Negombo is an important fishing town with Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage. It is also a popular tourist resort because of its proximity to the international airport and its beachfront location. Due to the Portuguese influx back in the 16th century, the inhabitants are predominantly catholic. The Dutch legacy is seen in the remains of the grand Dutch Fort and the Dutch canal (now called Hamilton Canal) which runs from Colombo to Chilaw via Negombo. Although large parts of the canal are in disrepair, it is being revived and you can see gaily-painted boats using it as a waterway. The beaches at Negombo are wide and good for beach walking, although it is a struggle to keep them clean as urban debris washes ashore daily. The currents can be strong here so it is better to swim in the hotel pool. It is fascinating to see how the fishing industry dominates life in coastal Negombo - the fish market, the auctions, the stalls along the beach. The tourist resort area of Negombo, known as the Golden Mile, caters to a wide spectrum of holidaymakers on a range of budgets, mostly the mid to the lower end. It’s lively at night and has bars, restaurants, tourist shops and fashion outlets, selling everything from flip-flops to colourful batiks and handlooms.
Local highlights
For nature lovers and birdwatchers there are the Muthurajawela wetlands where four varieties of kingfisher are frequently seen, as well as Negombo Lagoon. Offshore wrecks and a reef provide spots for diving (November to April, when the seas are calmer). PADI instructors, some other water sports and fishing trips are also available. Whale-watching and dolphin-watching boat trips are possible further north off Kalpitya, though this is a 3-4 hours drive away.
Places to Stay in Negombo and the West Coast: Jetwing Hotels offer the highest quality of hotels in Negombo, the finest of which is Jetwing Beach, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The 5-star Jetwing Blue and 4-star Jetwing Sea are both seafront properties which have been totally renovated to Jetwing’s exacting standards. The Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions is a serious health retreat offering 3-day to 3-week treatment programmes in spacious, private accommodation as well as an Ayurveda centre for day guests. Guests staying at one Jetwing hotel may use the facilities at the other Jetwing hotels in Negombo (some at a fee).
Climate:With daytime temperatures of between 26C and 33C, Negombo is hot and humid, though sea breezes cool and refresh the air. The evenings are slightly cooler. The main monsoon brings unsettled weather between May and August.
Getting out and about
In and around Negombo there are plenty of things to see and do: Dutch Fort remains; St Mary’s Church; Angurukaramulla Buddhist temple (murals); Fish markets, fishing boats and port; Select fresh seafood for your lunch or dinner; The Dutch canal (called Hamilton canal) and Maha Oya river – boat trip; Muthurajawela wetlands and Negombo Lagoon for birdwatching and nature; Some water sports and diving; November to April; Fishing; Tourist shops and restaurants (mostly mid-lower end), fashion shops; Inland to the archaeological site of Dambadeniya; Sri Lanka’s commercial capital of Colombo is 40 km away, offering a range of shops, restaurants and sightseeing.
Driving Distances:
Negombo to Colombo International Airport: 20 minutes, Negombo to Sigiriya: 3 – 3.5 hours, Negombo to Kandy: 3.5 hours, Negombo to Colombo: 1-1.5 hours.