Negombo (Sinhala: මීගමුව, Tamil:நீர்கொழும்பு)

Negombo is situated on Sri Lanka's west coast and is the nearest tourist city to the country's main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport. It serves as a welcoming hub for tourists at both the start and end of their holiday, offering a warm introduction to their journey. As one of Sri Lanka's primary fishing cities, Negombo is bordered by the sea and boasts beautiful long beaches and the wildlife-rich mangrove Negombo lagoon.

Known as Little Rome, Negombo has a population that is 98% Catholic. Religious statues and churches are prevalent throughout the city. Alongside the Catholic majority, there are also Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus living in harmony. Visitors should not miss the chance to enjoy a wide variety of seafood, including fresh fish, crabs, and lobster, as well as traditional home-cooked fish or prawn curry made with Sri Lankan spices and coconut milk.

There are accommodations to suit every budget and preference, including hotels, guest houses, hostels, and rooms. The best places to stay and dine are found along the main road starting near the grand street church. Popular beach areas among tourists include Sea Street, Lewis Place, and Poruthota. Negombo beach is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. The main bus station and train station are located in the city center, where the main town area is situated.

Before the arrival of the Dutch, rice fields covered much of Negombo. The Portuguese were the first to seize the town, and many locals bear Portuguese surnames like Fernando and Perera. The Dutch took control from the Portuguese in 1640 and again in 1644, during which time Negombo became a major cinnamon hub. The British later captured it in 1796, contributing to its westernized character.

The temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C throughout the year.

The best places to stay in Negombo are Christima Residence, Heritance Negombo, Greenwood Villa, Rodrigo's Villa & Restaurant, Villa Dominikku, Goldi Sands Hotel, Jetwing Lagoon, Hive 68, and Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel.

Must do Things in Negombo

• Sandy Beach of Negombo. Enjoy the sunset or your tan with your favourite cocktail.

• Fish Market – Go early morning to see the fresh catch.

• Boat Rides along the lagoon and Dutch Hamilton canal.

• Muthurajawela Birds Watching.

• Seafood Restaurants with fresh catch of fish, crabs and lobsters

Other Things to do in Negombo

• St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with religious paintings.

• St Sebastian Church Sea Street – it is designed in replication of Reims Cathedral in France.

• Deep sea or Lagoon fishing tours.

• Scuba Diving and Snorkelling.

• Angurukaramulla Buddhist Temple

• Shopping for Batiks, souvenirs and Gems

• 17th-century Dutch Fort.