Located just a few kilometres north of Colombo, Negombo is a delightful stop whether you're beginning or ending your Sri Lanka getaway. Among the country's most important fishing ports on the west coast, it offers captivating views of fishermen aboard oruwas (the ancestors of catamarans) creating a magnificent spectacle. A city exploration will also reveal numerous vestiges from colonial times, including churches, Portuguese houses and Dutch cemeteries.

History

For centuries, the name Negombo has been synonymous with cinnamon, of which it was one of the largest producers during the colonial era. The cinnamon industry flourished during Portuguese and Dutch occupation, only to decline under British rule.

Beyond cinnamon, the city is known for its rich colonial heritage: churches, centuries-old Portuguese houses, a cemetery and a former Dutch fort. It also hosts Sri Lanka's largest Catholic community, earning it the nickname "Little Rome".

Today

Situated 37 km from Colombo, Negombo is the fifth-largest city in Sri Lanka. While not exactly a tourism hotspot, it offers a picturesque setting and heritage worth discovering. What truly draws visitors, however, is its proximity to the airport. Despite being primarily a transit city, Negombo remains decidedly pleasant.

Today, tourism and fishing form the backbone of the city's economy. Its lagoon teems with crabs, shrimp, lobster and other indigenous fish species. The fishermen aboard their traditional oruwas offer a charming sight to behold along the shores.

For those seeking relaxation, Negombo boasts some of the west coast's finest beaches. Strong waves make swimming inadvisable, though divers will appreciate the marine life, particularly when exploring a sunken British cargo aircraft. Shot down during World War II, the plane's remains now serve as artificial reefs for numerous fish species.

Other curiosities include the Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese and destroyed by the Dutch in 1644. After reconstruction, it was demolished again by the British in the late 19th century, with its stones repurposed for a prison. Don't miss the Angurukaramullam Temple, a Buddhist shrine housing a 6-metre-tall Buddha statue, or the St. Mary's Church, among Sri Lanka's largest, constructed between 1874 and 1922.

When to Visit?

The best season to visit Negombo spans January to April, when rainfall is lowest and sunshine most abundant.

Negombo is remarkably accessible, situated just dozens of minutes from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. Daily buses connect the city to the capital every 20 minutes.

What to See & Do?

• Relax on the beach
• Watch fishermen perform their traditional craft in their boats
• Scuba diving to explore a World War II cargo aircraft wreck
• Immerse yourself in local atmosphere at the fish market
• Tour the city by tuk-tuk and discover colonial-era remnants