A quaint body of water that lies in between a mangrove-covered wilderness and a sprawling stretch golden sand beach, the lagoon of Negombo is home to an immaculate and wonderful ecosystem that teems with life! The waterbody is a treasure trove for the local fisherman and with enticing views of the mangroves and its wild inhabitants, it is an idyllic attraction to visit if you are a nature lover!. There are many ways you could explore the lagoon and the most common ways are opting for a tour with a local travel operator. The experience will be curated with you heading into the waterbody on either a kayak or a boat. If you are planning for a tour of the lagoon make sure to start your tour during early morning hours after sunrise and late afternoon hours – the sun could be a bit unforgiving. If you search the lagoon early enough you could also see the fisherman bringing their catch to the shore.
The mangrove here is the largest patch of wilderness in this part of the island and it attracts a variety of water birds like kingfishers, gulls, herons, cormorants, terns, egrets, and other waders. If you are an avid bird watcher, keep both eyes peeled for these fantastic water birds that you will surely be able to spot on your cruise across the lagoon. Not only are the mangroves famous for the water birds, but other amphibians and mammalian creatures as well. Look out for the saltwater crocodiles, water monitors, land monitors, and other creatures as they will lie on the banks waiting for their prey. One side of the lagoon is also lined up with colourful wooden fishing boats.
Come mid-afternoon and you could see the local fisherman setting their nets in the lagoon and getting started for another fresh catch. The lagoon is absolutely picturesque during sunset when the sun slowly settles down beyond the horizon for his slumber up by the endless ocean and the skies turn into magical shades of gold, pink and orange – definitely a view worth capturing! It is now that the traditional fishermen begin to head out to the oceans. The shores are lively even during dusk as the locals themselves stroll the shores to soak in the views of the grand sunset and relax.
