While most travel south once landing in Sri Lanka, north of Bandaranaike International Airport lies an underrated gem worth exploring. Surrounded by lagoon and ocean views, Negombo offers a peaceful retreat of golden beaches, mangroves, and delicious food. Here’s everything you need to see and do, with a guide to Negombo, Sri Lanka.
Tour the Mangroves of Muthurajawela Wetlands
Negombo is home to a vast network of mangroves. This fascinating ecosystem is home to incredibly diverse wildlife, from freshwater clams to monitor lizards (and even gangs of monkeys). Hop aboard one of the many boat tours available, and discover the mangrove’s beauty on a guided excursion through its tangled roots.
Journey Through the Historic Dutch Canal
The historic canals of the city are a stunning sight, dotted with colourful fishing boats and bobbing along the water. Some tours offer the chance to journey all the way to Puttalam via the waterways, making this canal network one of the more exciting Negombo attractions worth exploring.
Watch Sunsets from Browns Beach
Lined with restaurants and iconic hotels like Heritance Negombo, the area’s most famous beach is the go-to spot for watching sunsets. With golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see, Browns Beach offers unobstructed views of the setting sun.
Try Sri Lanka’s Iconic Crab Curry
Seafood served at restaurants in Negombo is some of the best in the country, and crab curries are no exception. Spicy and savoury with melt-in-your-mouth crab meat, this iconic curry is paired perfectly with roti and beachfront dining.
