Negombo

Negombo :

Beach

Spa

Bird Watch

Location Highlights

• 30 min drive from Airport
• Beach or Lagoon front accommodation
• City renowned for its bustling fishing harbor, providing abundant fresh seafood
• Colonial heritage – explore dutch canal system by boat
• Muturajawela marsh – sunset sunrise boat tours

North of the capital Colombo and just a 30-minute drive from the airport, Negombo is a fishing port city, boarded by sea and located at a lagoon mouth. A densely populated area that has managed to retain some of its natural essence.

We have selected Negombo as our first and last nights location on our tours due to its proximity to the airport, it’s array of beach front or lagoon front accommodation and easy access to motorways connecting to other parts of the island. However its cultural and natural richness qualifies Negombo as a place worthy of a few nights’ stay.

The town is characterised by a vibrant fishing harbour, bustling with trawlers, outrigger canoes, brightly coloured boats and a fish market offering a firsthand glimpse into the daily workings of a fishing community. Making Negombo a renowned place for fresh seafood restaurants.

The past the shallow waters of the Negombo Lagoon provided safe shelter for seafaring vessels and Negombo historically became one of the key ports of the country. Whether for the Kandyan or Jaffna kings, the Arab traders, the Portuguese, the Dutch or the British. All of whom make fortifications here as Negombo played a pivotal role in the world cinnamon trade for several centuries. With remnants of their presence still visible. These influences made Negombo a multicultural city abound with centuries old Churches, Mosques, Kovils and Temples. A morning boat ride through the Portuguese era canal system, running through the town is a great way to experience Negombo.

Adjoining the lagoon is Muthrajawela marsh, a huge shallow lake with inlets and islands and an area rich in biodiversity. The mangrove community in the lagoon is recognized as the most diverse of all mangrove communities on the west coast of Sri Lanka. The area is abundant in bird life and is also home to monkeys, estuary crocodiles, and monitor lizards. The marsh and its wildlife can be experienced with a boat tour that lasts 2-3 hours.

The coastline of Negombo is dotted with beach hotels, bars and restaurants scattered amongst fishing villages. This extends towards the northern dry zone of the country. Along this path, one encounters numerous coconut plantations, prawn and lobster farms, and lagoons. Continuing in this direction leads to Kalpitiya, renowned for kitesurfing, or Wilpattu National Park, famous for safaris and leopard watching.

So take one of our premade tours and spend your first night in Negombo to wake-up to a sunrise on the beach. Or the last night to refresh you before a flight.
Or you might want to spend a few nights exploring the beach/lagoon nature around Negombo.