Negombo
West Coast · Our home base, Sri Lanka
Negombo travel guide
Negombo: Things to Do Near the Airport
Negombo is our home town – a relaxed fishing town just 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, making it the perfect place to begin or end a Sri Lanka holiday. Golden beaches, a mangrove-fringed lagoon, colourful churches and a Dutch-era canal give Negombo a character all of its own.
Things to do in Negombo include lagoon boat rides past fishing villages and mangroves, early visits to the lively Lellama fish market, and walks around the old Dutch fort and St. Mary’s Church. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood and a sunset on Negombo Beach before heading off on your journey around the island.
Negombo at a glance
- RegionWest Coast · Our home base, Sri Lanka
- Best time to visitNov – Apr
- From Negombo / airportOur base – 15 min from the airport
- Ideal stay1 night
Top sightseeing
Top Things to Do in Negombo
The best places to see and experiences to enjoy in Negombo, all included or easily added to our private, tailor-made itineraries.
01
Negombo Lagoon boat ride
Mangroves, birdlife and fishing villages.
02
Dutch (Hamilton) Canal
Colonial canal running down the coast.
03
Lellama Fish Market
Lively market beside traditional outrigger boats.
04
St. Mary’s Church
Colourful painted ceilings in ‘Little Rome’.
05
Negombo Beach
Sunsets, seafood and beach bars.
06
Dutch Fort gateway
Remains of the 1678 fort and clock tower.
Good to know
Negombo – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Negombo?
The best time to visit Negombo is Nov – Apr. Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, so our team will advise you on the weather and seasonal highlights when planning your private holiday.
How far is Negombo from Negombo and the airport?
Negombo is our home base, just 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), so it is the ideal first or last stop on your Sri Lanka holiday.
How many days do I need in Negombo?
We recommend 1 night in Negombo to enjoy the highlights at a relaxed pace, including Negombo Lagoon boat ride, Dutch Canal and Lellama Fish Market.
Can NH Lanka Holidays arrange a private trip to Negombo?
Yes. We arrange private, tailor-made holidays that include Negombo with an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, handpicked hotels and airport pickup. Contact us on WhatsApp at +94 74 221 4272 or email info@nhlankatours.com for a free quote within 24 hours.
Start planning
Plan Your Visit to Negombo with Local Experts
Tell us your dates and interests and our Negombo-based team will design a private itinerary including Negombo and the best of Sri Lanka – with a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.