8 Things To Do In Negombo For A Perfect Sri Lankan Vacation

Negombo, which is situated on the edge of a lagoon of the same name, was a significant commercial harbor for the Dutch and Portuguese. Travelers seeking some peace and quiet away from the hectic masses of the city will find this lovely coastal resort to be the perfect getaway. Negombo is just a short drive from Colombo, the country's capital.

In this article, join us in discovering things to do in Negombo, its weather, how to get there, the best restaurants, and anything else so you have the most comprehensive travel guide for your trip.

Is Worth To Visit Negombo?

Absolutely! Negombo is a fantastic destination with a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, this charming coastal town has much to offer to visitors. Explore the rich history through its religious sites and Dutch Fort, relax on the stunning beaches, and savor delicious seafood. The vibrant fish market and picturesque canal tours add to the town's allure.

Best Things To Do In Negombo

Negombo is a well-liked tourism destination because of its stunning beaches and plenty of water activities. So, what to do in Negombo? Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do in Negombo.

The best thing to do in Negombo

1. Visit the Negombo Fish Market

Negombo is known as Sri Lanka's fishing hub, and at the fish market, one can observe the daily catch and bustling trade. A diverse array of fresh seafood, including crabs, lobsters, tuna, and sharks, is on display and available for purchase. The best moment to explore the fish market is during the early morning when fishermen bring in their catches from the sea.

2. Canal Boat Hire

Canals were constructed by European colonists in Sri Lanka to facilitate the swift transportation of commodities between trading posts. Even though these canals are no longer used for shipping products, you may still take a brief, thrilling boat ride on them!

You can also take a city tour if you have a few hours to spare. Without a doubt, this is among the top things in Negombo, Sri Lanka. An experienced guide will take you to the most beautiful places in Negombo, including Fisherman's Bay, Negombo City, St. Marys Church, and the Angurukaramulla Temple. Even though the tour could take six hours, every dollar and minute is well spent.

3. Experience the Local Life at the Angurukaramulla Temple

There are plenty of places to visit in Negombo. Located very near the famous Harishchandra college, the Buddhist temple Angurukaramulla is well-known for its six-meter-tall statue of the Buddha and its vibrant murals that illustrate Buddhist tales. If you have an interest in history, this is the place to visit.

You can visit the temple and witness the festivals, ceremonies, and rituals that are held there. Additionally, you can converse with the amiable monks and discover more about their way of life and beliefs.

Experience the Local Life at the Angurukaramulla Temple

4. Learn about the Culture at St. Mary’s Church

Negombo boasts a sizable Christian community, and St. Mary's Church stands out as one of the town's prominent landmarks. Erected in the 19th century, the church showcases exquisite Gothic architecture. Its interior is embellished with paintings, statues, and stained glass windows narrating the life of Jesus and the saints.

Beyond being a religious site, the church serves as a hub for worship and festivities among the locals, particularly during the joyous occasions of Christmas and Easter. This architectural gem is undoubtedly one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Negombo.

5. Relax at the Negombo Beach

A list of places to visit in Negombo is not complete without a visit to its beautiful beach. Take a picnic basket with you and head out to the beach early in the morning to enjoy the scenery while you watch the boats leave the shore to go fishing. You can take a short afternoon nap and engage in other beach activities at Negombo.

If you are craving a substantial snack, there are several eateries around the beach. In search of additional activities in Negombo Beach? Visit the nearby market to get fresh seafood, crab, or lobster. Be sure to wait until dusk to allow you to take in the breathtaking vistas of the sun setting against the stunning ocean backdrop.

Best Restaurants Negombo

Among the myriad dining options, these five best restaurants in Negombo are the ideal choices for a family meal during your upcoming visit to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka:

Best restaurants in Negombo

1. Lords Restaurant Complex

Regarding delicious food and ambiance, Lords Restaurant in Negombo is perfect. It is renowned for its gorgeous food displays and lively environment, and it features a diverse menu full of delicious foods. In addition, the restaurant offers a sizable menu featuring fusion, Eastern, and Western cuisine.

2. Petit Restaurant

A meal at Petit is what you deserve. Guests can indulge in a variety of expertly prepared seafood meals at this stunning restaurant. This little, family-run eatery is never empty. To prevent a lengthy wait, large groups can phone ahead to order their dishes. 

3. Tusker Restaurant

The restaurant serves customers a delicious assortment of Western main dishes and desserts in addition to seafood. Tusker is a conveniently positioned restaurant on the main street with a fantastic selection of wine available. The food is consistently served hot and delicious, and the staff is highly attentive.

4. Black Coral Restaurant

This opulent eatery can be easily accessed from the city center and is housed within the Jetwing Beach Hotel, an exclusive beach resort. This stylish apartment offers a stunning location, friendly service, and a memorable dining experience.

How To Get To Negombo, Sri Lanka

Getting to Negombo, Sri Lanka, is relatively convenient as it is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Here are common ways to reach Negombo:

How to get to Negombo, Sri Lanka

By Air

Since it is the closest airport to the city, Katunayake Airport is also the most obvious point of entrance into Negombo. If your hotel has not arranged an airport transfer, you will need to pay approximately LKR 1300-1500 for a taxi ride from the airport to the city.

Let's read: Things to do in Katunayake

By Train

If you would prefer to go to Negombo by rail, there is a train that leaves from Colombo Fort and will take you on a lovely ride through the countryside and the local way of life. You can take a 3-wheeler to your location for LKR 200 after arriving in Negombo.

By Road

For LKR 40–70, one option for public transportation to Negombo is taking Bus #240 from the Avariata Bus Station at the Katunayake Airport, which is located around one kilometer from the terminal's exit gate. The primary bus terminal in Negombo, located on Greens Road immediately behind the city's railway station, is where the buses arrive in Negombo.

The bus journey is about 1 and a half hours long with the number of buses operating regularly. Air-conditioned minibusses that travel the journey in around 45 minutes for LKR 75 are also available. The private buses are colored white, while the government-operated buses are red.

Getting Around

A Tuk-Tuk can take you to various areas of the city. It will cost you approximately LKR 500 from the airport to the beach, so you should haggle. You can go to the beach in about fifteen minutes by tuk-tuk. For LKR 600–1200 per day, depending on the bike's condition, you can also rent a motorbike for independent exploration. Alternatively, you might rent a bike for LKR 120–150 per day.

Learn About Negombo Weather

Negombo has a hot, tropical climate with little annual temperature variation. There are normally two seasons: the wet and the dry. Even in the rainy season, however, showers frequently come in the form of brief, intense downpours that are often interspersed with long stretches of sunshine.

With an average daily high temperature of 32 C and an average low of 25 C, April is the hottest month of the year.

With an average daily high temperature of 30 C and an average low temperature of 26 C, September is the coolest month of the year.

In conclusion, Negombo, with its blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical significance, promises a perfect Sri Lankan vacation. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach, exploring colonial relics, or indulging in mouthwatering seafood, Negombo offers a diverse range of experiences. 

As you plan your perfect Sri Lankan vacation with many interesting things to do in Negombo, don't forget to take care of the essential details, including obtaining your visa. 

By applying for your Sri Lanka visa through our website, you not only save time and effort but also gain the confidence of a reliable and dedicated service. Our platform is designed to cater to the needs of discerning travelers like you.

So, why wait? Visit Sri Lanka Immigration Services today to initiate your Sri Lanka visa application and embark on a journey to discover the wonders of Negombo – a destination where history, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly come together for an unforgettable vacation. Trust us to make your travel dreams a reality, starting with the convenience of securing your Sri Lanka visa effortlessly.