Negombo Beaches, lagoons and canals by the airport
Negombo, Sri Lanka Western Province Coastal City
Best time to visitNovember to April
Getting thereAbout 10 km (20 minutes) from the airport; 40 km from Colombo
Recommended stay1–2 days
Welcome to Negombo
Discover Negombo
Negombo is a lively fishing town just 10 km from Bandaranaike International Airport, which makes it the perfect place to begin or end a Sri Lanka holiday. A long beach, a wide lagoon and colonial canals give it plenty of character.
Watch fishermen bring in their catch at the busy fish market, take a boat safari through the mangroves of the lagoon or along the Dutch-built Hamilton Canal, and visit the town's grand churches, the reason it's often called 'Little Rome'. In the evening, the beach road comes alive with seafood restaurants.
Kura's tip
Go to the fish market early in the morning, when the boats come in and the drying fish are laid out on the beach.
Top attractions
Things to see in Negombo
8 highlights, from must-see landmarks to local favourites. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Temple
Angurukaramulla Temple
A colourful temple with a giant seated Buddha and an entrance shaped like a dragon's mouth.
Church
St. Sebastian's Church, Katuwapitiya
A beautifully restored church, now a place of remembrance and prayer for the local community.
Church
Our Lady of Snows Church
A grand church with a striking white facade, one of the many churches that earned Negombo the name 'Little Rome'.
Beach
Negombo Beach
A long, wide beach lined with hotels and restaurants. Good for sunsets and seafood dinners.
Waterway
Hamilton Canal
A canal built by the Dutch and extended by the British, explored by boat past villages and mangroves.
Market
Negombo Fish Market
One of the largest fish markets in the country, where catches are sold at auction and fish dry in the sun on the sand.
Family fun
Water Park
Pools and slides for a fun family day close to the airport.
Wellness
Ayurvedic Spa
Unwind after a long flight with an Ayurvedic massage, herbal steam bath or traditional oil treatment.
Signature experience
Lagoon Boat Safari, Explore Sri Lanka’s Mangroves Sanctuary
Negombo Lagoon is a serene coastal sanctuary in Sri Lanka, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore its winding waterways, surrounded by lush mangroves, birdlife, and traditional fishing villages. The lagoon offers a peaceful setting for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Species like kingfishers, herons, and egrets nest in the mangroves, while exotic water monitors and reptiles bask in the sun. Explore local fishing communities and learn about their traditional methods. Various safari experiences, including guided boat tours and kayaking excursions, cater to different interests. Negombo Lagoon promises an enriching and tranquil experience, perfect for relaxation, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion.
Kura’s Culture. Negombo, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kandy, Nuwaraeliya, Ella, Tissamaharama, Galle & Colombo
Kura’s Adventure. Negombo, Kithulgala, Nuwaraeliya, Ella, Haputale, Udawalawa, Mirissa & Bentota
Kura’s All Ceylon. Negombo, Kalpitiya, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Riverstone, Kandy, Mahiyanganaya, Batticaloa, Arugambay, Ella, Nuwaraeliya, Haputale, Udawalawa, Yala, Tangalle, Mirissa, Sinharaja, Galle & Bentota
