Negombo Beach is the closest beach destination to Colombo, around 6km away. Negombo is located only 15 minutes away from the Bandaranaike International Airport, making it easily accessible.
Negombo has a rich heritage and culture. It has unique architectural designs and famous churches that add to its cultural heritage. Negombo was the first place to be occupied by Dutch settlers during the colonial era. It was used to transport spices like cinnamon to the port after its waterways were improved.
Negombo is often referred to as ‘Little Rome’ as many locals were converted to Catholics during the colonial era. Negombo was an important place during the Dutch era, and the town still has a ton of reminders of the Dutch days.
You will likely find the beach lined with fish left to dry when you go further south of the beach. For a more quiet escape, head towards the north of the beach.
Wear sunscreen and a hut when walking on the beach as it doesn’t have many shady spots, and the sun tends to be too hot at times. Sometimes the beach experiences strong waves and tides; people are always advised to swim with caution.
Negombo Beach has a long stretch that is popular for evening strolls and catching the sunset. Even though Negombo Beach is not considered Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beach due to a tinge of brown due to pollution, it nevertheless attracts a large number of people.
Negombo beach is the perfect vacation spot with its luxury hotels, restaurants, and beautiful hotels. It caters to travellers from every walk of life.
Things to do in Negombo Beach include:
- Go diving. Negombo Beach is the perfect diving sport where you will see all sorts of colourful fish and beautiful corals.
- Fly handmade kites on the beach. Negombo’s strong winds make kite flying a favourite activity among many.
- Try the local cuisine like kottu and hopper.
- Rent a catamaran(small boat or yacht) and enjoy the sunset while sailing over the Indian Ocean.
- Join the fishermen in fishing in their local traditional fishing boats that are known as paruvas and oruvas. The boats are said to date back to the seventeenth century.
- Visit the fish market and watch daily fish auctions.
- Attend one of its famous night beach parties. Enjoy excellent drinks, sumptuous foods, and great music all night.
- Visit the protected marshland and lagoons that are home to more than 192 species of wildlife.
The best time to visit Negombo Beach is from November to April, when the weather is dry. It rains a lot during the summer months. If you don’t mind the occasional rains, then you can visit Negombo Beach during this season, as prices tend to be much lower.
Vacationing at Negombo Beach is slow and calm, and you can spend your days sunbathing. It doesn’t get too crowded at Negombo Beach, meaning you can enjoy your vacation with very few distractions.
