Negombo Lagoon & Old Dutch Canal

Known affectionately as "Little Rome" for its grand Portuguese Catholic churches, Negombo is centered around its vast 3,160-hectare saltwater lagoon. In the morning mist, hundreds of traditional outrigger sailing canoes (oruvas) return loaded with blue lagoon crabs and jumbo prawns. The historic Hamilton and Dutch canals weave inland through quaint colonial fishing hamlets.