Negombo is a beach destination in Western Province, Sri Lanka, known for its long sandy beaches, coastal setting and centuries-old fishing industry. Its sights also reflect the area’s religious and colonial heritage. St. Mary’s Church has neoclassical architecture, painted ceilings and religious sculptures, while St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya is built in Gothic Revival style. The former fort points to Negombo’s past as a port and trading centre connected with the cinnamon trade. Negombo Lagoon, a large estuarine lagoon, adds a water-based landscape to the city’s attractions. Several churches and temples are also part of the local sightseeing mix. Travellers interested in beaches, historic buildings, churches, forts, lagoons and Buddhist temples will find varied places to explore. It suits visitors who want a coastal break combined with cultural and religious sights, rather than a holiday focused only on the beach.
Known for: Sandy beaches, Catholic churches, Colonial forts, Estuarine lagoon, Buddhist temples
Top things to do in Negombo
Negombo Beach: Beach
St. Mary's Church - Grand Street: A large Roman Catholic church with neoclassical features, painted ceilings and saint sculptures, visited for its religious art and architecture.
Negombo Dutch Fort: A fort associated with Negombo’s colonial period, port history and cinnamon trade.
St. Sebastian's Church - Katuwapitiya | සාන්ත සෙබස්තියන් දේවස්ථානය - කටුවාපිටිය: A Roman Catholic church built in Gothic Revival style, with architecture based on Reims Cathedral in France.
Negombo Lagoon: A large estuarine lagoon in south-west Sri Lanka.
Aluthepola Vihara: An old Buddhist temple and formally recognised archaeological site in Sri Lanka.
When is the best time to visit Negombo?
Best months: January to March
January to March is the usual time to visit, the driest months. May and October to November bring heavy rain, and June to August is the south-west monsoon.
January: 80 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
February: 77 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
March: 112 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
April: 219 mm of rain, rainy
May: 314 mm of rain, heavy rain
June: 144 mm of rain, some rain
July: 101 mm of rain, some rain
August: 134 mm of rain, some rain
September: 196 mm of rain, rainy
October: 321 mm of rain, heavy rain
November: 357 mm of rain, heavy rain
December: 192 mm of rain, rainy
How to reach Negombo
By air: Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB), about 7 km from Negombo in a straight line
By train: Negombo railway station, about 1 km from Negombo in a straight line