Negombo, steeped in history and adorned with natural beauty, is a charming coastal city located just 37km north of Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital. Once a bustling trading hub renowned for its honey and spices, Negombo now thrives as a vibrant fishing port and beach resort.

The city's rich maritime heritage is showcased at the bustling fish market, known as the 'Lellama,' which stands as the country's second-largest fish market after Colombo. Daily fish auctions offer visitors an opportunity to engage with local fishermen and even arrange fishing excursions into the lagoon and beyond into the ocean.

Negombo boasts some of the finest sandy beaches on the west coast, making it a sought-after destination for beach lovers. The city offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from cozy home stays to luxurious hotels equipped with modern amenities. Its lively culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and abundance of local handicrafts and boutiques add to its allure.

Due to its proximity to the International Airport in Katunayake, Negombo serves as an ideal starting or ending point for travelers exploring Sri Lanka. For those with limited time, the city provides a taste of beach life and easy access to nearby attractions such as Kandy, Sigiriya, and Dambulla.

Negombo's colonial past is evident in its architectural treasures, including the 17th-century Dutch fort and centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch houses, churches, and administrative buildings. The influence of the Portuguese is still felt in the predominantly Roman Catholic community.

The city's extensive canal network, constructed by the Dutch for transportation, remains in use today. Boat trips along the canals offer visitors a glimpse of the city's rich birdlife and provide a unique perspective of Negombo's picturesque surroundings. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Negombo captivates visitors with its timeless allure.

Negombo's beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil stretches maintained by tourist hotels to bustling areas frequented by fishermen. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports and diving activities, taking advantage of well-preserved coral reefs and a fascinating shipwreck, the Kudapaduwa, which has evolved into an artificial reef teeming with marine life.

One of the area's notable attractions is the Muthurajawela marshland, a protected area covering 6,000 hectares and home to over 190 species of wildlife. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts flock to Muthurajawela to explore its rich biodiversity, which includes a diverse array of bird species, reptiles, and mammals. The sanctuary offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and witness the delicate balance of its ecosystems.