The charming city of Negombo is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon. Its sandy beaches and water sports make it an attractive pitstop for tourists, but there’s plenty more to explore back on dry land.
The easiest way to get around Negombo’s busy city centre is on a three-wheeled tuk-tuk. However, it’s worth venturing to the outskirts of town to explore the fishing village where the heart of Negombo’s heritage lies. It makes for a lovely evening walk where you can encounter locals selling a huge variety of fresh-off-the-boat fish like giant tuna, as well as lobsters, crabs and prawns. Negombo's main attraction is undoubtedly its long, sandy beach, where you can take a dip in the Indian Ocean, but for a more adventurous activity, you can try out a range of water sports such as banana boat rides and jet skiing at Negombo Lagoon.
The city’s mix of churches, temples and European architecture give it a wonderful blend of characterful landmarks to explore. Remnants of the original Dutch settlement, such as the fort, clock tower and canal, are a fascinating historical snapshot of Negombo’s past. St. Mary’s Church features lavishly painted ceilings and is one of Sri Lanka’s largest cathedrals. The Buddhist temple of Angurukaramulla is just as impressive, with a six-metre-high Buddha surrounded by detailed murals that date back centuries.