Guide to Negombo
Negombo Virtual Tour
Negombo is renowned for its fish markets, cinnamon plantations, ceramics, and bronze products. However, it's important to note that the beaches here are not among the finest in the country; the sand can be quite dirty, and the sea is often muddy due to strong waves. If your plans involve swimming, it's advisable to seek accommodations with a swimming pool. For water sports enthusiasts like snorkeling and diving, there are coral reefs located 20 kilometers from Negombo.
Many of the resort's attractions have religious significance. You'll find intriguing Hindu and Buddhist temples, along with several Catholic churches, a legacy of the Dutch colonizers. Some remnants of the Dutch Fort, constructed in 1672 and later demolished in the 19th century for a prison, still stand, including gates, a tower, and a section of the wall. In the vicinity of the city lies the "Muthurajavela" reserve, where you can observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the fish markets. To the north of the Fort, there's a new market considered one of the largest in the country. Here, you can purchase the freshest seafood, witness fishing boats coming ashore to unload their catches, and observe the process of smoking fish on the sands.
Photos of Negombo
Tours to Negombo
Tourists seldom opt for full-fledged tours to Negombo; instead, the resort typically serves as a transit point on a journey around Sri Lanka. This is largely due to the fact that the Lakkadivi Sea is not an ideal spot for swimming. Its waters tend to be murky and greenish-yellow, especially during storms, owing to the muddy bottom.
However, Negombo itself and its surrounding areas offer plenty to explore, making it worthwhile to seek budget-friendly trips in this direction. For instance, within the city, you'll find the preserved ruins of the Portuguese port built in the 17th century. Excursion tours in Negombo often include visits to a Buddhist temple, Catholic churches, as well as the old and new fish markets.
For a rewarding vacation experience, consider spending time in a bird sanctuary or a mangrove park. Many vacationers also book boat tours around the island at the local tourist center. So, if you're not a fan of extended hours of beach lounging, it's wise to explore the possibility of a trip to Negombo. For example, the cost of a last-minute deal for two people, including economy class flights, can be as low as USD 1050 for a six-day trip.
However, such last-minute deals are usually offered 2-4 days before the expected departure date. If you prefer to plan your travel in advance and avoid rushing, it's advisable to search for budget-friendly options well ahead of time.
Interesting places in Negombo
Most of the attractions in Negombo consist of Buddhist, Hindu, and Catholic temples, which you can explore on your own by planning an itinerary in advance (addresses are available online). Travel agencies in Negombo also offer excursions to nature reserves located 100-300 kilometers from the resort. If you're interested in shopping, head to the commercial area of Negombo, including Green Street and the Main Street area. For the best nightlife experience, you'll find nightclubs and discos mostly within the hotels.
Flight ticket prices
The nearest airport to Negombo is located near the city of Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport is just 10 km from the resort, making it the most convenient arrival point for travelers. Only a few European airlines operate direct flights to Colombo, so most flights involve one or two layovers in Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, or Frankfurt. Airlines flying to Colombo include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France, KLM, and Austrian Airlines.
Ticket prices depend on the season and departure city. In the low season, flights from Warsaw start at 460 EUR, from Frankfurt — at 480 EUR, and from Vienna — at 500 EUR. During the high-demand period (winter and early spring), prices increase: flights from Budapest or Prague cost from 620 EUR, and from Amsterdam or Paris — from 650 EUR. Travel time, including layovers, ranges from 12 to 20 hours.
The best hotels in Negombo
The cost of accommodation in hotels in Negombo varies from 20 to 225 USD per day and depends not on their "stardom", but on the range of services offered to guests. Since the coastal waters are often muddy due to strong waves, we recommend choosing a hotel with an on-site pool. Cheap gesthouses (from 5 USD per night for a place in a shared room) are concentrated in the area of Lewis Place street. It's best to look for such accommodations when you arrive, as not all of them are listed on booking sites.
Travel budget
Budget for your trip to Negombo depends on whether you are using the city as a stopover or going for a full-fledged vacation. In the former case, the costs will be minimal. For example, you can spend a night in a guesthouse for only 5-7 USD (sometimes this amount even includes breakfast), and food in the markets is also inexpensive.
If you plan to spend a vacation in Negombo, we recommend choosing a hotel with a swimming pool (the coastal waters are not suitable for swimming), in which case the cost of accommodation will be higher.
| The budget for a trip to Negombo | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | 60 USD | Flight | from 1200 USD |
| Accomodation | from 20 USD per day | Average check in a restaurant | from 3000 LKR (about 20 USD) |
| Transportation fare | from 12 LKR (about 0.08 USD) | Excursion | from 19,000 LKR (about 130 USD) |
| Total: about 2590 USD for a week for two people | |||
Negombo: tips for tourists
Visa to Negombo
An electronic entry permit must be issued by filling out the form at www.eta.gov.lk and paying a fee of 30 USD per person.
The airport in Negombo
The nearest airport that receives scheduled and charter flights from abroad (Bandaranaike International Airport) is 35 kilometers from Colombo. It is the busiest airport in South Asia, handling about 7 million passengers annually.
Transfer to Negombo from the airport
There are only three ways for solo travelers to get to Negombo from Bandaranaike Airport without a connection: cab, rental car or hotel transfer. To save money, head to Colombo, where buses to the resort are available.
Public transportation in Negombo
Buses run throughout the resort and between Negombo and other parts of the country. City and suburban buses stop at different stations, pay attention to the signs. Fares vary depending on the route (minimum 12 LKR).
Car rental in Negombo
There are few car rental companies in Negombo, as the service is not in demand among resort guests. It's better to pick up a car at Bandaranaike Airport and travel around the country from there. On average, the service costs 55 USD per day.
Safety in Negombo
Theft is not uncommon in Negombo, so police advise tourists to leave valuables and documents in a safe. Try not to be alone outside the center after dark and keep an eye on your belongings when in crowded areas.