Fishing In Chilaw - Life By The Sea
Fishing in Sri Lanka is a significant business venture that a majority of the coastal cities in the country are involved in. Some of the locals along the coastal stretch depend entirely on the income obtained through fishing. There is a lot visitors can learn about the culture and lifestyle of Sri Lankans by visiting a fishing town.
A majority of the locals are employed as fisherman and it is a risky job to be involved in. The ocean surrounding the country is affected by tropical storms and monsoons so the sea is often unpredictable and has taken with it many lives. A fisherman is never certain about his life when he sets out on a fishing expedition because of the erratic nature of the sea. This is one reason why Fishing in Sri Lanka is a popular tourist attraction; most people want to know what the fuss is all about and witness behind-the scenes the effort that goes into catching fish.
The fisherman usually set out to sea in the wee hours of the morning. Before the sun rises, a group of fisherman will board their trawler boats determined to bring in the catch of the day. The fishermen are most likely to return from their trips at noon or late afternoon. This is when all the action takes place. Large fishing nets need to be drawn in and the locals assist in the tug-and-pull process. Locals in Chilaw are extremely hospitable and you can always ask them if you could join them to draw the nets. You can even purchase fresh fish after they have been sorted. The price of seafood is affordable and is most likely the cheapest price.
If you want to delve further into the life of coastal Sri Lankans, speak to any of the locals. Most of them are willing to share their stories and may even invite you to enjoy a meal with their families. To catch a glimpse of all this action, check out one of the Negombo hotels. There are several Sri Lanka beach hotels which provide easy access to the fishing areas on the beach. For great service and luxurious rooms, your best option is Jetwing Beach.