Sri Lanka is a country that offers a lot to travel enthusiasts. You never run out of places to explore on this island. The land comes with various amount of beaches. Each being unique in its way, all are admired by the tourists.
One such place is Negombo Beach. Negombo is a beautiful city in Sri Lanka. Negombo is famous for two things; the beach and its cinnamon production. Negombo was once an important trading port which benefited the Portuguese and the Dutch as well.
The city rests on the west coast and lies north to the capital city, Colombo. It also carries the pride of having the very first beach resort of entire Sri Lanka.
Since the city is located near to the country’s international airport, the place quickly became one of the prominent tourist spots.
A complete guide to Sri Lanka’s fortune – the Negombo Beach!
Negombo is home for many beaches. One of the best among them is the Negombo Beach. Negombo Beach is the place for a peaceful midnight swim.
The place is perfectly staged for a relaxing vacation. The beach is opened for visitors all the day long.
Whether it is a refreshing morning walk or a romantic evening, Negombo is the right choice.
Negombo welcomes its visitors with a variety of activities like sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and many more. The place is adored by both tourists and locals as well.
There are a lot of stores and places to explore in Negombo, which helps you if you like to get a break from the waters and sand.
Things to do in Negombo
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Fishing Village
Negombo is a traditional fishing town. Negombo is a place to know all about the fishing industry. The trip will be exciting and a new experience for you.
This fishing industry can be called as the backbone of the city. It is through the industry; the city was originated and still is the primary source of support. Visitors are welcomed through a tour along the fishing village and will get to see the villager’s life so close.
Situated on the outskirts of the town, the fishing village is one of the main attraction that should not be missed.
Also Read: Nuwara Eliya: The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka
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Dutch Fort
Dutch Fort is one of the best tourist spots in Negombo. This place will impress you with its historical significance.
The fort structure will take you through the colonial days and make you feel the past when Sri Lanka was under the Dutch rule. A visit through the Dutch Fort is a memorable one.
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Mary’s Church
The city’s majority are Christians. As a result, a lot of churches have emerged by the course of times. All the churches are beautiful, and a treat to eyes, one among the top is St. Mary’s Church.
The grand, tall, and lavish church is purely a wonder to live. The structure of the church is of three levels, which makes the church more interesting.
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Dutch Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is of the places you must visit when in Negombo. Located on the top of a small hill, a trip to the tower will take you back to the old ages.
You need to go through the prison entrance to reach the tower. The visit is one that you will never forget.
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Negombo Lagoon
The lagoon is another major attraction in Negombo. It comprises parts of Negombo lagoon coastal wetland and Muthurajawela marsh.
The lagoon is situated 40km north from Colombo. The water depth is of 2m, and the lagoon opens narrowly to the sea by the north.
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Negombo Beach
The main attraction of Negombo city- the Beach! Negombo Beach and Negombo Beach Park are the top reasons for the growth of tourism in Negombo.
The beach resorts and restaurants make the visitors engaged, and the water sports here attracts all the adventure enthusiast from all the places.
The beach is beautiful, and you will surely enjoy the place with all your heart.
Also Read: Tangalle Beach – The Natural Treasure of Sri Lanka
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Hamilton Canal
When you visit Negombo, you get to know about the Dutch’s love for canals. Several canals pass through from the north to Puttalam and to the South of Colombo.
One such canal is Hamilton Canal. Visitors can enjoy the canal by taking a cycle ride and hire cycles for a low cost. The Hamilton Canal offers you a great scenic view, and you get to enjoy the beauty of small villages.
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Kelaniya Buddhist Temple
This Buddhist temple is one that you should never miss once touch the Negombo lands. The temple is quite famous in Negombo, and it offers everything you expects from a Buddhist temple.
It is Located 20km south of the town and one of the best places in Negombo. The temple has fantastic wall paintings in which you can lose yourself for hours.
Visitors can also be allowed to meditate and sit peacefully in the temple. You can also find a small stall outside the temple where you can buy souvenirs and statues of the temple’s deity.
You can collect memories from the stalls on your way back from the temple.
Where to Stay in Negombo
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Hostel First Colombo Airport
Hostel First Colombo Airport is the ideal place for people who are in Negombo for a short period. It is located only a few miles away from the airport, and it is convenient enough.
The hostel offers spacious and clean rooms with Wi-Fi access. The rooms are attractive, with elegant decorations and have fresh linen and tiled floors. The hostel provides laundry services, ironing services, and luggage storage for the guests.
The hospitality here is excellent. The host speaks in Russian and English as well. The location address is No.477, Negombo Road, Kurana, Katunayake 11450, Sri Lanka. The rate to stay here is $14 per night.
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Tour Inn Hostel
Tour Inn Hostel is one of the best hostels in Negombo. The location of the hostel favors the tourist as the place is near to several supermarkets and eateries.
The place is also quiet and green. The beach is only a ten-minute walk away from the hostel. The hospitality here is appreciable, and the hostel is kept clean and tidy.
The dorms here are of single beds which are lined in a row. The hostel comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, a living room, and a beautiful garden. The large terrace of the hostel gives you a chance to enjoy the fresh mornings.
The hostel location address is 17/7A, 1st left lane, Fatima Raod, Periyamulla, Negombo 11500, Sri Lanka. The rate id of $6.50 per night.
Also Read: Mirissa’s Secret Beach: The Hidden Gem of Sri Lanka
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Ivy Cottage
Located in the heart of the city, Negombo is one of the best places to enjoy Negombo. The cottage is ideal as it is easy to access to the most famous attractions and landmarks such as Gallery Darshana and Avenue Maria Road.
Ivy is homely and complex and comes with excellent hospitality, And offers room service, free car park, and an outdoor pool.
The location address is Negombo Sri Lanka, and the rate per night is $43.
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Ziegler Cottage
Ziegler is a private cottage situated 30 minutes away from Colombo and is considered to be one of the best in Negombo. The guests in Ziegler is offered with comforts like mini bar, coffee maker, and ironing boards on request.
The stay includes a bowling alley, free bicycles and fishing facilities where the visitors find entertainment. The rooms here come with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The cottage is of 9 bedrooms across two floors.
The location address is Pamunugama Road, Negombo, Sri Lanka. And the guests are charged $40 per night.
Where to Eat in Negombo
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Petit Restaurant
Petit Restaurant is famous among the tourists and the locals as well. A meal at Petit gives you all you ever wanted. People adore this place that much.
As a result, the place is always crowded. The seafood and the Asian dishes prepared here is close to perfection. The guests are always impressed by the food and hospitality as well.
People with a desire to visit the restaurant is advised to make an advance booking to avoid the hustle since the place is always wanted.
Petit restaurant is located at 100/7a, Palangatura West. Kochchikade, Negombo and the timings lie between 11.30 AM – 10 PM.
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Lords Restaurant Complex
Lords Restaurant Complex is a well-known joint in Negombo. The Restaurant is a perfect combination of food and ambiance. It offers great feasts and provides a wide variety of dishes.
The place keenly takes care of the presentation and the atmosphere. They also offer expensive Western, Eastern, and fusion fare of food menus. Lords also lend a helping hand by contributing a percentage of the restaurant’s profit to an animal welfare organization known as The Hope Foundation.
The must-try dishes here are the Devil’s Chicken and Thai Green curry, also the Shrimp, Coconut Cream Curry, and the cocktails.
The restaurant is located in Poruttota Road, Negombo and the timings are 3.30 PM – 11 PM.
Also Read: The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
How to Reach Negombo
Negombo City is located near to Bandaranaike International Airport. It takes only 15 minutes from the airport to reach the city. You can either board a bus or hire a cab from to Negombo.
Negombo is one of those places which you should not miss if you are in Sri Lanka. The coastal town is famous for its treasures. The place has everything to make your trip a memorable one. The beach, seafood cuisines, tourists spots all attract tourists from all around the globe.
Situated 37 km north from Colombo, it is located in a lagoon which comes with the same name. Negombo relies on tourism and the fishing industry financially. The place comes with a centuries-old fishing history.
Hence, the delicious and unique seafood varieties. Negombo is also known as a paradise for food lovers. You will find yourself coming back to this place once to try the delicacies here. Negombo produces spices, ceramics, and brassware too.
Majority of the population here is of Roman Catholics. The rest comprises Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. The place is also nicknamed as ‘Little Rome’ because of the Roman Catholic churches which remind the Portuguese era.
One of the attraction is the long canal running through the town. The canal runs about 100km long. The canal is still being used and gives you a chance to enjoy the country from a different perspective.
Never miss the opportunity to visit this amazing place which will leave you thousands of unforgettable memories.
