Negombo

Negombo is a working fishing town on the west coast, about twenty minutes from the airport. Most travellers know it as a first or last night, and it does that job well: you land, rest, and wake to a beach lined with painted oruwas, the narrow outrigger boats the fishermen use.

In the morning, walk down to the fish market and the drying racks, and ask your driver about a slow boat ride through the lagoon and its mangroves. The town has a long Catholic tradition, so you will also pass many churches.

The beach is fine for a paddle and a sunset walk, but the sea can be rough in the south-west monsoon, roughly May to September, so we do not plan your beach days here. One night before or after a long flight is usually enough.