A coastal town with 17th-century Dutch canals, fresh fish markets, and long sandy beaches. Local life centers around fishing and traditional cinnamon processing.
Negombo, a coastal city 38 kilometers north of Colombo, sits next to Sri Lanka's main international airport. Walk through the morning fish market as fishermen sell fresh tuna and sharks, step inside centuries-old Catholic churches with marble altars, or take a boat through mangrove-lined canals. The city's wide beaches stretch for kilometers along the Indian Ocean, while the calm waters of Negombo Lagoon create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and sailing.
Getting to Negombo
The city lies 9 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport, making it a practical first or last stop in Sri Lanka. You can reach Negombo from the airport by taxi in 15-20 minutes, or take a local bus from the airport's public bus terminal. The coastal railway line connects the city to Colombo and other coastal towns, with four stations serving different parts of Negombo.
Morning Fish Market Experience
The Negombo Fish Market, known locally as Lellama, comes alive around 6 AM when fishing boats return with their overnight catch. Fishermen unload tuna, sharks, and reef fish onto the market floor, while vendors lay out dried fish on woven mats under the sun. The market includes two main areas: the fish auction space where buyers bid on fresh catches, and the drying area where workers salt fish for preservation.
Churches and Temples
St. Mary's Church, built in the 1900s, rises above Negombo's skyline with cream-colored walls and marble details. The church walls display local artwork, including a painting of Christ created by a Buddhist artist. At Angurukaramulla Temple, you'll find wall murals depicting stories from Buddha's life and a 6-meter Buddha statue. A concrete dragon's mouth forms the entrance gate to the temple grounds.
Dutch Canal and Lagoon
The Hamilton Canal, built during Dutch colonial times, runs parallel to the coast from Colombo to Puttalam. Morning boat trips on the canal pass fishing villages and mangrove forests. On the Negombo Lagoon, local fishing communities catch prawns, crabs, and lobsters. Take an early morning or late afternoon boat ride to spot water monitors and wading birds like egrets and herons.
Beaches and Water Activities
The main beach extends north from the town center, with calm waters from December to April. Between January and March, steady winds create good conditions for kitesurfing. Local water sports centers rent equipment and teach sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. In the evening, the beach fills with locals taking walks and food vendors selling grilled seafood and local snacks.
Climate and When to Visit
Negombo has temperatures between 24°C and 30°C throughout the year. Two monsoon seasons bring rain: May to August and October to January. The period from December to April has the least rainfall and most sunshine, making these months ideal for swimming, water sports, and exploring the canals.
