Closest to the Airport:

As mentioned, its location makes it ideal for arriving and departing tourists who want to relax and sample Sri Lanka without excessive traveling.

Taste of Sri Lankan Life:

Unlike several of the more sanitised resort resorts, Negombo gives you a true insight into daily life, especially with its bustling fishing sector.

Rich History and Culture:

Nicknamed “Little Rome” due to its high proportion of Catholics, Negombo boasts some notable churches and historic landmarks due to its colonial past under Portuguese and Dutch governments.

Natural Attractions:

The city is situated in the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, a significant biodiverse wetland. Nearby wetlands offer opportunities for bird-watching and visiting dense mangrove coverages.

Relaxed Environment: Even though it’s a cosmopolitan city, Negombo is less hectic than the capital city Colombo, and its beaches offer a peaceful place to unwind.

Best Places to Visit in Negombo
Negombo Fish Market: A visit here provides a true experience. Observe the morning sight of local fishermen bringing in their catch, the colourfull auctions, and fish drying in the sun on the beach. A real experience that provides wonderful insight into the local economy and culture.

Negombo Lagoon & Muthurajawela Marsh:

Take a boat tour of the lagoon and surrounding Muthurajawela Marsh. It’s a nature and bird enthusiast’s heaven with an unbelievable variety of plants and animals, including many species of birds, reptiles, and even the occasional monkey.

St. Mary’s Church:

As a symbol of the Catholic heritage of Negombo, St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful and regal cathedral. Its imposing architecture, elaborate ceiling murals, and peaceful ambiance make it a significant cultural and religious symbol.

Dutch Fort:

Much of the original fort has been dismantled and now serves as a prison, yet the buildings still standing, like the Dutch Clock Tower, offer a glimpse of colonial heritage to the city. It’s the perfect place for a history walk and to appreciate the old buildings.

Angurukaramulla Temple:

This ancient temple is a Buddhist one that is famous for its complex murals, statues, and dragon-mouth entrance. Walking inside is like entering a different world, and it’s great to come here to learn about Negombo’s religious side of culture.

Negombo Beach:

The beach is the top attraction. While it is not as aesthetically pleasing as some beaches along Sri Lanka’s south coast, it is a great place to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy a variety of water sports like windsurfing and sailing. Having traditional outrigger canoes on the water adds a charming look.

Hamilton Canal:

This ancient canal, originally built by the Dutch for business, is now a scenic waterway. You can sail on the water or cycle across it to relish the peaceful surroundings and get a distinctive sight of the city.