Negombo is a quiet town in the western coastal area of Sri Lanka, with a tourist strip to the north on Jetwing Beach. Its key attraction is its proximity to the international airport. Formerly the haunt of budget travellers, rising hotel rates and luxury resorts mean it now attracts tourists for its yellow, sandy beaches and its relaxing and friendly environment. There are a few other tourist attractions, and decent opportunities for diving and water sports.
The 100-km-long canal network running through the city is still used, and outrigger canoes and modern water-craft ply this route daily, for trade and tourist purposes. Remains of colonization include the Dutch fort built in 1672, as well as centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch houses, administrative buildings, churches and the ceiling frescoes of St. Mary's cathedral church. Negombo is the centre of Sri Lanka's Catholic community, and you can expect to see many churches during a visit.
Negombo is also home to the country's second-largest fish market, the "Lellama", at the north end of the town's lagoon. There are daily fish auctions, which give tourists a chance to meet the area's fishermen and even organise fishing trips into the lagoon and the ocean beyond. Other nearby attractions open to visitors include the Muthurajawela marshland, which is part.
Bandaranaike International Airport (IATA: CMB also known as Katunayake Airport), 7.181111°, 79.883611°, +94 11 225 2861. Closer to Negombo than the capital Colombo.
Getting there: Taxi costs Rs 1500 which can be booked at taxi counters in the departure hall. A trishaw will cost Rs 400-800. Besides, most hotels in Negombo can arrange pickups, but usually it's a pricey option: Rs 1500 to 2500.
There used to be a free shuttle bus from the Arrival Terminal to Katunayake bus stop, but it's no longer available. This bus now goes to Colombo. You may try your luck asking the driver to drop you off at Katunayake, but he may ask for the full fare to Colombo, anyway.
Otherwise, it is 15-min walk to the "Airport" bus terminal. A regular bus fare to Negombo bus terminal is Rs 22 (May 2015). Then take bus #905 to Negombo Beach for Rs 12.
Negombo lies on the Colombo-Puttalam line. The Negombo Train Station, 7.2103°, 79.8419°. 2022-12-26 is located in the city center. See the Sri Lanka Railways website for schedules.
Buses leave the main Negombo Bus Station, 7.20514°, 79.84096°. 2022-12-26 to Colombo every 30 mins. The journey costs Rs 75 and lasts one hour to one and half, depending on the traffic.
To Kandy: buses depart every 30 minutes from the main bus terminal, Rs 220, 3-4 hours.
To Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa: one bus daily at 14:00 from the main bus terminal. Trip lasts 4 hours to Sigiriya and 6 hours to Polonnaruwa.
To Anuradhapura: buses depart from Periyam Mulla junction bus stop in Negombo, journey takes more than 5 hours.
To reach Kandy, 100 km east of Negombo, one can take a tuk-tuk to Veyangoda and then get a 2-3 hours train ride.
Trishaws or "tuk tuks" are a common way to travel around. Be sure to negotiate your price ahead of the ride. These days, drivers tends to charge "fixed price" for tourists (e.g. Rs 200 from the Negombo Bus/Train Station to hotels in Lewis Place Street) and especially from Lewis Place it is difficult to catch the passing ones carrying locals if these "stationary" drivers are around.
The PickMe app can be used to get a fare estimate, which is usually significantly lower than prices quoted by local drivers.
Negombo is very flat so bikes are popular among locals. It is also possible to rent one, for example at Shane Tours, 176 Lewis Pl, Negombo 11500, Sri Lanka (Lewis Place, close to the Holy Rosary church.), 7.2291840975386945°, 79.84104007252266°, +94776650525. Rs 500 for a bike for 24h 2023-02-17
You can find international companies at the airport or local one in Negombo streets, where you can easily rent tuk tuks, vans, 4x4 or motorbikes, providing you have an international driving license. Note that to rent a tuk tuk, a local license is needed (which can be obtained through a travel agency).
Negombo is the area in which most travellers will begin and end their time in Sri Lanka, owing to its proximity to the airport. Negombo is a holiday destination itself, with its beautiful beach being its main attraction. Other things to see include:
Negombo used to be a major producer of cinnamon. While the trade has moved on, you can still find local cinnamon and vanilla for sale at roadside shops.
Souvenir shops sell Sri Lankan handicrafts such as jewellery with local gems, Batik, etc.
Local curry houses offer authentic dining for Rs 200. Cheaper, local restaurants are inland from the main strip, Porutota Rd. Roti Talk, on Porutota Rd and opposite Jetwing Blue, offers excellent local roti and chutney for Rs 200-300, and local curry and rice for Rs 700-900.
A mid-range destination, recommended by locals, is King Coconut, 7.238231520241495°, 79.84130892245022°. 2022-12-26 located on the southern end of Jetwing beach. It offers Sri Lankan curry & rice, but is most recommended for its pizzas. Expect to pay about Rs 1000 for a meal.
Lords, 7.241360378817006°, 79.84207616191642°. Somewhat pricey by local standards, and is very much for western visitors. It also showcases local art, and has a cultural show on Wednesdays. Expect to pay about Rs 2000 for a meal. 2022-12-26
Koththamalli, 7.23704°, 79.84157°. Touts itself as the only vegetarian / vegan restaurant in Negombo, which might be correct. Haute cuisine for very reasonable prices. Most dishes are less than Rs 1000. 2022-12-26
The three Jetwing resorts dominate the upper end of dining. Expect to pay about Rs 3000 for a meal.
Fine dining is one of the most satisfying factor enjoyed by any visitor who comes to Negombo.
Specially Sri Lankan fresh king coconut is cheap and ubiquitous. If you search a bit you will be lucky enough to taste fresh toddy from area.
The local beers are Three Coins and Lion lagers. Locals are generally indifferent, although Three Coins is somewhat more full bodied. Arrack is the local spirit, made from coconut and tasting similar to rum.
There are plenty of hotels (both budget and mid-ranged) and hostels in town, mostly scattered around the beach area.
The main roads and beach areas of Negombo have their share of touts and tricksters. Expect to be hailed by taxi drivers, souvenir-sellers and beggars. One man walks the beach with a monkey on a rope, trained to grab hold of tourists' legs.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division