Discover the best things to do in Negombo, a beautiful city located north of Colombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka. As one of the country’s first beach resorts and being close to the international airport, Negombo has become a popular tourist destination. In addition to its stunning beaches, Negombo is also known for its production of cinnamon. Explore all that this city has to offer on your next vacation to Sri Lanka.
The truth is that Negombo offers much more than just beaches. Of course, you could spend the entire day lazing on the beach, but who would want to do that when Negombo has so many lovely locations to see?

Best Things To Do In Negombo, Sri Lanka
Best Things To Do In Negombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do in NegomboDescription
Experience Negombo Lagoon by boatTake a leisurely boat trip on the Negombo lagoon to see uncommon birds, dense mangrove swamps, and inhabitants going about their daily lives. Observe Sri Lanka’s fishing culture here as well.
Dutch Fort NegomboVisit the old Dutch fort, a reminder of Negombo’s colonial past. View the fort ramparts and historic clock tower, and visit the nearby St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.
Kelaniya Buddhist TempleVisit the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, known for its exquisite wall murals. Spend some quiet time practicing meditation and visit the souvenir shops outside the temple.
Negombo Fish MarketVisit the major fish market in Negombo to gain a thorough understanding of regional culture and customs and experience a riot of hues, aromas, and smiles.
Hamilton Canal cruiseTake a cruise on the Hamilton Canal, a magnificent Negombo attraction constructed by the British in the 19th century. Learn about the canal’s history as the primary means of delivering cargo to the harbor during colonial times.
Table | Best Things To Do In Negombo

Best Things To Do In Negombo

THINGS TO DO IN Negombo
THINGS TO DO IN Negombo
THINGS TO DO IN Negombo
THINGS TO DO IN Negombo

Experience Negombo Lagoon by boat
Given the abundance of fish in Negombo, I assumed a lagoon would be present as well. I understand that it should be the other way around.
Negombo has a thriving fish market district thanks to the city’s teeming, biodiverse lagoon. Therefore, you must visit and admire the magnificent lagoon in Negombo.
Take a leisurely boat trip on the Negombo lagoon, which is one of the most thrilling things to do. Take a boat excursion and cruise around the lagoon’s waters to see uncommon birds, dense mangrove swamps, and inhabitants going about their daily lives. Observe Sri Lanka’s fishing culture here as well.

Best Things To Do In Negombo, Dutch Fort Negombo
Dutch Fort Negombo Illustrations By Adee11

Best Things To Do In Negombo Dutch Fort

On a Negombo sightseeing trip, the old Dutch fort is a must-see. This vital reminder of Negombo’s colonial past, despite its deterioration, still stands.
There are only a few fort ramparts and a historic clock tower to view here. The fort is not as well-maintained as the ones at Galle or Jaffna. But it’s a worthwhile tourist destination in Negombo, particularly for history aficionados.
The St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is close by. Therefore, it is simple to blend watching the two together.
The Dutch Fort is one of Negombo’s top tourist attractions. The fort’s architecture is reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s colonial period under the Dutch administration. A trip to this fort will bring back memories of the city’s past under the Dutch.

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple
Kelaniya Buddhist Temple

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple
You could have missed the well-known Kelaniya Buddhist Temple if you’ve already seen the main sights and are wondering what else there is to see in Negombo. The temple, which is only 20 kilometers south of the town, boasts exquisite wall murals that will keep you staring at them for hours. Visitors can also spend a few quiet hours at the temple sitting quietly and practicing meditation. Numerous little shops with souvenirs and figurines of the temple’s god may be found right outside the temple. You can decide to purchase some of them and bring them home as souvenirs. It is without a doubt among the top attractions in the vicinity of Negombo.

Best Things To Do In Negombo, Visit the Negombo fish market.
Visit the Negombo fish market.

Visit the Negombo fish market.
The major fish market in Negombo is one of my favorite locations to go to.
Negombo, the fishing capital of Sri Lanka, is constantly bustling with activity. In many areas of the city, fishermen and women continue to use conventional netting and fish drying techniques.
In addition to providing information on these antiquated methods, the fish market in Negombo also enables you to gain a thorough understanding of regional culture and customs.
Come here to experience a riot of hues, aromas, and smiles, and leave mesmerized by the emotional overload that is the Negombo fish market.

Hamilton Canal cruise
Hamilton Canal cruise
Hamilton Canal cruise
Hamilton Canal cruise

Hamilton Canal cruise
The Hamilton Canal is a magnificent Negombo attraction that was constructed by the British in the 19th century. During colonial times, this 9-mile (14-km) long route served as the primary means of delivering cargo to the harbor.
Since the Dutch had established a network of waterways connecting Sri Lankan ports with inland Dutch territory in the 18th century, the Hamilton Canal is frequently referred to as the Dutch Canal. A section of it was the Hamilton Canal. However, the British constructed a formal canal a great deal later.
In Negombo, cruising down the Hamilton Canal is enjoyable. Birds will be visible, and you will witness fishermen returning with their morning catch while you observe river life.

Frequently asked questions:

What is Negombo known for?

Negombo was a major port known for its trading activity and was well known for its cinnamon cultivation.

Is a trip to Negombo worthwhile?


Negombo, which is only 15 minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport, is the ideal location to visit in Sri Lanka to enjoy beautiful beaches.

Negombo is ideal location to visit in Sri Lanka to enjoy beautiful beaches.

For what is Sri Lanka renowned?


Sri Lanka is known for its friendly smiles, spicy cuisine, unusual fruits, and a variety of sweetmeats that are unique to the country. Due to the coexistence of so many cultures, Sri Lanka hosts a number of celebrations throughout the year, making it the perfect destination for fun and relaxation.

Sri Lanka is known for its friendly smiles

What is renowned about Negombo?


The beach city of Negombo, which is famous for having a Dutch Canal flowing through it, is one of Sri Lanka’s main economic centers.

The beach city of Negombo, which is famous for

Is it better to stay in Negombo or Colombo?


Even though Negombo has significantly fewer amenities than Colombo, it is still recommended to visit for a while and take advantage of the comfort and luxury. It would be best to visit Colombo as the final destination to enjoy some retail therapy, souvenir shopping, and other activities before departing the nation.

stay in Negombo

Which is the best area in Colombo?

There are 15 zones in the city of Colombo. For those who want to experience Colombo’s distinctive ambiance in the middle of its top cultural offers, Kollupitiya in zone 3 is the perfect place to stay.

Is it worth visiting Colombo Sri Lanka?

Absolutely, that is the case. One of South Asia’s most picturesque nations is Sri Lanka. Traveling to Sri Lanka is not only cheaply priced, but it also offers a wide range of experiences that are all within reach in a short 14-day vacation.

Illustrations By ADEE11

Thanks For Visiting

5 Responses

Leave a Reply