Negombo Beach – Wildlife and Nature
Welcome to our blog on Negombo Beach! Here we will be discussing the wildlife and nature of this beautiful beach in Sri Lanka. We hope you enjoy reading and learning about all the different creatures and plant life that call Negombo Beach home.
Where is Negombo Beach
Negombo Beach is situated in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 37 km north of the capital Colombo. The beach is located close to the estuary of the Negombo lagoon, making it a popular spot for fishing and bird watching. The area around Negombo Beach is also home to a number of luxury hotels and resorts.
The Wildlife at Negombo Beach
The Negombo Beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including some endangered species. TheNegombo Lagoon is an important breeding ground for several species of fish, turtles, and birds. The area is also home to monkeys, lizards, and snakes.
The Nature at Negombo Beach
The Nature at Negombo Beach is second to none. With its long sandy coastline, the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lap against the golden shores. The coral reefs and lagoons that surround the beach make it a snorkeller and diver’s paradise. The pristine white sand is dotted with palm trees and Coconut vendors, providing welcome shade from the tropical sun. The beach comes alive at night with a vibrant atmosphere, as locals and tourists alike flock to the seafood restaurants and bars that line the shore.
The History of Negombo Beach
The history of Negombo Beach dates back to the 16th century when it was first discovered by Portuguese explorer, Bartholomew Diaz. The name “Negombo” is believed to be derived from the Sinhalese word “nego” meaning “milk-white”, a reference to the milk-white sands of the beach.
The beach became a popular stopping point for European sailors during the Age of Sail, and many of them decided to stay in Negombo permanently. As a result, Negombo developed into a thriving trading town and was even ruled by the Dutch for a time.
Despite its long history, Negombo Beach only became a tourist destination in recent years. However, it has quickly grown in popularity thanks to its beautiful sands, clear waters, and lush surroundings.
The Culture at Negombo Beach
The culture found at Negombo Beach is a true representation of the Sri Lankan people and their way of life. The locals here are some of the most friendly and welcoming you will ever meet, and they are more than happy to share their culture with visitors to the area.
One of the best ways to experience the culture at Negombo Beach is to attend one of the many festivals that are held here throughout the year. These include the Negombo Fishing Festival, which celebrates the region’s thriving fishing industry, and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, which are a colorful affair with music, dance and food galore.
If you’re after a more authentic cultural experience, then head to one of the temples or mosques in the area. Sri Lankans are very religious people, and you will often see them going about their daily lives with offerings in hand to give thanks to their chosen deity. Buddhism is the main religion practised in Sri Lanka, but there is a significant Muslim population too, so you will find both Hindu and Islamic places of worship in Negombo.
The People at Negombo Beach
The people who live along Negombo Beach lead a life that is a happy mixture of traditional fishermen’s lifestyle and modernity. They are very religious, and you will often see them going to the local temples and churches. Many of them still live in small, traditional huts made of thatch and bamboo, but there are also many modern houses along the beach. The people here are very friendly, and you will often see them sitting in the shade of their homes, chatting and laughing with each other.
The Future of Negombo Beach
As the human population continues to grow, the need for development grows with it. The problem is that often this development comes at the expense of natural habitats, including beaches. With so much of the world’s population now living in coastal areas, the future of our beaches is more uncertain than ever.
Negombo Beach is no exception. As one of Sri Lanka’s busiest tourist destinations, Negombo Beach is under constant pressure from development. Plans for a new resort on the beach were only recently stopped after an uproar from locals and environmentalists.
The future of Negombo Beach will likely see a continued struggle between those who want to develop it and those who want to protect it. It is essential that we find a balance between these two needs if we are to preserve this natural treasure for future generations.