For long it was Sri Lanka’s south coast that got all the attention for its pristine shores and laidback beach vibe. Of course, this is the case no more, with the West Coast and Negombo in particular, being one of the frontrunners for the title of the island’s best beach destination. Here is some essential information to help you plan your trip and enjoy all the sun, sand and surf this town has to offer.
Getting There
One of the great features of Negombo is the fact that it’s so close to the country’s main Bandaranaike International Airport, which is around a 20 minute drive away. Once you arrive, here are some ways to get to your destination;
• Airport taxi – around 1,500 SLR (about 10 USD)
• Tuk-tuks / three-wheeled vehicles (750 to 800 SLR – agree on the price BEFORE you begin the journey!)
• Public bus (15 to 25 SLR)
Where to Stay
Before planning what you are going to do in Negombo, you do need to figure out where you are going to lay your head! As you would expect in any beachside getaway, there are options for varying budgets.
• Luxury
Jetwing Blue – Located right by the beach, this is a definite luxury option and you can enjoy some wonderful buffet spreads here too.
• Budget
Ceylonica Beach Hotel – Situated on the shore, this property does offer air conditioned rooms as well.
• Backpackers
Negombo Beach Hostel – Just a short walk from the beach while also providing bike rentals.
Things To Do
Once the transport and accommodation are sorted, it’s time to kick back and enjoy a glorious coastal escape. Those who are looking for some adventure can try these activities out;
• Visit the Negombo Beach Park – This idyllic stretch of shore is great not only for catching magical sunsets that the west coast is famed for, but for some people watching too.
• Kite surfing – Negombo is one of the best spots in the island for kite surfing and the wind here is perfect for this activity.
• Diving – There are many dive sites one can easily access such as Barracuda Reef (known as “Ula Gala”), Derana Gala, Maha Gala and a submerged wreck of a British World War Two aircraft. Local dive operators that can help organise diving excursions include Sri Lanka Diving Tours, Negombo Diving Centre and Taprobane Divers.
• Other water sports: Jet skiing, kayaking, waterskiing, banana boat rides & snorkelling. Jet Water Sport is amongst the local operators that provide water based activities like these.
Things To See
Fondly referred to as “Little Rome” due to its many Roman Catholic churches, Negombo has quite a rich colonial heritage worth discovering too.
• Historic churches – St. Mary’s Church, Grand Street Church, Thalahena Church, St. Sebastian’s Church
• Dutch Canal – Constructed during the Dutch colonial period, the canal is a great place for a boat ride where you can enjoy some bird watching too.
• Angurukaramulla Temple – This Buddhist temple features an impressive statue of a reclining Buddha along with fascinating paintings as well.
• Negombo Fish Market – Early morning visit to the shore offers the sight of fishermen bringing in their catch and sorting it out before taking it to the lively market area.
Dining Delights
Nestled in between the sea and a lagoon, Negombo offers a wonderful array of seafood dishes that foodies will love trying. Look to check out these dining hotspots on your holiday;
• Amerhula – Good place for some local dishes
• Sameeha Family Restaurant – Must try seafood kottu!
• Bacco or Dolce Vita – Great Italian fare
• Sushi Bar Samurai – Ideal for those craving Japanese dishes
Nightlife Fun
The nightlife in Negombo is just as chilled-out as the town itself. Certain resorts or hotels host beach parties, though locales such as Beach Road have lots of restaurants and pubs. Popular local watering holes include;
• Lords Night Club
• Sherry Land Restaurant & Pub
• Rodeo Pub
Close By & Worth Visiting
Negombo is also an ideal base from which to visit some other places of interest in Sri Lanka that make for ideal excursions.
• Muthurajawela Marsh (21 km) – This ancient wetland has a rich biodiversity and is a wonderful place for bird watching while on a boat ride.
• Kelaniya Temple (37 km) – Famous Buddhist Temple that hosts some colourful religious festivals and pageantry.
• Colombo (38 km) – Sri Lanka’s commercial capital offers a vibrant change of pace with plenty of shopping fun, night time entertainment and foodie delights.
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (79 km) – While it may be a little over two hours away, this elephant orphanage is a great place to visit and lets you get up close with gentle giants. A definite favourite with the kids!