19 November 2024 | 12 min
19 November 2024 | 12 min
The Negombo Dutch Fort is situated in in Negombo in Sri Lanka. It is a historical site and tourist attraction site where tourists visit to learn the region history. Also, it is the ideal places to visit get to lean how the colonialism influenced Sri Lanka. This fort has a historical significance and represents Sri Lanka colonial history.
The construction of this fort was completed in 17th century by the Portuguese. It served as the military forts role being to safeguard the region more especially during cinnamon trading seasons.
When the Dutch rule kicked in the fort was re-built because of its importance and tremendous growth. The Dutch, renowned for their greater authority and power, strengthened the fort's defenses, transforming it into a formidable military fortification and administrative center.
This fort assisted the Dutch secure the rule in Sri Lanka during the colonialism era. The fort also helped the Dutch in controlling Western coast of Sri Lanka the trade routes.
One of the reasons why this fort was so important is because it is situated close to Negombo Lagoon, which let one supervise maritime operations and guard against probable attack by competing colonial powers and rebel groups.
The Negombo Dutch Fort did not only serve as military site, it was the Dutch colonial administration in this part of Sri Lanka. The fort made it easy for the government of the day to correct taxes and manage the justice systems even to the close area or region.
This fort was also important because it fostered cultural exchanges between European traders and Asian residents, which raised the port cities perceived economic worth at the time.
Today the fort is significance as it represents Sri Lanka rich history and imperial heritage. It is one of the historical sited to visit learn Sri Lanka historical past and architecture designs during colonial era.
Tourists visit this fort every year to explore the remains of the fort for first hand details to understand Sri Lanka past and the influence of Colonialism in this Island.
The old walls with mighty bastions remind tourists about the glorious imperial impact of the past. Visitors are reminded of the magnificent imperial influence of the past by the ancient walls with their powerful bastions.
If you are history buff Negombo Dutch Fort is touruts attraction to visit and notly explore the fort but also the surround. The Negombo Lagoon located behind the fort makes this place appealing and stunning view. This amazing view is generated when the fort's reflection falls on the pure lake, resulting in a stunning mirror image.
The surrounding palm trees and other plants create a natural beauty hence the right place to visit for travelers who want to explore the historical sites in peace. One of the things which you should now miss to explore at this fort is the Dutch Reform Church found within the fort premises. The church showcases the elusive colonial past in this region.
Although this fort architecture looks ordinary it is attractive to architecture enthusiastic. For you to see the beauty of this fort you should visit during the evening hours when the sun is setting. The sun setting hits the fort walls and then reflects to the surroundings with golden happiness. This fort draws tourists to explore its historic walls, admire panoramic views, or breathe in its refreshing breeze.
You can visit Negombo Dutch Fort every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. But, it is closed sometimes when it is special public holidays. The visitiors are urged to adhere to the rules put in place. You should keep off the prohibited areas, avoid littering, and not damage the buildings. These rules are in place to preserve the fort.
Although the visitors are allowed to take pictures in the fort you should respect other visitor’s privacy. If you want to take commercial phots or use a drone you need fort top seek permission.
Other rules to follow include avoid making noise and aggressive actions. You also not smoke in the fort building and bring with you a pet.
Tour guides are provided for individuals who seek further information about the fort. Visitors must carefully read emergency instructions and obey staff directions in an emergency.
The evening hours are the best time to visit Negombo Dutch Fort. It is ideal time to take leisure walk in the fort exploring the ruins and also best time when you can take beautiful pictures.
Negombo Dutch Fort is located 15 kilometers from Colombo and this makes it easily accessible. Here are the options you can opt to use and reach at the fort:
You can hire taxi from Colombo to the fort which is 15km drive. It is the convenient option and fast.
You can take ride from Colombo or other parts in Sri Lanka and get off at Negombo Railway Station. From there take a short walk to get to the fort.
You can board the buses heading to the fort route. You should be prepared to travel with others given the bus is public transport. Once you arrive at Negombo town you can walk to the fort.
You can arrange for private transfer with companies offering transport services in Sri Lanka or you can rent a car which you can drive to the fort.
The Negombo Dutch Fort was first time constructed in the early 17th century by Portuguese.
The Negombo Dutch Fort architecture design is Dutch medieval military.
The Fort served during the colonial era as the military and administrative base.
The fort is open every day from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. It is closed during special holidays.