Title : SRI LANKA: Negombo Is Little Rome
link : SRI LANKA: Negombo Is Little Rome
SRI LANKA: Negombo Is Little Rome
Negombo is the administrative centre of Negombo Division. Negombo has about 144,551 inhabitants within the city limits. It is approximately 35 km (22 mi) north of Colombo. Negombo is known for its centuries old fishing industry.
Negombo is a modest beach town located just 10km from Bandaranaike International Airport. With a stash of decent hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets, a friendly local community.
An interesting old quarter and a reasonable, though somewhat polluted beach, Negombo is a much easier place to find your Sri Lankan feet than Colombo.
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.
The busy centre of Negombo town lies to the west of the bus and train stations. Most places to stay, however, line the main road that heads north from the town centre, with the beachside hotel strip starting about 2km north of town.
The name Negombo was first used by the Portuguese; the Sinhala name Migamuva means the Group of Bees. It was named a few centuries before in the ancient kings' era.
The army of King Kavantissa found bee honey in a canoe near the seashore, for Viharamahadevi who was pregnant with the prince Dutugamunu. Because of this, the place was named Mee-Gomuwa.
The wild cinnamon that grew in the region around Negombo was said to be the very best in the universe as well as the most abundant and for centuries attracted a succession of foreign traders and colonial powers.
The shallow waters of the Negombo Lagoon provided safe shelter for seafaring vessels and became one of the key ports along with Kalpitiya, Puttalam, Salavata, Kammala, Colombo, Kalutara, Beruwala and Galle from which the Singhalese kingdoms conducted external trade.
The first Muslim Arabs who were called the Moors arrived in Ceylon in the seventh and eighth centuries and eventually dominated the east-west trade routes.
Many chose to settle in the coastal areas, and their descendants the Sri Lankan Moors remain the largest minority group in Negombo.
The Moors' long-held monopoly over the cinnamon trade, and the circuitous and largely overland route by which it was transported to Europe and the Mediterranean, added greatly to its cost.
It encouraged a Portuguese takeover in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century.
Landing in the early 1500s, the Portuguese ousted the Moors, constructed a fort in Negombo and took over the trade of cinnamon to the West.
During the Portuguese occupation, the Karawa who a traditional fishing clan of Negombo, embraced Catholicism almost without exception.
So successfully were they converted that today Negombo is sometimes known as Little Rome and nearly two thirds of its population profess the Catholic faith.
The Portuguese restructured the traditional production and management of cinnamon and maintained their control over the trade for more than a century.
The decline of their power began in the 1630s when warfare between the Portuguese and the Kingdom of Kandy reached a stalemate, the King of Kandy turned to the Dutch for help.
The Dutch captured Negombo from the Portuguese in 1646 and negotiated an armistice with Portugal for ten years.
During this period the King of Kandy sought to provoke conflict between the nations by passing through the territories of the one to attack the other.
On one occasion he captured the fort of Negombo and sent the head of the Dutch commander Adrian Vander Stell to his countrymen in Galle.
Although the Dutch managed to regain control of Negombo from the King by diplomatic means, hostilities continued. In particular, the disruption of the cinnamon trade was a favourite method of the King to harass the Dutch.
The legacy of the Dutch colonial era can be seen in the Negombo fort, constructed in 1672, other Dutch buildings, churches and the extensive canal system that runs 120 km (75 mi) from Colombo in the south, through Negombo to Puttalam in the north.
Throughout the eighteenth century the demand for cinnamon from Ceylon outstripped the supply, and its quality appears to have suffered.
Other factors, including the continued hostility from the Kandian government and a rival cinnamon trade from China, led to a 40% decline in the volume of cinnamon exported between 1785 and 1791.
Despite attempts to clear land around Negombo and create cinnamon plantations, by the time the British commander Colonel Stuart took over the trade in 1796, it was clear that the industry was in decline.
Poor policies put in place by Frederick North the first Governor of British Ceylon exacerbated the problem. By the 1830s commercial interest had moved elsewhere.
Following the British takeover of the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815, Negombo lost its strategic value as an outpost of Colombo. However it continued to develop in commercial influence.
The Negombo fishery was at the heart of the seafood trade in Ceylon, and many migrant fisherman arrived annually with the profits of their ventures going into the small, prosperous town.
In 1907 Negombo was connected to the massive railway project that was linking the island together under British control and encouraging the growth of plantations in coconuts, tea and coffee.
Negombo is about 2 meters above sea level, and Negombo's geography is a mix of land and water. The Dutch canal flows in the heart of the city. The lagoon is one of the most scenic landmarks of Negombo.
There are over 190 species of wildlife and plenty of birds in its mangroves. The northern border of the city is formed by the Ma Oya river which meets the Indian Ocean.
Negombo features a tropical rainforest climate. The city receives rainfall mainly from the Southwestern monsoons from May to August and October to January.
During the remaining months there is a little precipitation due to Convective rains. The average annual precipitation is about 2400 millimetres.
The average temperature varies 24 to 30 degrees Celsius, and there are high humidity levels from February to April.
Negombo Lagoon is large semi-enclosed coastal water body with plenty of natural resources. The lagoon is fed by number of small rivers and the Dutch canal.
It is linked to the Indian Ocean by a narrow channel to the north, near Negombo city. The lagoon and the marsh land area also support local agriculture and forestry.
It has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds. The lagoon supports so many distinct species of flora, fauna and as well as another species of birds and variety of animals.
Negombo Lagoon is a major local and tourist attraction primarily for sightseeing and boating tours.
The fishermen who are based at the Negombo lagoon live in abject poverty in shanty thatch palm villages along the water's edge.
They rely mainly on their traditional knowledge of the seasons for their livelihood, using outrigger canoes carved out of tree trunks and nylon nets to bring in modest catches from September through April.
Their boats are made in two forms – oruvas a type of sailing canoe and paruvas a large, man-powered catamaran fitted with kurlon dividers.
The men are regularly forced to head out to the ocean to fish, often losing money in the chartering process. In recent years, the villagers have supplemented the income earned from fishing by collecting toddy, or palm sap, which is used to brew arrack.
Negombo Zones and Neighborhood
- Athgala
- Basiyawatte
- Bolawalana
- Dalupotha
- Daluwakotuwa
- Dungalpitiya
- Duwa
- Duwane
- Ethukala
- Kadolkale
- Kamachchodai
- Kandawala
- Kattuwa
- Katuwapitiya
- Kimbulapitiya
- Kochchikade
- Kurana
- Kudapadu
- Mahahunupitiya
- Munnakkarai
- Muruthena
- Nugawala
- Palangathura
- Pallansena
- Periyamulla
- Pitipana
- Poruthota
- Raheemanabad
- Sarakkuwa
- Sellakanda
- Thillanduwa
- Thaladuwa
- Thalahena
- Udyar Thoppu
- Wella veediya
- Welihena
- Kadirana
- Akkarapanaha
- Thimbirigaskatuwa
- Katana
The Airport Expressway (E03) opened in 2013 links the capital Colombo through the Katunayake Interchange with Negombo city minimising travelling time to approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
There is a highway bus service running between from Negombo to Matara - the southern tip of the country through Galle using the Southern Expressway.
The A3 main road from Colombo, goes through Negombo, extends to Jaffna, and Trincomalee via Anuradhapura. Negombo is connected with some of the B grade roads, and there is a good road network in and around Negombo City.
The Bus Terminal complex of Negombo has multiple facilities for passengers and public. It is served by many bus routes, connecting with some major destinations in the country.
Negombo - Colombo. Through E03 Expressway and A3 Main Road
Negombo - Giriulla - Narammala - Kurunegala.
Negombo - Kegalle - Kandy - Theldeniya.
Negombo - Ratnapura - Embilipitiya - Kataragama.
Negombo - Matara. Through Southern Expressway.
Negombo - Ratnapura - Balangoda.
Negombo - Urapola - Kithulgala - Hatton.
Negombo - Gampola - Nuwara-Eliya - Welimada.
Negombo - Puttalam - Anuradhapura - Medawachchiya - Mannar.
Negombo - Kalutara - Galle - Matara - Tangalle.
Negombo - Kandy - Mahiyanganaya - Ampara - Akkaraipatthu
Negombo - Dambulla - Kekirawa.
Negombo - Kurunegala - Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa - Katthankudi - Kalmunai.
Negombo - Palaviya - Thalawila - Kalpitiya.
Negombo - Ruwanwella - Deraniyagala - Avissawella.
Negombo - Horana - Mathugama - Hiniduma - Udugama.
Negombo - Udubaddawa - Kuliyapitiya
Due to Negombo being situated along A3 Main Road, it is served by many bus routes from Colombo to Northern and North western points of Sri Lanka including Jaffna, Vavuniya, Padaviya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Pulmude, Mannar, Kankasanthura, Point Pedro, Velvetithurai, Nikaweratiya, Panduwasnuwara, Anamaduwa and Silawathurai.
Four railway stations serve Negombo, they are: Kurana, Negombo Downtown, Kattuwa and Kochchikade. Negombo Downtown Station is the main railway station on the Puttalam railway line.
It serves Panadura, via Colombo from south and to Puttalam, via Chilaw from north. The Sri Lanka Railway Department has introduced an intercity express train between Chilaw and Colombo with stops at Negombo Downtown and Kochchikade Stations.
The Negombo Downtown Station is close to the central Bus Terminal Complex. Negombo is the closest major city to the Bandaranaike International Airport.
According by the statistics of 2011, 6.3% of the population of Gampaha district live in Negombo city limits and 11.6% of the population of the district live in Negombo Metropolis.
It is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural city. Most of Negombo's residents belong to the Sinhalese majority. There are Tamil and Muslim people also living in the city.
Though almost all of the residents living in Negambo are Sri Lankans there are small foreign communities that are present in the city, most notably the Chinese community.
Negombo Ethnicity & Population
Sinhalese - 101,035
Sri Lankan Moor - 20,300
Sri Lankan Tamil - 15,112
Burgher - 2,020
Bharatha - 1,820
Indian Tamil - 1,356
Malay - 1,208
Other - 1,780
Total - 144,551
Negombo is a multi-religious city. Since the beginning of European colonization, the township of Negombo has had a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.
Negombo has been given the name Little Rome due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches such as St. Mary's Church found in the township and because the majority are the Roman Catholics.
St. Sebastian Church at Sea Street and Katuwapitiya, Saint Stephen’s Church, Negombo, Grand Street St.Mary's Church, St.Anne's churches at Kurana and Palangatura, St.Anthony's church Dalupotha and Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Kandawala are the biggest parishes in Negombo.
There are over 25 Roman Catholic churches in the city.
There is a branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in Negombo. The church building is just west of the intersection of Ave Maria street and Old Chilaw street.
There are also Methodist churches, Baptist churches, and the other Anglican churches in Negombo.
Agurukaramulla Raja Maha Viharaya - Bodhirajaramaya is a famous Buddhist temple bringing Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka to Negombo every year.
Abhayasekararamaya temple - Podipansala), Sri Sudarshanaramaya, Dutugamunu viharaya and Asapuwa are famous Buddhist temples in the city.
There are so many Hindu temples or Kovil in Negombo: Kali temple, Ganapathi - Pillaiar Temple, Kamachchi Amman Temple, Muththumari Amman Temple, Murugan - Kandaswami Temple, Karumari Amman Temple are some of them.
There are nine Jummah Mosques in Negombo. The Kamachchoda Jummah Masjid in Kamachchoda, Negombo is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka.
Another old Msajid in Negombo is the Udayar Thoppuwa Mosque, Mirigama Road, Dheen Junction, Negombo which was built in 1846 by Maththicham Saleem Lebbe Muhammed Thamby Vidane and the old building which was built in 1846 is still in use.
Negombo City Local Board began in 1878. After 44 years, it became the Urban District Council on 1 January 1922.
Negombo celebrated its silver jubilee of its Urban council status in grand style in February 1948.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were the main patrons on the opening day of the celebrations. The Negombo Urban Council was offered Municipal status on 1 January 1950 under the municipal ordinance of 1865.
The Negombo Municipal Council has governed the city with a mayor from the government, since 1950. Negombo's mayor and the council members are elected through the local government election held every five years.
There are 29 wards in the Negombo municipal boundary. Each is represented by an elected member, but there were only 26 members before the Local Government election held in 2018.
The number of municipal councillors was increased to 48 according to new local government election system introduced in 2018. where 29 members are elected form wards and the rest form a preferential list.
In the Local Government Election held in 2018, United National Party Won the Negombo Municipal council led by former Western Provincial councillor Royce Fernando by securing 19 seats and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna led By Dayan Lanza, brother of Nimal Lanza (MP) secured 16 Seats.
The rest of seats were distributed among other political Parties and independent groups including Sri Lanka Freedom Party.
Dayan lanza became the Mayor of Negombo with the support of minor political parties and Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Royce Fernando Became the Opposition Leader in Negombo Municipal council.
Negombo considered as one of the largest economic centre of the country. Negombo is about 5–6 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport, and the free trade zone.
Negombo has a moderate fish port used during the periods of Portuguese and Dutch colonization.
The economy of Negombo is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry, though it also produces cinnamon, ceramics, and brass ware.
The Colombo Stock Exchange-Negombo branch and many major financial corporations have their key branches in Negombo.
There are department stores, large supermarkets, and boutiques in the bustling streets of Downtown and international food outlets are being opened.
Negombo is a major tourist destination in Sri Lanka. This city is an ideal and liberal place with luxury, tropical life style, for those who want quick access to and from the country's main international airport and also to Colombo city.
The 100 km canal network running through the city is still used. Outrigger canoes and modern water-craft ply this route daily, for trade and tourism.
Remnants of colonization include the Dutch fort built in 1672, as well as centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch houses, administrative buildings, Dutch Canal, churches and the ceiling frescoes of St. Mary's Cathedral, Bodhirajarama Maha Viharaya - Angurukaramulla Temple.
Negombo is home to the country's second-largest fish market, locally famous as the Lellama, at the north end of the lagoon.
There are daily fish auctions, which give tourists a chance to meet the area's fishers, buy fish and even organise fishing trips and boating tours into the lagoon and the ocean beyond.
Other nearby attractions open to visitors include Muthurajawela Marshland, which is part of a 6,000-hectare (14,826-acre) reserve. The protected mangroves of the lagoon are home to over 190 species of wildlife.
Negombo offers one of the best sandy beaches and hotels and resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It draws tourists who stop over for a day on their way to or from the airport.
Some quiet stretches of the beach are maintained by the tourist hotels, while others are always busy with fishermen and their equipment.
Water-sports and diving are popular among visitors, with a few well-preserved coral reefs and a 50-year-old shipwreck that can be seen in the distance also known as Kudapaduwa that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish.
Mora Wala and Beach Park are very interesting places.
There are local handicrafts, batiks and jewellery boutiques on the beaches and the shops.
Katunayake airport (CMB) is closer to Negombo than Colombo. Most Hotels arrange pick up but at a very high cost (around 1500 to 2500 LKR). An official airport taxi costs 1450 LKR, book at one of the counters in the departure lounge.
A cheaper option is to take the free shuttle bus, exit the airport, turn left and walk until the shuttle bus stop at the end of the building from the Arrival Terminal to Katunayake bus stop which is just 5 minutes away from the airport.
Then take a tuk-tuk to your hotel in Negombo for 400 to 500 LKR or take a regular bus to Negombo centre for around 50 LKR.
You should not pay more than 700 LKR for a tuk tuk. Taxi is only interesting if you are a group of 6+ person.
If you want to go by public bus Recommeded only at daytime 6am - 3pm :
Leave Airport and turn right. There is a sign, to the left to colobmo, to the right to Negombo. Note: You must be strong and ignore all the TukTuk.
Walk along road for around 2+ km until a T-Crossing on the left; Avariwatta Road. You cannot miss it, there are some houses.
Turn left and go to next crossing with a clock tower. You will pass on the left the entrance to a airport export area or something like that. You can take a shortcut to the bus stand or keep going on the street.
On the clock tower crossing turn left - many shops and restaurants - Bus Stand on the left.
I think the village/area is called Katunayake. The name of the bus stand is AIRPORT in case you come from Colombo.
6) Within Bus stand find the bus to Negombo Beach (every 20-30 min; Tickets are paid within bus - should be 15 LKR, Maybe they overcharge you 25 LKR).
Within Bus Stand in Negombo search bus 905 and goto Negombo Beach (13-20 LKR).
Tuk Tuk the three wheelers 150 LKR (200LKR, 300LKR, from the Negombo Bus/Train Station to any hotel at Lewis Place. Bus 905 runs between Ethukala and Negombo Centre. Approx. every 30-60mins.
There is not much to see in Negombo just a long strip of Sandy Beach, sit back, relax, sun bath or take a dive in to the Indian Ocean but the water is mostly rough.
- Negombo Fish Market.
Some Interesting Places To Visit:
- Muturajawella Marsh land.
- Anavillundawa Bird sanctuary. Ramsa declared wet land 50 km from negombo.
- Dutch Canal.
- Mangrove park at negombo Lagoon.
- Dutch Fort & Church.
- Grand Street Church, Main Street Negombo.
What you can buy in Negombo:
- Beach wear
- Gems
- Batiks
Foods, Drinks And Accomodations in Negombo:
Sea Joy, lowis place st. next to no.189. good local food and lovely service. If you ask they can make hoppers and pittu. the guest house rooms are nice and very clean. cheap.
The Peacock, 125 Lewis Place. A friendly bar with various drinks and wooden benches and stools and a wall written with greetings and recommendations. Also serves food. Drinks from Rs200.
Lespri Grand, 35, Kimbulapitiya Road, Thelwaththa Junction, Negombo, 10 minutes from the Airport. checkin: 02:00; checkout: 10:30. A comfortable home away from home type guest house with friendly staff, spotless rooms and free WiFi.
All rooms have spacious private bathrooms and a television. Free Drop to Bandaranaike International Airport. With/without A/C and breakfast Rs11500/10000.
Hostel First Colombo Airport or Colombo Airport Hostel First, Hostel First Colombo Airport, No 477 Negombo Road, Negombo, 11450, Sri Lanka, The distance is 4.5 kilometres from the airport.
Just follow the road away from the airport until it crosses with Negombo Road. Turn right and follow Negombo Road until you see Hostel First sign on the left. Dorm US $10, private rooms $25-40.
Star Beach Hotel, 83/3 Lewis Place (The hotel is on the beach beside Golden Star Beach Hotel, Opposite Ocean View Tourist Guest House. Older hotel with beach front access, a nice sitting area, hammocks, and free WiFi.
Friendly staff and new owners who are currently improving the hotel. Throw back a couple glasses of arrack with the owners, they're fun to talk to. Non-air conditioned room ground floor 2450 Rupiya, clean and simple rooms. Air conditioned rooms first floor 7000 Rupiya.
St. Lachlan Hotel & Suites, St. Lachlans Beach Villa, St. Anthony's Lane, Ettukala. The hotel comprises of 16 elegantly appointed guest rooms and Suites, all of which have LED TV, DVD Player, mini-bar, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Some of its amenities are a pool bar, swimming pool, and a gift/souvenir Shop. Rates on official website start at USD 176.00.
Marine Tourist Guest House, 118 Lewis Place 1 km from the city center. checkin: noon; checkout: noon. A modern guest house with friendly staff, spotless rooms free WiFi and with private balcony.
All rooms have spacious private bathrooms and a television refrigertator. 24 hour front desk , pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport.
With/without A/C and breakfast Rs3500/4500 Dormitory female only and Mixed with Air conditioning and Hot water per bed Rs.1300 1,500.
Mr Silal Fernando Homestay, Just outside Negombo. Mr Fernando is an amicable gentleman who runs this small homestay. He offers airport pickups for 800 rupees. Meals available. Sgl 1000, Dbl 1500 With A/C 2500.
Windmill Hotel, On Beach Rd, close to Topaz Beach Hotel. The rooms here are pretty basic and could be cleaner, but the staff are friendly.
Suriya Arana, 92 Park Lane, One block back from Beach Road, close to shops and restaurants. This is a small guesthouse with an apartment, large family room and two double rooms.
The rooms are clean, there is WiFi, and the owners are helpful. Meals, tours and airport pickup are available. Prices vary according to season.
Hostel Negombo Beach, 42, Kannattha Para, Cemetery Road. Amazing new and cheap place with super nice lady, great to meet other travelers, clean toilets, new house, superfast WIFI, free kitchen and very near the beach.
Basic meals of fried rice/noodles can be arranged for 200 LKR. There is no sign at the door yet, so you have to check for the house at the number 42 it's near by Blue Horizon hotel 1300LKR dorm.
Blue Horizon Guest House, 81 Cemetary Road, Kudapaduwa, Negombo. Clean and comfortable. Rooms have TV and hot water. Free wifi. Free tea and coffee in the lobby. single/double with AC: $33/38.50.
Villa Flywing Guesthouse, 72/A Cemetary Road. New homestay that feels like crashing with messy relatives. Fun vibe. Big sunny rooms with private bathroom with hot water.
There is a kitchen that guests can use, as well as free wifi. Call Gayan Randeni for more pricing. Double: $30 with AC and breakfast.
Hotel Dorset, 70/1A Cemetary Road, Kudapaduwa, Negombo. Free wifi. Rooms have private baths with hot water. This guesthouse has a split personality: the rooms vary in quality so ask to see them.
There are cheaper rooms available for 1800 LKR but they are damp and dark, whereas the rooms upstairs are bright, sunny, and very clean. Single with fan/AC: 2100/2400 LKR; Double with fan/AC: 2200/2500 LKR; Triple: 2400 LKR.
Sha Residence, 80 Cemetary Road. Free Wi-Fi. Rooms have cable TV and private bathrooms with hot water. Clean, bright, and sunny rooms. A friendly manager named Pria.
Single with fan/AC: $10/15 single w/ fan 2000 LKR). Double with fan/AC: $25/30. Triple with fan/AC: $35/40. Can provide breakfast for an additional $5..
Parklane55 Apartments, 55, Park Lane, Ettukala, Negombo. checkin: 10h. Comfortable Apartments with free WIFI zone in all areas, Flatscreen Satellite TV with international channels, seating area and full equipped kitchen.
Beach and international restaurants are in walking distance just enough laid back for a quiet and relaxed stay.
Parklane88 Apartments, 88, St. Joseph Mawata (Ettukala, Negombo). Just opposite Parklane55 Apartments. Brandnew Apartments, big balconies or terraces, breakfast restaurant.
You will find comfortable rooms with free WIFI zone in all areas, Flatscreen Satellite TV with international channels, seating area and full equipped kitchen.
Beach and international restaurants are in walking distance, just enough laid back for a quiet and relaxed stay.
Jetwing Beach, Porutota Road, Ethukale, Negombo 11500. The hotel comprises of 75 deluxe rooms and 3 exclusive suites which feature a private balcony or terrace with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
It is also inclusive of Spa Treatments, 2 Swimming pools, a tennis court and much more.
Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilion, JETWING AYURVEDA PAVILLONS, ETHUKALE, NEGOMBO, SRI LANKA. Jetwing Ayurveda is nice and serene hotel, and in close proximity to Negombo. They offer airport pickup, staff is friendly and you really feel at home. prices may vary from LKR25,000 to LKR28,000 full board.
Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Beach, Ethukale, Negombo, Sri Lanka. Quick Links. Jetwing Beach is overlooking the beautiful ocean and consists of spa treatments and wellness facilities with luxury rooms. Starting prices for a room go at LKR15000 and can climb to LKR25000
Jetwing Sea, Jetwing Sea, Palangaturai, Kochchikade, Negombo, Sri Lanka Quick Link. Jetwing Sea is located is a beautiful pristine location in front facing the ocean. with wellness seas and many activities to do, their rooms start at 25,000
Jetwing Lagoon, Jetwing Lagoon, Pamunugama Road, Thalahena, Negombo, Sri Lanka. Jetwing lagoon is surrounded by pristine beaches and consists of luxury accommodation. Prices may vary from the standard deluxe room to the bawa suite starting at LKR22000.
Jetwing Thalahena Villas, B425, Negomb. checkin: 2 pm; checkout: 12 Noon. The perfect villa in Sri Lanka nestled away from hectic urban life.
The two deluxe rooms and one suite at Jetwing Thalahena Villas can accommodate a maximum of eight guests if you wish to book the entire villa for yourselves. $135.00.
Club Hotel Dolphin, Kammala South, Waikkal, Negombo. Located at a distance of 56 kms 90 mins from the city of Colombo and 20 kms 30 mins from the Bandaranaike International Airport. checkin: 2 pm; checkout: 12 pm.
Club Hotel Dolphin, in Negombo is a family hotel, located minutes away from the international airport. This beachfront property is great for your beach vacation.
The hotel features a spa and wellness centre, meeting and event venues, swimming pool, theatre, discotheque, fitness centre, mini library, pool table, badminton, tennis and squash courts, archery and a range of watersports such as kayaking, water aerobics, boat rides, etc. Rates start at USD 90.
Buses leave the main Negombo Bus Stand every 30 mins. The journey costs about 40 LKR. Last bus from Negombo to the airport goes around 18:30. Last bus on sunday laeves at 6:30pm.
For further details about bus transportation from Negombo, refer this link. For details about railway services from Negombo, refer SLR Eservices for further information.
Colombo, Buses leave the main Negombo Bus Stand every 30 mins. The journey costs 75 LKR and lasts 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Also there is a new air conditioned Luxury bus service between Colombo and Negombo which uses the newly built Expressway and it is the fastest way to travel between these two cities.
The ticket price for one way journey is Rs 120. Kandy, Bus leaves the main Bus terminal every 30 min.Journey takes 3-4 hours and cost Rs.200
Sigiriya/polonnaruwa, Bus leaves the main Bus terminal at 14 hours.It reach sigiriya around 18.00 hrs and polonnaruwa around 20.. hrs
Anuradhpura, you get in to the bus at periyam mulla junction bus stop in negombo. Journey take 4-5 hours. Alternatively you can take A/C bus from Negombo Bus Terminus (small bus, 210LKR, every 30min.
Starting form 5a.m., journey about 110min., it also stops on bus stops until its full of people to Kurunegala, then take direct local bus to Anuradhpura, 160LKR, journey about 2,5 hour.
Activities you may be engaged in while in Negombo:
Galle Full-Day Tour
Experience the colorful colonial city of Galle on this 12-hour day tour. Depart from Colombo or Negombo with a guide and Turtle Hatchery, Bentota Beach, Tsunami Photo Museum, and the stilt fishermen.
Explore Galle Fort and learn more about its tumultuous history as a hub for trade. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Meet your guide at your Colombo or Negombo hotel at 7am for a 12-hour day tour of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Begin at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, home to seven species of marine turtles and other wild sea life. Continue to Weligama and gaze at the stilt fisherman hauling their catch in the middle of the clear blue water.
Visit Galle Fort, a Portuguese-built and Dutch-fortified 16th-century fort with a complex history. Learn how the city’s strategic location made it a hub for sea trade and a landing point for the island’s colonial rulers.
Stop by the Tsunami Photo Museum in Talwatte, which documents the devastating 2004 tsunami that struck Sri Lanka.
Enjoy a local lunch before proceeding to the pristine Bentota Beach. At the conclusion of the tour, you will return to Colombo.
What’s included:
- Entrance fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Local taxes
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
What’s not included:
- Drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
Highlights:
- All entrance fees included
Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Private Day Trip
This tour covers the best part of Sri Lanka’s South Coast. You'll visit Galle, rich in colonial heritage, and explore the iconic Dutch Fort that encloses the city.
You can walk along the ramparts and the cobblestone pathways that crisscross through the fort. Visit Ambalangoda mask factory and experience a memorable boat ride at Maduganga Ganga before visiting the Turtle Hatchery.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Negombo, Colombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Bentota, Beruwela or Galle and then transfer to visit Dutch Fort of Galle.
The fort is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, thanks to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Next stop is Ambalangoda, known for its exquisite collection of native masks, carved throughout the generations of professional carvers from the region.
Don's miss the variety of masks available for sale, as the current productions are more garish and vibrant in colour.
Later on you will visit Balapitiya and have lunch at Gangabada Asiriya Restaurant. After lunch, you can discover the unique beauty of Maduganga River on a boat trip.
A relatively unspoiled lagoon, the Maduganga estuary is a 915-hectare complex coastal wetland ecosystem that opens to the Indian Ocean.
Late afternoon, you will visit a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda. Here, these almost-extinct turtles are breed and cared for. extinct form Sri Lanka.
Visitors can see the new born turtles and even be a part of the process of releasing them in the sea. You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Colombo, Negombo or Mount Lavinia
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fee to Turtle Hatchery
- Boat ride in Balapitiya
- Lunch at Gangabada Asiriya Restaurant
What’s not included
- Entrance fee to the sites not mentioned in price Includes section
- Tips to guides, restaurants. Tipping is expected
- Personal expenses
Highlights
- Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences
- Ideal choice for families
- Lunch included
- Led by a local guide
Muthurajawela Wetland Day Tour
This tour gives you an exciting experience by TukTuk complete with bird watching tour in Muthurajawela wetland, one of the main bird watching locations in Sri Lanka.
There are many variates of flora and fauna that are interdependent in this coastal ecosystem. The name Muthurajawela has been derived from Sinhalese language which the majority of Sri Lankans use to communicate.
The meaning can be translated in to English simply as Swamp of Royal Treasure. Treasures of kings in olden days are believed to be buried in that area. Muthurajawela Marsh is situated towards the southern part of Negombo.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Negombo for a tour riding a TukTuk to Muthurajawela Wetland, and a bird watching tour by boat. Your TukTuk is a very typical form of public transport, part of the everyday street scene.
On the TukTuk, you can sit and stretch out, protected from the sun, and rain, and with a great breeze.You will soon arrive at Muturajawela wetland marine sanctuary, famous for its mangroves, salt water crocodiles and avi fauna.
You will take a boat ride through the vast Negombo lagoon. Extending over 6,000 acres and over 29,000, and rumored to provide home to over 40 species of migratory and 85 indigenous bird species.
Mangrove forests that line the footpath are great places to observe birds as well as baby crocodiles and fiddler crabs. On completion of this visit, your TukTuk rider will take you back to the hotel.
What’s included
- Cost of the boat
- Pickup and drop-off by TukTuk
- Light refreshments
- Local guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
What’s not included
- Gratuities
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
Highlights
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
- Free snacks included
Sacred City of Kandy Private Tour with Royal Botanical Gardens
Join us for this private family friendly full day tour including free pick-up from Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikade or Waikkal area.
Experience a day in the sacred city of Kandy and temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Kandy market, A visit to Pinnawala city and possibly the Elephant Freedom Project and the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
You will be picked up form Colombo, Colombo International Airport (CMB) or your hotel in Negombo, Kochchikada or Waikkal and then proceed to Kandy.
Kandy is the cultural symbol of Sri Lanka and you will visit the famous temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and Kandy market for handy-craft shopping.
When it's lunch time, feel free to ask your driver for some recommendations for local restaurants. After lunch visit the Gem Museums and see a cultural show that includes an exciting live fire walking performance.
Also stop by the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens that is renowned for its collection of a variety of orchids. It includes more than 4000 species of plants, including of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.
Attached to it is the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka. and then return to Colombo city, the Colombo International Airport (CMB) or your hotel in Negombo, Kochchikada or Waikkal.
What’s included
- Hotel/Airport pickup and drop-off
- Fuel surcharge
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle (car/minivan)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
What’s not included
- Entrance fees
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
Highlights
- Instant Confirmation
- All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
- Informative, friendly and professional guide
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
Lagoon Escapes Negombo Day Trip
This is an ideal day trip through the buzzing local fish market of Negombo. You can buy fresh fish for lunch, explore the mangroves by boat, do some fishing and experience how local fishers carry out traditional fishing.
Then take a catamaran ride and have a picnic lunch on an island with grilled seafood.
9:00 am - Pick up from your hotel in Negombo9:30 am - Visit Negombo fish market and buy your favorite fresh seafood to cook for your lunch in addition to the seafood we provide during the trip.10:30 am - Start boat tour in Negombo lagoon.
Here you can engage with traditional and modern ways of fishing in lagoon. Refreshment will be provided during the boat trip.12:30 pm – Live cooking of your lunch in on an Island in the lagoon which you can participate in.
Rice and two grilled seafood items will be served, plus any additional seafood you may have purchases during your visit to the fish market.3:00 pm.
Take a Catamaran ride with an experienced driver through the lagoon area while you relax and see the beautiful scenery.5:00 pm – End of the lagoon trip and drop you to the hotel
What’s included
- Transfers from hotel to lagoon and back by boat or by Tuktuk.
- Boat ride and Catamaran ride with fishing rods
- Refreshment pack during the boat ride
- Grilled sea food lunch with potato chips and a dessert live cooking
- Water bottles and beer as refreshment drinks
What’s not included
- Tips to guides. Tipping is expected.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
Highlights
- All necessary equipment included
- All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
- Free drinks included
- Free snacks included
- Lunch included
- Private tour is operated with just your party and a guide/driver
- Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Private Arrival Transfer from Colombo International Airport CMB to Hotels in Negombo
Book the hassle-free private arrival transfer from Colombo International Airport (CMB), also known as Bandaranaike International Airport, to your hotel in Negombo.
Your driver will give you an introduction to Negombo city's attractions, the best places to eat, bargain shopping, souvenir shops and valuable information for the first time travelers about customs, traditions, advises and traveling tips.
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport (CMB), also known as Bandaranaike International Airport, your driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you directly to your hotel in Negombo.
Most hotels are concentrated in the area called Lewis Place and we conveniently take you their.
Your drive/guide will also give you some introduction about Negombo city's attractions, the best places to eat, Where to do some bargain shopping, reasonably priced souvenir shops and any other information you are interested.
Especially for the first time travelers, learn more about Sri Lanka's customs, traditions and travel ling tips from your friendly driver.
What’s included
- One-way private airport arrival transfer
- Driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned car
What’s not included
- Excess luggage charges where applicable
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Highlights
- Airport transfer
- Get inside tips from a local
Lagoon Escapes Negombo Day Trip
This is an ideal day trip through the buzzing local fish market of Negombo. You can buy fresh fish for lunch, explore the mangroves by boat, do some fishing and experience how local fishers carry out traditional fishing.
Then take a catamaran ride and have a picnic lunch on an island with grilled seafood.
9:00 am - Pick up from your hotel in Negombo9:30 am - Visit Negombo fish market and buy your favorite fresh seafood to cook for your lunch in addition to the seafood we provide during the trip.10:30 am - Start boat tour in Negombo lagoon.
Here you can engage with traditional and modern ways of fishing in lagoon. Refreshment will be provided during the boat trip.12:30 pm – Live cooking of your lunch in on an Island in the lagoon which you can participate in.
Rice and two grilled seafood items will be served, plus any additional seafood you may have purchases during your visit to the fish market.3:00 pm.
Take a Catamaran ride with an experienced driver through the lagoon area while you relax and see the beautiful scenery.5:00 pm – End of the lagoon trip and drop you to the hotel.
What’s included
- Transfers from hotel to lagoon and back by boat or by Tuktuk
- Boat ride and Catamaran ride with fishing rods
- Refreshment pack during the boat ride
- Grilled sea food lunch with potato chips and a dessert live cooking
- Water bottles & beer as refreshment drinks
What’s not included
- Tips to guides. Tipping is expected.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
Highlights
- All necessary equipment included
- All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
- Free drinks included
- Free snacks included
- Lunch included
- Private tour is operated with just your party and a guide/driver
- Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Private Colombo-Sigiriya Transfer via Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments in Sri Lanka.
Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this ancient palace and fortress complex has a significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
It is probably the most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.
For this tour, you will be picked up between 6am to 7am from your hotel in Negombo or Colombo and transferred to Sigiriya, about 90 km (55 miles) away.
Today, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning and also the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.
You will visit Sihagiri or the Lion Rock which is an ancient rock fortress that according to the Sri Lankan ancient chronicle, the Culavamsa, the area around Sigiriya was selected by King Kasyapa (477 to 495AD) to be his new capital and built his palace on top of this rock.
Afterward, you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This breathtakingly beautiful temple is also a World Heritage Site since 1991.
Later, you will visit the Spice Garden as well.At 5pm, you will stop by Sigiriya or Kandy for some shopping and will then be transferred to your hotel in Sigiriya or Kandy by 9pm. This tour does not return to Colombo.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup from Colombo and drop-off in Sigiriya
- Transport by private vehicle
- Bottled water
What’s not included
- Entrance fees
- Food and drinks
Highlights
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Private tour is operated with just your party and a guide/driver
Private Muthurajawela Sanctuary Bird Watching Tour from Colombo or Negombo
This tour gives you the chance to go bird watching in the famous Muthurajawela Sanctuary in Negombo. Hike through the marshy wetlands of Muthurajawela. Get to see many endemic and migrant birds in their natural habitats.
Go on a relaxing boat ride in the lagoon while watching out for more birds and wildlife. The tour is a great opportunity for avid bird watchers.
Your tour will start at 6:30am from your hotel in Colombo or Negombo, when your guide picks you up. It takes about half an hour to get to Muthurajawela which lies in Negombo. You will get to the marshes by 7:00am.
The wetlands of Muthurajawela Bird Sanctuary sprawls over 6230 hectares on the western coastline of Sri Lanka.
Over 200 years ago the area was prime agricultural land, which produced the beautiful pearl like rice that was served to the kings of the Kotte Kingdom south of the area.
However the building of the Dutch canals are believed to have caused salt water seepage in the fields, rendering them unusable.
Once the fields were abandoned, nature took over and with the passing of time it became populated with the highly bio diverse ecology of the coastal wetlands that it is now.
Muthurajawela is listed as one of the 12 high priority wetlands in Sri Lanka with the area having nearly 200 species of flora, 102 species of birds, 40 species of fish, 14 species of reptiles, and over 20 species of mammals.
There are also almost 50 species of butterflies in the sanctuary.
You will be hiking through the wilderness for some time. Your professional bird guide will help you with identifying any birds you see. You may get a glimpse of Little Green Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, Indian Cormorants, Eurasian Curlew, Great Painted Snips, Shikras, White-bellied Sea-eagles and many others.
You will also be going on a two hour boat ride on the lagoon, where you will be able to see more birds such as waders or water birds. Your tour package also includes a packed breakfast which you can have along the way surrounded by nature.
Your tour of the Muthurajawela Sanctuary will be finishing at 10:00am. Your vehicle will drop you off at your hotel between 10:30am to 11:00am marking the end of your tour.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottle of water
- Professional bird watching guide
- Boat ride on Muthurajawela lagoon
What’s not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks.
Highlights
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
- Fully narrated tour
- Led by a local guide
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
Private Day Trip: Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple Tour from Negombo
Journey into the center of Sri Lanka and uncover ancient creations that will leave you awe-struck during this private, full-day tour of Sigiriya Rock and the Dambulla Cave temple from Colombo.
Explore the legendary Dambulla Cave temple, a UNESCO-listed world heritage site and an amazing piece of ancient architecture. The temple was built for meditating monks around the 1st century BCE and is fairly secluded.
Then wander around the famous Sigirya Rock Fortress and visit its museum. This private tour offers a more personalised experience.SKU: LK60050100
Your private Sri Lankan history adventure begins at 6am, when your friendly local guide will pick you up from your hotel in Colombo.
Enjoy the scenery or nap in the car on the way to Dambulla, where you arrive at the famous Dambulla Cave Temple around 11 am. Here you will see ancient Buddha statutes and elaborate alfrescoes in caves that date back to the 1st-century.
A UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, the temple also has a museum, which you will have the chance to visit.
After wandering the site you’ll have time to look for lunch nearby before taking off for Sigiriya, one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Asia.
Built in the 5th-century, Sigiriya is a stunning example of innovative architecture, gardening, urban planning, hydraulic engineering and art.
Also a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, the area was formerly the royal citadel of King Kasyapa and houses an fascinating museum of the its past.
Leave Sigiriya in the early evening and begin the drive back to Negombo, where your chauffeur guide will drop you off at your hotel.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Service of English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Entrance fees to Sigiriya rock fortress and Dambulla cave temple
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- 1-liter water bottle per person
What’s not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Expenses of personal nature
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Private Village Tour Including Traditional Sri Lankan Lunch from Negombo
This private village tour gives you a chance to experience traditional Sri Lanka with all its authenticity.
Spend time with the villagers and engage in many village activities that form everyday life; such as an oxen cart ride, a catamaran ride, and a walk through the fields.
Learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan food. You will finish off with an exceptionally delicious buffet lunch, served in classic Sri Lankan style. This is your truly Sri Lankan holiday experience.
You will be picked up your chauffeur by 06:30 am from your hotel in Negombo and proceed to Sigiriya.You will be starting your Village Tour at 10:30 am.
You will be provided with directions to the village, where you will be met by your tour guide at the time of starting. You will have a quick walk around the village while your guide tells you more about village life.
You will begin the first of your activities at approximately 10:45 am. The oxen cart is commonly used as the primary mode of transport in Sri Lankan villages.
You will have a 15-minute oxen cart ride, ending at the banks of an artificial reservoir.
From this point, you will continue on to a 15-minute traditional catamaran ride. The area has many types of aquatic and plant life. You may be able to catch sight of an occasional crocodile or water monitor as you glide along.
Another possible sightings is cormorants and other waterbirds. After you enjoy your time with nature, you will be deposited in a bank adjoining some paddy fields.
These seasonal paddy cultivations, also called Chena cultivations, are dependent on the two major monsoon rain periods that take the place of winter in Sri Lanka.
The walk through the fields will allow you to see the paddy cultivation first-hand. This quick tour will last 15 minutes and your guide will update you with more information about the local methods of rice cultivation.
You will then move back to the village and be introduced to a local, who will give you a half hour cooking demonstration on traditional Sri Lankan cooking.
The demonstration will also allow you to make your own attempt at cooking a Sri Lankan dish.
You will be having lunch right after at 12:15 pm. Lunch will be a buffet of perfectly cooked rice with 6 traditionally cooked Sri Lankan curries and fresh fried fish.
You will also have a green salad and crunchy papadum, practically an essential addition for meals in most Sri Lankan and Indian homes.
You will be eating on woven trays with clean lotus leaves on top. Your food which will be cooked in the traditional way, in clay pots over wood fires.
After the rather relaxing meal, you can spend some time in the village at your ease. Your tour guide will finish off your tour.
On completion you will return back to your hotel in Negombo.
What’s included
- Private Transport by air-conditioned vehicle.
- Hotel Pick up and drop off.
- Cooking demonstration on traditional Sri Lankan food
- Authentic Sri Lankan village lunch
- Local guide
- Oxen cart ride
- Traditional catamaran safari
What’s not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Expenses of personal nature.
Private Tour: Deep Sea Fishing Tour in Negombo
This tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy deep sea fishing at the biggest fishing base of Sri Lanka, Negombo. Cast your rods into deep blue waters of Sri Lanka, rich with the various varieties of fish.
Get that immeasurable thrill of wrestling with the strongest of the sea, and winning. Show off your biggest catch with a great photo. Get the best fishing experience this holiday.
You will be starting your deep sea fishing adventure from the Negombo piers. If you select the morning session you will begin at 6:00 am, and an evening session will be at 2:30 pm.
Your boat will be a 15-foot standard local fisherman's boat. It satisfies all the basic requirements but doesn't have any advanced features.
If you wish for such, you can opt for a professional fishing boat for a separate charge. You will also be provided with good sports fishing equipment and bait.
The waters around Negombo are rich and teeming with fish. This is why the area has a fishing industry that is not only the biggest in the country; but also one of the oldest.
However, there are some seasons when the catch rate is much better; mainly February to April and October to December.
The fishing have of Negombo allows three modes; to fish in the deep sea, the lagoon or inland. Of this deep sea, one is the most popular for of sport, due to its challenges and better yield.
There are two methods used to fish deep sea; trolling and anchor fishing. Trolling is where one or more fishing lines or nets with bait or lures, is trailed behind a moving boat or manually moved from side to side.
This method is very successful, especially in the morning hours. The other method is anchor fishing, which involves the boat being anchored to a stationary object such as a coral reef or rocky area and the lines being cast.
This method works well at any time of the day, but especially at night.
You will be able to use the trolling or anchor fishing according to the session time you choose. Your local fishing guide will show you some of the best spots to fish.
Some of the species of fish you will be able to catch are Barracuda, Seer, Great Travilly and Queen Fish in moderately deep water; and Sailfish, Blue or Black Marlene, Tuna and Wahoo in much deeper waters.
You can exercise both your patience and strength as you wait for the bait to do its work, and feel the delicious struggle of reeling them in.
As you fish, refreshments will be available for you to sate your hunger and thirst. Your tour will be completed at 9:00 am if it was the morning session, and 6:00 pm if it was the evening one.
You can also round out the day by getting your catch grilled at a small added charge and enjoy a wonderful meal with a couple of ice cold beers.
What’s included
- Refreshments
- Boat Charter Fee and Hire of complete Sport Fishing Equipment.
What’s not included
- Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off.
- Food and drinks, unless specified.
- Gratuities (optional).
- Entrance fees.
- Expenses of Personal Nature.
Private Day Tour: Negombo City Tour from Colombo
The Negombo City Tour takes you on a journey into the North of Sri Lanka’s Capital and Urban Metropolis, Colombo, to witness its most spectacular sights.
View elegant colonial buildings rising in tandem with shiny new business constructions in this unique city that boasts of a blend of times both modern and past.
Visit the 18th Century St. Mary’s church that creates a tranquil haven amidst the hustle and bustle. Learn of Negombo's history and surrounding legends through its most interesting landmarks as you explore to your heart’s content. SKU: LK60016000
You will start your tour upon being picked up by your chauffeur at 0830 hrs from your hotel in Colombo. Journey into the North of the Capital, Colombo, Negombo City Tour.
Witness spectacular sights with memorable experiences and captivating stories as you learn about the history behind one of Asia’s richest cultures.
Embark on an adventure like never before and become a part of the city with this private tour of Negombo.
The route that you will be taking is as follows,
Negombo City: Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital, Colombo. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th Century Dutch Fort now houses a prison.
Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neo-classical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the early 19th Century, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.
Fish Market: Negombo is a traditional fishing town of Sri Lanka. The fishermen of the Negombo lagoon live in abject poverty in small, thatched palm houses in villages on the water’s edge. They rely on traditional knowledge of the seasons for their livelihood.
Dutch Fort: One of the most distinct tourist attractions in Negombo is undeniably the Old Dutch Fort. This is a structure with a history dating back to Sri Lanka’s colonial days when the nation was once under the rule of initially the Portuguese, and then the Dutch.
The city was encircled by an earth wall. Eventually, the landmass on which the Old Dutch Fort Gate was constructed, was regularly washed by the sea.
St. Mary’s Church in Negombo: The coastal town of Negombo is an area in Sri Lanka that is dominated heavily by Christian Faith and one of the town’s most important structures is St. Mary’s Church.
This sacred building is lavish and grand in nature, standing tall amidst other structures in the town. The church consists of three main levels which are immediately apparent when approaching the structure from the front.
Dutch Hamilton Canal: Between 1802 and 1804, when the Island was under British governance, a new Colombo-Negombo canal was built, conceived by Garvin Hamilton, British Agent of Revenue and Commerce.
The Hamilton Canal ran west of the old Dutch Canal, quite close to the sea from the mouth of the Kelani River at Hekitta, all the way to the southern edge of the Negombo Lagoon at Pamunugama; an astounding distance of 14.5 kilometres.
Upon reaching the end of the tour, you will be dropped off back at your hotel at approximately 1430 hrs.
What’s included
- Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
- 1 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water Per Person.
- Hotel Pick & Drop.
- All Taxes & Service Charges
What’s not included
- Entrance Fees.
- Food or Drinks.
- Gratuities (Optional).
- Expenses of Personal Nature.
Colombo to Negombo Dutch Footprint Private Cycling Tour
This tour allows you to view the remains of the Dutch who invaded Sri Lanka as you cycle along the Western coast of Sri Lanka from Colombo to Negombo.
Enjoy the Dutch Colonial architecture that pervades the capital, Colombo. Bike along the busy port and through the market of Pettah where thousands of wholesale and retail transactions take place every day.
Pedal along the Dutch Canal as you feast your eyes on the colourful birds that make their home in the Muthurajawela Sanctuary. Enjoy a boat safari in the Muthurajawela Lagoon.
Cycle through a fishing village to Negombo and see the differences in architecture and culture.
You will be picked up from your hotel and will be brought to the Mattakukuliya Bridge. You will be starting your cycling tour at 0800 hrs at the Bridge. The route will be 60km long and will take approximately 5 hours.
You will be provided with the bicycle and necessary equipment such as helmets. You will also have a cycling guide and a backup vehicle which will be able to respond to any emergencies, in case they occur.
The cycling route will have regular rest stops with refreshments such as water and energy bars.
You will ride through the countryside along the Dutch Canal and the Western Coastal Belt in Sri Lanka.
While you pass through, you will experience the fishermen lifestyle prevailing in Sri Lanka and might also witness the varying fishing techniques used as well as hear the fishing related folk songs as well.
On route, you will visit the Dickowita Fishery Harbour and also a Salt Fishing Village in Negombo. Afterwards, you will enjoy a Negombo Lagoon Boat Trip and explore the crab and prawn catching methods employed in the lagoon.
Your tour will be completed at 1500 hrs at the Negombo Fishing Village. At the end of your tour, you will be dropped off back at your hotel in Colombo. The cycling route is a soft stretch running through approximately 45km.
What’s included
- Cycle and Helmets
- Cycling Guide
- Back up vehicle
- Boat Ride in Negombo Lagoon.
What’s not included
- Food and drinks.
- Gratuities (optional)
- Entrance fees
All Inclusive Private day tour to Wipattu National Park From Negombo
Spend a full day at the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park Which is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard population.
This is a private an all-inclusive experience including transportation 2 Safaries, lunch.
04:00 - Pick up from your Hotel in Negombo & Transferred to Wilpattu national park.07:00 - On arrival at the park you can take your packed Breakfast & start your morning game drive.
The sanctuary lies inland from the coast and is entirely within Northern Province. A safari in Wilpattu is very different from any of the other major national parks.
Visitor numbers remain very low and even in high season, it's common for there to be no more than a handful of tourist jeeps in the park at any one time.
The unique feature of this park is the existence of Willus or Natural lakes - Natural, which gives Wilpattu a wonderful, and genuine, wilderness feeling.
Here you can also find huge swathes of dense, dry country woodland, masses of birds and, with a little luck, an impressive array of wildlife including leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, wild pigs, and crocodiles.
12:30 - Picnic lunch will be served at a nice location 01:30 - 18:00 - Evening Game drive18:00 - Transferred back to your hotel in Negombo
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off By an Air-conditioned vehicle
- Full day safari
- Safari jeep
- Experienced naturalist
- Light Breakfast & Refreshments
- Lunch
- Park entrance tickets with government taxes.
- Bottled water
What’s not included
- Gratuities (recommended)
Tourism Observer
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