Negombo

Understand

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.

See

thumb|right|Canal in Negombo Negombo is a holiday destination itself, but far less attractive than it used to be. It's not really worth it staying here, except as a convenient stopover on your way to or from the airport. If you need airport accommodation but don't care about the beach, there are many accommodation options closer to the airport than Negombo.

Things to see im Negombo include: The canals

Do

thumb|right|Negombo Beach

Boat rides in shallow waters of the Negombo lagoon. Tours can be organized by most of the hotels, several tour agencies can be found in the hotel area near the beach. Streak along the wide sandy beaches. Unfortunately the beaches are quite dirty due to rubbish and (stray) dog poo. Nevertheless the sheer size of Negombo's beach strip makes it worth a walk, especially in the evening hours when hundreds of locals gather near the old water park to fly their kites (some of them of quite impressive size). During these hours you will also find several booths at the beach offering various cheap deep fried snacks. Handicraft and other gift shopping. Diving. There are two diving centres along the main strip, with boats departing from the beach, and roughly 30 dive sites.

Buy

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.

Eat

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 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.

The three Jetwing resorts dominate the upper end of dining. Expect to pay about Rs 3000 for a meal. Local seafood is fresh and plentiful: fish, lobsters, crabs, prawns and shellfish can be ordered in many restaurants. Crabs are sourced from the local lagoons. The fish markets are worth a visit. Also any juicy tropical fruits can be purchased at Negombo food markets.

Drink

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.

Sleep

There are plenty of hotels (both budget and mid-ranged) and a few hostels in town, mostly scattered around the beach area.

Stay safe

The main roads and beach areas of Negombo have their share of touts. Expect to be spoken to 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.

Go next

Colombo — the capital Kandy — 100 km east of Negombo