How to plan a trip to Negombo

Travellers to Sri Lanka often spend a day or two in Negombo. This coastal town is located conveniently close to the BIA – Sri Lanka’s main airport. Over the years, Negombo has become a welcoming and luxurious stopover for travellers. It is a town where you can begin to fall in love with Sri Lanka’s coastal charm and indulge in luxury.
Image via Wikimedia Commons - Achim Ebenau, Negombo Lagoon natural harbour, CC BY-SA 4.0

How to enjoy luxury in Negombo?

Right out of the airport - jet lagged but excited, you’d probably look for some downtime with luxury thrown in for good measure. This is why looking for beach hotels in Negombo before you begin your holiday is a good idea. Try hotels like the Heirtance Negombo and see what they offer. Take your time to spend a lazy morning at the beach or lounging about in a pool. Book a spa appointment and try an Ayurvedic treatment to help you ease into holiday bliss. Negombo is rather popular for its fresh seafood. You can try a seafood platter with white wine or beer as you watch the sunset.

How to enjoy a visit to the Fishing Village?

Once upon a time, Negombo was a fishing village, and that aspect is still a big part of the way of life in this coastal city. Take a walk along the fishing village and visit the fishing market early in the morning – when they bring in the fresh catch. You can even ask your hotel to organize a tour of the lagoon or try deep-sea fishing with a tour operator.

How to enjoy a canal boat tour in Negombo?

European colonizers once built canals to move goods from one point to another around Negombo. They don’t use the canals for transporting cargo anymore, but you can still go on a boat ride. Go for a city tour if you’ve got a few hours to spare. Your guide will take you along to see landmarks like St. Mary’s Church, the famous Angurukaramulla temple, and Fisherman’s Bay. You’ll enjoy seeing the city from a completely different viewpoint.

How to enjoy a visit to the Angurukaramulla Temple?

This quaint temple is renowned for its murals and old paintings. But the garden itself is rather alluring with trees scattered around a peaceful space. There is even a small pond where tortoises live. You walk into the main building past two guardian dragons. Inside, the ceiling is covered in paintings depicting the life of Gautama Buddha. There is an ancient moss-covered library and paintings and murals dating back centuries.

How to enjoy catamaran dining in Negombo?

Hire a private catamaran with dining facilities for a romance-filled sail into the seas. Enjoy a barbeque meal near the salty depths as the crew man the vessel, letting you enjoy the lull of the waves and refreshing breeze.

How to enjoy Negombo Beach?

Ask your hotel to prepare a hamper of goodies to take to the beach. Start out early and watch the fishing boats in the seas. You can dip your feet in the water and chase crabs. You can soak up the sun closer to the evening and wait for the sunset.

How to enjoy the nightlife in Negombo?

Negombo is famous for gentle, soul-soothing yet fun-filled night outings. You can start out by a beach bar with some beer and then set off inwards looking for stronger brews and music. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and bars along the coast and further in where you can get your groove on and enjoy some good food and drinks. The gentle pacer is ideal for bar hopping and enjoying the company of your fellow travellers.