A beautiful beach town, Negombo is located about 37 km from the commercial city of Colombo. With a small harbour and tourism-dependent economy, conventionally Negombo is a fishing town which also specializes in brassware, ceramics and producing spices. A major part of Negombo’s populace is Roman Catholic, in addition to Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus; and is affectionately called ‘Little Rome’. Just a short drive away from Colombo, this beach town offers a breath-taking view of a captivating coastline peppered with palm trees.
By Air: The closest airport to Negombo is the Katunayake Airport, after the Bandaranaike International Airport. When traveling from other parts of Sri Lanka, you can take a flight to Katunayake to reach Negombo. To travel onward from the airport to the city, you can rent a cab.
By Train: There’s a train from Colombo Fort for Negombo, one of the cheapest and fastest ways of reaching Negombo, with a further journey that can be covered on a Tuk-Tuk from the railway station.
By Road: Bus No. 240 from the Bus Terminal, 1 km from the exit terminal at the Katunayake Airport will take you to Negombo. You will find a number of bus options from government operated to private buses, to ones with air-con.
With oppressive and overcast weather, windy at times and dry for almost the entire year. The warmest months in Negombo are May & June and it is most pleasant in December through April, which is the best time to visit the beach town then. July-August and January are the peak tourist months while the lowest time is March.
The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it, and then captured it again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a struggle. Negombo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are still reminders of the European days.
With architectural feats dated way back to Sri Lanka’s colonial period, tourism in Negombo has some well-known attractions like the Old Dutch Fort, Old churches, Fishing villages, Local fishing market, the Dutch canal, not to forget some of the best beaches on the west coast of Sri Lanka with hoards of luxury & budget hotels, resorts, guest houses and eateries. Water sports are in abundance too. Here’s a travel guide to help you with the basics of getting around and visiting popular tourist spots in the beach town of Negombo.