooker along with board games such as carrom, chess and draughts.

Entertainment: Nightclub, disco and karaoke. Live music, magic shows, cultural shows, animation, special games and activities for children, fire limbo, puppet shows, etc.

Excursions: Colombo shopping experience and the Dutch canal boat ride are an absolute must do.

Othe facilities include a cyber café, business centre, fitness centre with qualified gym instructor, Sala Spa and library.

Products & Services: 96 air-conditioned guestrooms with balconies or terraces and sea view, 50 A/C cottages with terrace. Variety of food and drinks by award winning culinary team, Sumptuous buffets and A la carte, Miami Restaurant with sea food specialty, Oruwa Pool Bar and Miami bar, non all inclusive – Karaoke Bar and Disco Bar opened every other night, one of the largest swimming pools in Sri Lanka, out door fresh water swimming pool including Children’s section, Ayurveda health centre, hair dressing salon and shops, telephone with IDD facility, piped music, laundry services, extra beds and cots for children.

Address: Waikkal, Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 12 miles

COMPARE PRICES AND BOOK HOTEL DOLPHIN SRI LANKA FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE HOLIDAYS IN SRI LANKA – HERE!

Club Hotel Dolphin invests USD5m on refurbishment

–

Sri Lanka

Negombo the Little Rome | Sri Lanka

Negombo called ’Little Rome’ is a traditional fishing centre and a principal town in the coconut triangle in Sri Lanka which is situated approximately 30 km north of Colombo. Over 75 percent are Catholics, 20 percent are other religions and 5 percent are Buddhists of the population of Negombo .

Due to this there are many churches and shrines at Negombo but also has some ancient temples too. There is an excellent seafood eateries and reasonable shopping too attract visitors to this place. Most of all though, it’s the sea, sand and sun that bring visitors to its shores and if you are seeking a true tropical destination, then Negombo is a good choice.

The Dutch Fort

The Dutch Fort at the centre of the city, the lagoon that surrounds a part of the town, the island of Duwas situated between the lagoon and the sea and fascinating scenery have made Negombo one of the beautiful places in Sri Lanka. Among the various tourist attractions the Old Dutch Fort Gate, Negombo deserves special mention. The Old Dutch Fort Gate, Negombo was constructed in the year 1672 and now it is a part of the prison.

Negombo has been a Catholic fortress from the times of the Portuguese. There have been over 70,000 Catholics in the Western coastal belt during the Portuguese era.

A military blockade by the Dutch people in the year 1644 completely destroyed the Portuguese Fort. On the ruins of the fort, the Dutch Fort was constructed. It was constructed on a pentagonal pattern instead of the regular square pattern. It had only four bulwarks. Old Dutch Fort Gate, Negombo does not have a fifth bulwark.

In between a lagoon and a recess of the sea there is a narrow portion of landmass. The Old Dutch Fort Gate, Negombo was constructed on that landmass. There was constructed a drawbridge, through which the gate was accessed. The city faced it on the other side. The city was encircled by an earth wall.

Eventually the landmass on which the Old Dutch Fort Gate, Negombo was constructed was regularly washed by the sea. Thus the landmass gradually took the shape of a peninsula.

The Fort was visited by Governor Rumpf, who wished to see its betterment. The improvements that attracted his attention were an addition of new watch towers and the increase in the height of its walls. Some other modifications caught his eyes. Above the gate a big bell tower had been constructed.

Again he also found a new palisade, which had been constructed. A painting was made using water colours. The painting shows the Fort in a new grandness. The painting was made in the year 1720.

These days only ruins of the Fort can be seen. The British destroyed the Fort in the later half of nineteenth century. The stones of it were used to create a prison.

If a tourist wants to rejuvenate his spirits, he must visit Negombo. One who visits Negombo must see the Old Dutch Fort Gate, Negombo as an attractive tourist spot.

Churches

It is on record that in 1628 there were many churches in and around the city of Negombo. The most prominent among them are – a large and beautiful church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Negombo town, the church of the Most Holy Trinity at Hunupitiya, the Church of Our Lady of Remedies at Bolawalana, the church of the Holy Spirit at Pitipana and St. James’ Church at Pallansena.

St Mary’s Church – view some alabaster statues of saints and a colourful painted ceiling. Building of this Roman Catholic church was started in 1874 but only completed in 1922.

Popularly known as “Angurukaramulla Temple” it is never missed by the Buddhist pilgrims who pass through Negombo.

Entrance the budugeya you can see the lions’ mouth. Inside of this budugeya we could see many sculptures which are saying the jathaka katha. The most important thing on this place said Tourist Guide, Sumudu Chaminda. Inside of Budugeya has marble Buddha statue which donated by Burma.

The Dutch Canal

The Dutch Canal starting from Hendala to Pamunugama was constructed by the Portuguese in the 17th century.

It was used for the purpose of a supply route in the times of the Dutch administration. The canal is still being used. It runs across the town and is hundred kilometers long. It is used to serve as a supply to the Dutch administration along with the Old Churches and fishing villages during the Dutch rule.

A visitors can take a tour of the canal through a boat or a bicycle ride. It was constructed by the Dutch people from Colombo in the south to Puttalam in the north. The Dutch Canal, Negombo flows across Negombo. From the main street or the sea street one can find The Dutch Canal, Negombo running.

Negombo Beaches

Negombo Beaches are not very crowded. The stretches are superbly maintained by the hotels while some are always busy with fisherman and their equipment. Equipment for water sports such as diving, wind surfing are available at most hotels and private vendors. There are few schools offering reasonable diving courses. In front of the beach there is a children’s’ park also built in very recently.

SEARCH AND COMPARE HOTELS IN NEGOMBO FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Sri Lanka

Golden Star Beach Hotel | Negombo | Sri Lanka

Golden Star Beach Hotel is a small property opened back in 1988 and is ideally located on the “Gold Coast” at Negombo. An ideal location which is just one hour’s drive from the capital Colombo and about 15 minutes from the country’s international airport at Katunayake.

The hotel offers accommodation that is ideal for family holidays being based right on the beach and with a host of local activities and water based sports. Locally guests also have access to scuba diving via a local PADI dive centre, while the hotel further offers guests a range of excursions ranging from island wide tours to boating excursions, etc.

Golden Star Hotel has 62 standard rooms with wonderful views of the sea, pool and garden. The hotels main restaurant is located by the swimming pool and offers fresh local sea food, Eastern and Western Cuisine, snack menus to the sounds of live calypso music.

The hotel ensures that special events such as weddings will be taken care of by professionals, making such events perfect in every possible way, leaving you with a lifetime of exciting and romantic memories.

The hotel is owned by a local family in partnership with a Dutch couple who manage all promotional and marketing of the property. As a three star hotel the property enjoys high demand amongst tourists from Germany, Holland as well as England.

“We are willing to meet our guests’ requirements according to their budgets,” said Director Operations Donald D. Peter.

Guest can also go to Muthurajawela marshland, Negombo lagoon, Angukaramulla temple, Dutch Churches, kovils and and Negombo Dutch Fort also.

“In addition to these excursions games such as beach volley ball, cricket or badminton are also available. For guests’ satisfaction this hotel organises some evening programs with live music, BBQ and some theme nights.

Visiting a Shipwreck in Duwa Coral Reef, boat rides along the Dutch Canal and rides on catamaran can be arranged during your stay at Golden Star Beach Hotel.

Source: DailyNews.lk

COMPARE AND BOOK GOLDEN STAR HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Sri Lanka

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions Resort | Negombo | Sri Lanka

COMPARE PRICES FOR JETWING AYURVEDA PAVILIONS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

AYURVEDA SPA RESORT | KING AND QUEEN VILLAS

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions have a solid reputation for preventive and curative Ayurvedic treatments, offered to the many thousands who have visited their purpose built resort facilities in Negombo, Sri Lanka. With a team of highly qualified Ayurveda doctors, the resort is state of the art and fine-tuned towards your wellbeing. Although set amidst the bustling coastal town of Negombo, the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions is a haven of tranquillity waiting to be experienced.

The hotel is a village-like collection of guest villas of two sizes – King Size & Queen Size. The King Size Villas consists of an entrance pavilion, a courtyard and a bedroom with a luxurious bathroom and modern conveniences. The Queen Size Villas consists of a smaller entrance gateway with the bedroom across the courtyard, which combines the massage area in its verandah. These guestrooms include luxurious bathrooms and all other modern amenities. Both types of villas provide typical Sri Lankan village atmosphere with comfortable verandahs, simple furniture suiting the tropical climate and semi-outdoor use. The internal courtyard of both types of villas are inspired from the traditional courtyards of Sri Lankan and ancestral houses called the “midula” with tropical trees and medicinal plants which over the next few years will provide handsome foliage.

THE SURROUNDS – NEGOMBO

Negombo, often called the “Golden Mile” on the West coast of Sri Lanka, is a unique resort town ideal for tourism. With the palm fringed golden beach, which is dotted with fishing villages, it is also called “Little Rome” due to its large number of Roman Catholic Churches. Hence, it makes Negombo a crossroad of religious and historical value where people of different cultures co-exist in harmony.

Its closeness to the Colombo International Airport makes Negombo a very convenient resort. Not only will you find several beach hotels but there is also a lot of history in the area. Here, an Old World atmosphere of 17th Century churches and forts sit side by side with modern hotels, guesthouses and restaurants that have sprung up along the beach in recent times.

Like many other coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Negombo was an important spice trade port long before the Portuguese set foot on the island. The Portuguese took possession of Negombo about 1600 and raised a small fort. The Dutch claimed the strong hold in 1640 and re-fortified it providing their initial foothold in Sri Lanka. When the British arrived in 1796, they found the fort abandoned. They tore most of the fort down and put up a large jail. A few other Dutch relics still remain, the main one being the canal system from Colombo to Puttalam, which is nearly 80 miles long.

Along the shopping streets of Negombo are numerous establishments selling religious medallions and artefacts, but these are balanced by a proliferation of toddy and Arrack taverns, which gives ample proof of the merry pattern of life that the population has adopted.

Negombo is a good place to watch fishermen at work. Their principle craft is the “Oruva”, a dugout outrigger canoe whose prehistoric evolution can be traced from the Comoro Islands off Mozambique, Africa to the South Seas. It has been here in Sri Lanka for a long time. You will see these fishermen bringing in their daily catch of crabs, prawns, seer and other fish to the fish markets. During the day they are mending their nets on the beach. Many make their homes on the small islands of Duva, across the lagoon from Negombo but connected by a motor-able causeway.

ACCOMMODATION

Each villa has a small backyard that contains specially selected medicinal plants and herbs, which guests are welcome to care for during their stay. Both types of villas enjoy similar spacious ensuite facilities with an outdoor bath in a small courtyard, which is a special feature of this purpose built facility. The guests can enjoy an herbal bath in the privacy of their own pavilions. The collection of twelve villas and the public facilities of a swimming pool, Ayurvedic restaurant and reception are also built like a small Sri Lankan village. The guests can walk along small footpaths that meander through the complex with potential green tropical vegetation of Ayurvedic plants and trees.

A very special feature of this garden is the discovery of several water features placed at important locations. These have been included to enhance the occupants’ eye and provide an atmosphere of serenity conducive to meditation.

CUISINE

Ayurveda does not prescribe one diet as best for everyone, such as raw foods, macrobiotics or the basic four food groups, but seeks to individualize and optimize nutrition for the individual, based on their constitutional type and the particular imbalances in the individual that need to be corrected. Food is selected based on its elemental balance, its taste, its effects on the body, and qualities of the foods. The main intention of diet in the Ayurvedic system is to nourish body tissue.

Ignoring the laws of correct living while allowing the accumulation of toxins in the body, results in disease. Ayurveda prescribes an individualized approach to the dietary and lifestyle practices, which keep people healthy and promote longevity. Ayurveda diet and cleansing practices are among the simplest, but most profoundly effective, it helps to restore your health and live a long and happy life.

Haute Cuisine a la Ayurveda Pavilions
The hotel restaurants serve only Ayurvedic cuisine and varieties of various tropical fruit drinks while a la carte menus ensure that all your senses are taken care of. All meals are accompanied with a description of the ingredients used & the benefits.

Facilities:

In-house Ayurvedic Therapy Centre.

Team of experienced doctors.

Ayurveda boutique.

Deluxe accommodation with all modern amenities.

Swimming pool with jet set facilities.

Meditation.

Yoga.

Authentic Ayurveda cookery demonstrations.

Lectures by Ayurveda specialists.

Music therapy.

Products and Services: Separate Ayurvedic treatment rooms for Queen Size Villas or King Size Villas, Yoga, Lectures by ayurveda specialists, Team of experienced Doctors, Sports and recreation facilities, Ayurveda boutique, Swimming pool, Meditation, Authentic ayurveda cooking demonstrations, Music Therapy.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Normal Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is at 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out time can be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Ethukale, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Airport: Colombo International – 25min

COMPARE PRICES FOR JETWING AYURVEDA PAVILIONS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Sri Lanka

Browns Beach Hotel | Negombo | Sri Lanka

COMPARE PRICES FOR THIS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

DELUXE BEACH HOTEL | 140 ROOMS

The Browns Beach Hotel is located on Negombo’s famous ‘Golden Mile’, a beautiful palm fringed stretch of beach on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst the palm groves of the quaint fishing village of Negombo, Browns Beach with its unspoiled private beach is the most popular seaside resort in the immediate vicinity of the Bandaranaike International Airport, which is just 7km away.

The hotel is extremely well appointed with the latest amenities, there are also three restaurants with international and local cuisine, poolside bar, beach bar, karaoke bar, service bar, Sunset nightclub, Occasional evening entertainment & specialty evenings, a beauty salon, shopping arcade, conference and banquet facilities, 24 hour room & laundry service, gymnasium with health-club, kiddies’ corner, conference room and all other modern facilities.

ACCOMMODATION

The hotel rooms feature all modern comforts to include air-conditioning, balcony / terrace with a view of the sea / garden, an attached bath / shower with hot and cold water, private in-room bar – on request, piped music, radio, telephones.

CUISINE

Browns Beach Hotel servers both international as well as local cuisine in its many wonderful restaurants and bars. There is fresh seafood as well as fresh local produce prepared by the resident chefs into mouth watering treats to delight. The hotel restaurants serve a variety of tropical fruit drinks, while a la carte menus ensure that all your culinary desires are provided for.

THE SURROUNDS

Negombo is a fishing hamlet on the western coast of the island. Its close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake makes Negombo a first or last stop when visiting the island. The town was captured by the Dutch from the Portuguese in 1640 and lost in the same year and re-captured in 1644. In 1796 the British took it over. During the Dutch period Negombo was one of the most important trading ports for cinnamon, the sweetest of which grows along the coastal belt near Negombo.

The busy town of Negombo has a selection of colourful shopping arcades and interesting rustic restaurants. It boasts a rich cultural heritage with impressive Roman Catholic churches built by the Portuguese. There are also the ruins of the Old Dutch Fort along with the Dutch Cemetery are interesting sites. Other Dutch buildings that are still in use include the lagoon resthouse. The Dutch also built a network of canals from Negombo to Colombo and in the opposite direction from Negombo to Puttalam totalling a distance of 120 km.

The Negombo lagoon is dotted with dugout canoes or ‘oruwa’. Fish auctions on the beach are a common and interesting site. A Fishing Festival is held in late July.

RECREATION

Outdoor Swimming Pool – Water Sports – Tennis & Squash – Indoor Games – Drafts – Carom – Scrabble – Darts – Backgammon – Children’s Pool – Flood Lit Tennis Courts – Two Squash Courts – Beach Volleyball

Products and Services: Business Center, Room Service, High-speed Internet, Fitness Room, Restaurant, Parking, Swimming pool, Airport shuttle, Bar / Lounge, Elevator / Lift, 24 Hour Reception, Air Conditioned, Tennis Courts, Free Breakfast, Conference Room(s), Currency Exchange, Medical Assistance Available, Sauna, Security Guard, News Stand, Mini Bar, Refrigerator, Porters, Meeting Rooms, Hair Dryer, Laundry service

Check-in/Check-out Time Normal Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in or a later Check-out time can be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International [15min]

COMPARE PRICES FOR BROWNS BEACH HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Sri Lanka

Ranweli Holiday Village | Nature Reserve | Sri Lanka

Waikkal — When the Ranweli Holiday Village was first designed and launched at Waikkal, just a few kilometres north of Negombo, its creators would never have realized that they were probably among the first to develop a natural-light bathroom – and save on electricity!

The natural-light bathroom where the shower is open to the sky and allows sufficient light minimising the use of electricity during the day, was an innovation at Ranweli way back in 1976. At the time there was no power crisis and no crisis was envisaged — even decades later. “It was just a novel idea,” says Ranweli Holiday Village Ltd Chairman Ranjit Wijewardene, when asked whether this innovative bathroom was created with an eye on the future.

Call it what you like – innovative or groundbreaking — the power situation today where electricity is one of the biggest costs in any venture has made this type of bathroom a visionary initiative.

Apart from this, the 84-room resort nestling on an island ensconced by the sea, the lagoon and the historic Dutch canal, has much to offer to the discerning guest. Set up during the time when resorts in Bentota heralded a new beginning for tourism, Ranweli is a nature lover’s paradise with its abundance of mangroves, fauna and flora. Serene waters, sometimes without even a ripple of a wave, wherever one looks act like a soothing balm on the harried soul.

Kingfisher

An early morn leisurely family cruise down the Dutch canal is enriched by spotting a snake-necked cormorant preening its feathers; a black-capped kingfisher, a winter visitor, flying from one tree to another looking for its breakfast; or a common Red-wattled Lapwing roaming around with a call similar to the question: “Did you do it?”

In the boat, naturalist Senaka Pathmakumara, a Bio-Science graduate, points out a blue-tailed bee-eater perched on a branch while kingfishers are a plenty among the 15-20 varieties of birds that we see. Ranweli and its environs are home to about 140 varieties of birds, both local and migratory, according to Senaka. The boat-ride would help “capture” on camera, of course, at least 35 varieties. Migratory birds are like foreign tourists, fleeing the harsh winters of their countries for warmer climes in Sri Lanka, one in our group remarked.

The birds are many and varied and a thoughtful touch is not only the handy lists of birds but also butterflies along with their pictures that are provided in each room so that sightings could be recorded. In its own simple way it would encourage parents“to make your child a budding naturalist”, in the very words of Ranweli General Manager Wimal Dassanayake.

The waters of the canal are generally calm and no water skiing is allowed to prevent noise pollution, erosion of the canal embankments and destruction of fish. In fact, there is no motorized transport of any form on the island.

Tranquillity and peace are taken seriously by the hotel and when the resort transformed to an eco-tourist lodge, the discotheque was discontinued. The only sounds of music come from lilting Sinhala melodies from speakers in the public area or a hotel band during meal times.

Rock squirrel

Walking along the corridors of the spacious resort, suddenly one feels a pair of eyes watching closely and up on the beam is a rock squirrel looking down inquisitively. Other interesting facets to keep the guest occupied include neat rows of herbal plants with name tags in a corner of the vast gardens, with the main attraction being a “butterfly shrub” which attracts dozens of vividly-coloured butterflies to sample the nectar of the flowers.

An out-of-this-world experience is the trail through the mangroves, with naturalist Anura Jayawardene walking with head bent low to avoid a thick trunk or balancing along a tree stump thrown across a marshy stretch . Rows and rows of stumpy roots stick out of the marshy waters high in salinity, searching for oxygen, giving the impression of a stark forbidding jungle. The slim booklet on mangroves also found in the room helps the curious visitor to gain some knowledge on this intricate eco-system so important for humans. Not only can you see the only palm that grows in the water (Nypa fruticans) during the canal cruise but among the gloomy mangroves Anura details out the A-to-Z of mangroves.

An exotic evening could very well follow with fine dining in a tree hut under a mangrove canopy and, if you are lucky, a Thalagoya (iguana) for company or an enthralling dinner on the ferry under the twinkling stars with the bird-calls as music.

The entry-point to Ranweli itself is like no other. The crossing by a hand-pulled ferry promises the beginning of an adventure that the staff at Ranweli has laid out particularly for the eco-tourist. Unlike other upscale hotels, the charming cabanas have been built with 90 percent local material while much of the food is also locally produced. The music in the lobby and public areas is traditional Sinhala ballads and instrumentals.

Garden-fresh vegetables

The rooms are spacious and cosy with a lot of ethnic décor. There are no TVs – and one gets the feeling that the staff would like guests to spend as much time out bird-watching, canoeing, paddling, going on a walkabout among the mangroves, savouring a fresh salad from the organic vegetable garden at a table surrounded by nature, having a dip in the sea or the pool or just relaxing on the chalet verandah enjoying the glorious sunset. There are many things to do at Ranweli – apart from a great learning experience.

Says Mr. Dassanayake, “We are close to nature as much as possible. We have even done away with plastic water bottles in the rooms.”

Ranweli has been able to build-up a loyal clientele ever since transforming to an eco-tourism resort in 1998, he says, adding that among other regular visitors to the resort are students from international schools who come in groups for a two-to-three-day outing as part of a nature exercise. Between January to April students from British and US colleges also come on study tours to learn about flora and fauna and tropical wetlands. They usually come in groups of 8-16 and are accompanied by a professor.

What is the resort’s main USP (unique selling point)? “Being an island, away from the traffic, crossing a river, having an abundance of unspoilt nature….the list goes on,” believes the genial General Manager. Another USP is that the staff is not like your normal resort manager or executive assistant, walking around stiffly in western suit or shirt and tie.

Ranweli’s key executives are simply but smartly clad to blend with the environment and make guests feel at home. The resort has won many international awards as an eco-friendly location. For more details visit website www.ranweli.com.

Article and pictures by Feizal Samath

Related Posts