Negombo, an attractive city in Sri Lanka lies on the west coast and is north of the capital Colombo. The city has one of Sri Lanka’s first beach resorts and lies very close to Sri Lanka’s International Airport. Due to this, this city has become an easily accessible tourist destination. Apart from tourism, Negombo is also known for its cinnamon production.

8 Best Places To Visit In Negombo

Being a popular choice for many travelers, the gorgeous beaches and water sports make Negombo a must visit destination for tourists. Offering many stay options from hostels to five star resorts, it becomes easy for the travelers to explore the popular places to visit in Negombo.

  • Fishing Village
  • Dutch Fort
  • St. Marys Church
  • Negombo Beaches
  • Negombo Lagoon
  • Kelaniya Buddhist Temple
  • Dutch Clock Tower
  • Hamilton Canal

1. Fishing Village

fishing village

Image Credit: pen_ash by Pixabay

Apart from Negombo sightseeing, this city is also a fishing village. A visit to the fishing village is enlightening. Fishing is how the city originated and still stands the backbone of the local community. Located on the outskirts of the town, tourists can spend a quiet evening walking through the fishing village and gain an insight on how the villagers make their living.

Must Read: 7 National Parks That Offer The Wildest Sri Lanka Safari.


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2. Dutch Fort

Dutch Fort

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One of the best places to visit in Negombo is the Dutch Fort. The structure of the fort resembles the Sri Lankas colonial days when they were under the rule of the Dutch. A visit to this fort will reminiscence the memories of how the city was during the Dutch era.

3. St. Marys Church

St. Marys Church

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Negombo is a city that is heavily dominated by Christianity and has many churches. One among the top places to visit in Negombo is the St. Mary’s Church. The church is a tall building that is grand and lavish in structure. It consists of three levels which can be seen when you are approaching the church from the front.

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4. Negombo Beaches

Negombo Beaches

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Negombo beaches and Negombo Beach Park are the reason tourists visit this city. The sandy beaches and beautiful resorts on the shore makes your visit to this city fulfilling. These beaches also offer several water sports for adventure lovers. Once you are at the Negombo beach, you will surely not want to leave this city.

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5. Negombo Lagoon

Negombo Lagoon

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The Negombo lagoon is one of the major Negombo tourist attractions. The Lagoon is located 40km north from Colombo. It forms a part of the Negombo lagoon coastal wetland and Muthurajawela marsh. The water depth is about 2m and has a narrow opening to the sea at the north.

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6. Kelaniya Buddhist Temple

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple

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If you have visited all the major attractions and wondering what to see in Negombo, then you might have missed the famous Kelaniya Buddhist Temple. Situated just 20km south from the town, the temple has fine wall paintings that make you simply gaze at them for hours. Tourists can also spend a few quiet hours meditating and sitting peacefully at the temple. Just outside the temple are many small shopping stalls that have momentos and statues of the deity of the temple. You can choose to buy some of them and take them as a memory when you return home. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit near Negombo.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Villas In Negombo Where You Can Chill At The Enchanting Beaches Of Sri Lanka

7. Dutch Clock Tower

Dutch-Clock-Tower

Apart from the citys golden beaches, one of the other places to visit in Negombo is the Dutch Clock Tower. The Dutch Clock Tower is located on top of a small hill. Tourists have to pass the prison entrance to reach the tower. A visit to the clock tower will take you through a journey back to the age of discovery.

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8. Hamilton Canal

Canal

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The Dutch had a love for canals, and the city of Negombo displays it with all pride. There are canals that extend all the way north to Puttalam and south to Colombo. Tourists can hire a cycle the ride the paths of the Hamilton Canal thereby enjoying the scenic views of the small villages along the way. If you havent taken a canal ride in Negombo, you are surely missing something.

Further Read: 5 Best Water Sports In Trincomalee That Will Add More Thrill To Your Sri Lankan Holiday

This Negombo travel guide gives you a small gist of all the places in Negombo. The above mentioned are some of the best places to visit in Negombo that are a must-visit by all travelers on their next trip to Sri Lanka.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Negombo

What is there to do in Negombo Sri Lanka?

Try these exciting things to do in Negombo:
1. Take a Canal Boat Ride
2. Enjoy a relaxing day at the Negombo Beach
3. Shopping at Negombo city market
4. Explore the ruins of the Dutch Fort.

How do I get from Negombo to Kandy?

In order to get to Kandy, you would first need to board a local train to Colombo then get an express bus from there on to reach Kandy. This entire journey would take around 4.5 hrs.

Which is the best place to stay Negombo?

Some of the best places in Negombo where you can enjoy luxurious accommodation and great service are:
1. Optimum Residences
2. The Canoe
3. Bianco Terrace
4. Marcelin Family Villa

What is the best time to visit Negombo?

Negombo enjoys a dry season all throughout the year with monsoons between May and August. The best time to visit Negombo would from December to April when you can enjoy the most pleasant weather.

Which is the most beautiful beach in Negombo?

One of the most stunning Negombo beaches is the Browns Beach. This yellow sand beach is lined up with tall palm trees giving it the tropic look. Whether you want to take an early morning stroll or enjoy a midnight swim or simply enjoy water sports, this beach is definitely a haven for all beach lovers.

Can we swim in the Negombo beaches?

Yes. You can swim in Negombo beaches but first, confirm it with the locals as every spot may not be very safe for swimming.

Is Negombo a safe city to visit?

Negombo is a safe place to visit during the daytime but its advisable that you avoid roaming around alone after sunset.


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