A coastal town twenty minutes from the international airport, which makes it the natural first or last night of almost any trip. Beach on one side, a vast lagoon on the other, and a fishing industry that has run for centuries.
Everything below can be worked into a longer island itinerary, say which appeal and we'll pace the days around them.
A long, lively stretch of golden sand for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
The daily catch coming ashore at dawn, chaotic, photogenic and completely unstaged.
An ecologically important wetland, best seen by boat among the outrigger canoes.
Coastal marshland just south of town, explored on guided boat tours.
Tranquil channels with a dense concentration of birds and other wildlife.
What remains of the 17th-century fort, alongside the old Dutch canal that still runs through town.
Colonial-era architecture, churches and busy markets, an easy afternoon on foot.
A quieter, less crowded stretch of coast north of the main beach.
An authentic coastal village where traditional fishing practices carry on unchanged.
Traditional bobbin lace-making, a craft left behind by the Portuguese and still practised.
Handloom weaving you can watch, with textiles worth taking home.
Tell us when you're travelling and we'll shape a private itinerary that gives Negombo the time it deserves.
