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Tucked into the mouth of picturesque Negombo Lagoon, Negombo is lined with Dutch-era canals and is framed by wide, family-friendly beaches. Its colonial past is seen in historical buildings and churches, while the seafront bustles with old-world fishing vessels, beachside cafes and numerous water sports.

Things to do

Life centres on the waterfront area of Negombo, with long stretches of sandy beach ideal for swimming, kite surfing and wakeboarding. Try out barefoot water skiing at the 500-metre Negombo water ski course or hire a guide to take you across the reef for scuba diving.

Enjoy espresso, gelato or cocktails at a beachfront cafe while watching outrigger canoes and catamarans trolling the waters for skipjacks, pomfrets and amberjacks. Take a charter fishing expedition in the lagoon to catch prawns, lobsters and other seafood or order it fresh at local seafood restaurants throughout the city and beachfront.

Once the main Sri Lankan harbour for cinnamon exports, Negombo hosts a fine collection of colonial-era architecture, including the 17th-century Dutch Fort on the waterfront. Head over to the neoclassical St. Mary’s Church to see vivid ceiling frescoes painted in the 1920s. Just east of town centre, the Angurukaramulla Temple boasts a six-metre-long reclining Buddha and elaborate mural.

Rent a bicycle and ride along Hamilton Canal for views of the water and quaint villages. Paths run beside the water, allowing you to return in time for a sunset dinner at one of the waterfront eateries or pubs.

Getting around

Negombo is about eight kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport and 48 kilometres from Colombo. Both locations offer rental cars, buses and taxis. In the city, you can use tuk-tuk three-wheelers to get around.