The sprawling town of Negombo is of interest mainly thanks to its proximity to the international airport, just 10km down the road — many visitors stagger off long-haul flights straight into one of the beach hotels here, or use the town as a last stop before flying home; it’s also a good place to arrange onward tours and transport, and is convenient for boat trips to the wildlife-rich wetlands of Muthurajawela, just south of town.

 

TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka

Negombo

Negombo’s beach is very wide in places, but can feel rather shabby if you’ve visited any of the more pristine resorts further south (although if you’ve just arrived from Europe or North America, you’ll appreciate even Negombo’s rather down-at-heel tropical charms). With the influence of Portuguese, Dutch and English, Negombo has become one of the biggest Catholic bases in the island. Popularly known as the ‘Little Rome’, it was a humble fishing village half a century ago. The 100 km canal network running through the city is still used in the fishing industry. Outrigger canoes and modern water-craft ply this route daily, for fishing industry and tourism. With a stash of star class hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets, a friendly local community, an interesting old quarter and a reasonable (though polluted) beach, Negombo is a much easier place to experience the real Sri Lankan- colonial mix culture, then anywhere else. Negombo is also the heartland of Christian Sri Lanka, as borne out by the enormous churches and florid wayside Catholic shrines scattered about the town and its environs. The people of Negombo are Karavas, Tamil fishermen who converted en masse to Catholicism during the mid-sixteenth century under the influence of Portuguese missionaries, taking Portuguese surnames and becoming the first of Sri Lanka’s innumerable de Silvas, de Soysas, Mendises and Pereras. The Dutch made the town an important commercial centre, building a canal (and a fort to guard it) on which spices – particularly cinnamon, which grew profusely in the surrounding areas – were transported from the interior to the coast prior to being shipped abroad. The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it again in the same year, then captured it again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a struggle. Negombo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are still reminders of the European days. Thanks to its position between the rich ocean waters and the Negombo Lagoon inland, Negombo has also developed into one of the most important fishing ports on the island. Fishing still dominates the local economy, with the sea providing plentiful supplies of tuna, shark and seer, while the lagoon is the source of some of the island’s finest prawns, crabs and lobster. The Karavas are also famous for their unusual fishing boats, known as oruwas, distinctive catamarans (the word itself is derived from the Tamil ketti-maran) fashioned from a hollowcd-out trunk attached to an enormous sail. Hundreds of these small vessels remain in use even today, and are an unforgettable sight when the fleet returns to shore.

Historical Background:

Negombo, located just north of Colombo along the western coastline, boasts a rich and layered history:

  • Pre-Colonial Times: Once part of the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka, Negombo was known for its extensive cinnamon cultivation and lagoon-based fishing communities.

  • Colonial Influence: With its strategic coastal position, Negombo was successively controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The colonial eras left behind churches, fort ruins, and canals that still shape its character today.

  • Cultural Heritage: The town has a significant Catholic community, earning it the nickname “Little Rome” for its many churches and religious festivals.

  • Proximity to the Airport: Its closeness to Sri Lanka’s international airport makes Negombo a convenient choice for travelers entering or leaving the country.

  • Beach Resorts & Nightlife: The town saw a boom in beachside hotels, bars, and restaurants, especially along Negombo Beach Road.

  • Cultural & Historical Mix: Colonial canals, churches, and the lagoon culture added depth to the tourist experience.

  • Lagoon and Fishing Heritage: Tours of the Negombo Lagoon, fish markets, and traditional catamaran rides attracted eco-tourists and cultural explorers alike.

  • Accessibility: Excellent road and rail connections to Colombo and the rest of the west coast enhanced its popularity.

Negombo is now a bustling coastal city that serves as both a commercial hub and a popular tourist entry point:

  • Just 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, it’s often the first or last stop for travelers to Sri Lanka.

  • The town offers a blend of beach culture, heritage charm, and urban amenities, making it ideal for short stays or relaxing layovers.

  • Geography: A coastal town with golden beaches, a sprawling lagoon, and a network of Dutch-era canals.

  • Climate: Tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 27–32°C. The best time to visit is December to April for dry and sunny weather.

Attractions in and around Negombo:

  1. Negombo Beach – A long stretch of beach with sun loungers, beach bars, and kite surfers.

  2. Dutch Canal & Hamilton Canal – Take a boat tour through these colonial waterways lined with mangroves and local life.

  3. Negombo Lagoon – Known for birdwatching, traditional fishing, and sunset cruises.

  4. St. Mary’s Church – An impressive colonial-era church with vibrant ceiling frescoes.

  5. Negombo Fish Market – A bustling hub to see the catch of the day and local trading in action.

  6. Angurukaramulla Temple – A striking Buddhist temple with colorful murals and an enormous seated Buddha statue.

  7. Dutch Fort Ruins – A remnant of 17th-century Dutch architecture located near the lagoon.

  8. Muthurajawela Wetlands – A nearby wetland sanctuary rich in biodiversity and best explored by boat.

  9. Beachside Dining & Nightlife – Vibrant restaurants and pubs offering everything from seafood to live music.

  10. Local Festivals – Especially during Easter, when Negombo’s Catholic community hosts lively processions and events.

Things to do in Negombo

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