NEGOMBO is an important fishing town with Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage . It is also a popular tourist resort because of its proximity to the international airport and its beachfront location . The Dutch legacy is seen in the remains of the grand Dutch Fort and the Dutch canal , now called Hamilton Canal , which runs from Colombo to Chilaw via Negombo .

The beaches at Negombo are wide and good for walking . The currents can be strong here so it is better to swim in the hotel pool . It is fascinating to see how the fishing industry dominates life in coastal Negombo , with the fish market , the auctions and the stalls along the beach . The tourist resort area of Negombo caters to a wide spectrum of holidaymakers . It ’ s lively at night and has bars , restaurants , tourist shops and fashion outlets , selling everything from flip-flops to colourful batiks and handlooms . For nature lovers and birdwatchers there are the Muthurajawela wetlands where four varieties of kingfisher are frequently seen , as well as Negombo Lagoon . Offshore wrecks and a reef provide spots for diving ( November to April , when the seas are calmer ). PADI instructors , some other water sports and fishing trips are also available . Whalewatching and dolphin-watching boat trips are possible further north in Kalpitiya , a 3 to 4 hour drive away .

CLIMATE With daytime temperatures from 26-33C , Negombo is hot and humid , though sea breezes cool the air . Evenings are slightly cooler . The main monsoon brings unsettled weather between May and August .

DRIVING DISTANCES Negombo to Colombo International Airport 20 minutes Negombo to Sigiriya 3 – 3.5 hours Negombo to Kandy 3.5 hours Negombo to Colombo 1-1.5 hours

Negombo sunset

Kalpitiya

Anantaya Resort & Spa

Chilaw

NEGOMBO AND WEST COAST

Suriya Luxury Resort Waikkal

Jetwing Sea Negombo

Jetwing Beach

Jetwing Lagoon Jetwing Blue Casa Heliconia Ayurveda Pavilions

The Wallawwa eritance Negombo

Colombo

Wadduwa

Beruwala Bentota

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