Negombo is one of the major commercial hubs in the country and the administrative centre of Negombo Division. Negombo has about 142,136 population within its divisional secretariat division.
Negombo considered as one of the largest economic centre of the country. Negombo is about 5–6 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport, and the free trade zone. Negombo has a moderate fish port mostly used during the periods of Portuguese and Dutch colonization.
The economy of Negombo is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry, though it also produces cinnamon, ceramics, and brass ware.
The Colombo Stock Exchange Negombo branch and many major financial corporations have their key branches in Negombo. There are department stores, large supermarkets, and boutiques in the bustling streets of Downtown and international food outlets are being opened.
Negombo is known for its long sandy beaches and centuries old fishing industry. Negombo has a large bilingual population of Roman Catholics, known as Negombo Tamils who have their own Tamil dialect but mostly identify themselves as Sinhala.
The name Negombo is the Portuguese colloquial name of its Tamil name Neerkolombu.
The Sinhala name Migamuva means Village of the honeycomb, gaining its name from a legend mentioned in Rajaveliya.
The army of King Kavantissa found bee honey in a canoe near the seashore, for Viharamahadevi who was pregnant with the prince Dutugamunu. Because of this, the place was named Mee-Gomuwa.
The shallow waters of the Negombo Lagoon provided safe shelter for seafaring vessels and became one of the key ports along with Kalpitiya, Puttalam, Colombo, Kalutara and Galle, from which the Sri Lankan kingdoms conducted external trade.
The Jaffna kings who controlled greater parts of the North-west coast of Sri Lanka, built fortifications at Negombo, Colombo and Chilaw. The language used in and around the Negombo and Chilaw area was predominantly Tamil when the Portuguese colonizers arrived in the 16th century.
Negombo served also as a shelter for Arabic vessels, whose descendants are the Sri Lankan Moors. Negombo was a major port known for its trading activity and was well known for its cinnamon cultivation. The cinnamon trade was controlled by the Jaffna kings and later by the Sri Lankan Moors.
Negombo is about 2 meters above sea level, and Negombo's geography is a mix of land and water. The Dutch canal flows in the heart of the city. The lagoon is one of the most scenic landmarks of Negombo.
There are over 190 species of wildlife and plenty of birds in its mangroves. The northern border of the city is formed by the Ma Oya river which meets the Indian Ocean.
Negombo features a tropical rainforest climate. The city receives rainfall mainly from the Southwestern monsoons from May to August and October to January. During the remaining months there is a little precipitation due to Convective rains.
The average annual precipitation is about 2400 millimetres. The average temperature varies 24 to 30 degrees Celsius, and there are high humidity levels from February to April.
Negombo Lagoon is large semi-enclosed coastal water body with plenty of natural resources. The lagoon is fed by number of small rivers and the Dutch canal. It is linked to the Indian Ocean by a narrow channel to the north, near Negombo city.
The lagoon and the marsh land area also support local agriculture and forestry. It has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds. The lagoon supports so many distinct species of flora, fauna and as well as another species of birds and variety of animals.
Negombo Lagoon is a major local and tourist attraction primarily for sightseeing and boating tours.
The fishermen who are based at the Negombo lagoon live in abject poverty in shanty thatch palm villages along the water's edge. They rely mainly on their traditional knowledge of the seasons for their livelihood, using outrigger canoes carved out of tree trunks and nylon nets to bring in modest catches from September through April.
Their boats are made in two forms, oruvas a type of sailing canoe and paruvas a large, man-powered catamaran fitted with kurlon dividers.
The men are regularly forced to head out to the ocean to fish, often losing money in the chartering process. In recent years, the villagers have supplemented the income earned from fishing by collecting toddy, or palm sap, which is used to brew arrack.
The Airport Expressway opened in 2013 links the capital Colombo through the Katunayake Interchange with Negombo city minimising travelling time to approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
There are highway bus services running between from Negombo to Galle and Matara the southern tip of the country using the Southern Expressway.
The A3 main road from Colombo, goes through Negombo, extends to Jaffna, and Trincomalee via Anuradhapura. Negombo is connected with some of the B grade roads, and there is a good road network in and around Negombo City.
The Bus Terminal complex of Negombo has multiple facilities for passengers and public. It is served by many bus routes, connecting with some major destinations in the country.
Due to Negombo being situated along A3 Main Road, it is served by many bus routes from Colombo to Northern and North western points of Sri Lanka including Jaffna, Vavuniya, Padaviya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Pulmude, Mannar, Kankasanthura, Point Pedro, Velvetithurai, Nikaweratiya, Panduwasnuwara, Anamaduwa and Silawathurai.
Four railway stations serve Negombo, they are: Kurana, Negombo Downtown, Kattuwa and Kochchikade. Negombo Downtown Station is the main railway station on the Puttalam railway line. It serves Panadura, via Colombo from south and to Puttalam, via Chilaw from north.
The Sri Lanka Railway Department has introduced an intercity express train between Chilaw and Colombo with stops at Negombo Downtown and Kochchikade Stations.
The Negombo Downtown Station is close to the central Bus Terminal Complex. Negombo is the closest major city to the Bandaranaike International Airport.
According by the statistics of 2011, 6.3% of the population of Gampaha district live in Negombo city limits and 11.6% of the population of the district live in Negombo Metropolis. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural city. Most of Negombo's residents belong to the Sinhalese majority.
There are Tamil and Muslim people also living in the city. Though almost all of the residents living in Negambo are Sri Lankans there are small foreign communities that are present in the city, most notably the Chinese community.
Religious & Ethnic Identification and Classification in Negombo:
- Roman Catholic: 92,527
- Muslim: 20,308
- Buddhist: 15,681
- Hindu: 8,290
- Other Christian: 4,740
- Other: 130
- Total: 141,676
Negombo is a multi-religious city. Since the beginning of European colonization, the township of Negombo has had a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.
Negombo has been given the name Little Rome due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches such as St. Mary's Church found in the township and because the majority are the Roman Catholics.
St. Sebastian Church at Sea Street and Katuwapitiya, Saint Stephen’s Church, Negombo, Grand Street St.Mary's Church, St.Anne's churches at Kurana and Palangatura, St.Anthony's church Dalupotha and Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Kandawala are the biggest parishes in Negombo. There are over 25 Roman Catholic churches in the city.
There is a branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Negombo. The church building is just west of the intersection of Ave Maria street and Old Chilaw street. There are also Methodist churches, Baptist churches, and the other Anglican churches in Negombo.
Kali Amman Temple Negombo Sri Lanka
Buddhist temple: Agurukaramulla Raja Maha Viharaya (Bodhirajaramaya) is a famous Buddhist temple bringing Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka to Negombo every year.
Abhayasekararamaya temple (Podipansala), Sri Sudarshanaramaya, Dutugamunu viharaya and Sri Buddhagaya maha viharaya are famous Buddhist temples in the city.
Hindu Kovil temple: There are many Hindu temples (Kovil) in Negombo: Kali Amman temple, Ganapathi (Pillaiar) Temple, Kamachchi Amman Temple, Muththumari Amman Temple, Murugan (Kandaswami) Temple, Karumari Amman Temple etc.
Muslim Masjid or mosques: There are nine Jummah Mosques in Negombo. The Kamachchoda Jummah Masjid in Kamachchoda, Negombo is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka.
Another old Msajid in Negombo is the Udayar Thoppuwa Mosque, Mirigama Road, Dheen Junction, Negombo which was built in 1846 by Maththicham Saleem Lebbe Muhammed Thamby Vidane and the old building which was built in 1846 is still in use.
Katunayake airport is closer to Negombo than Colombo. Most Hotels arrange to pick up but at a very high cost, around 1500 to 2500 LKR. An official airport taxi costs 1450 LKR, book at one of the counters in the departure lounge.
A cheaper option is to take the free shuttle bus, exit the airport, turn left and walk until the shuttle bus stop at the end of the building from the Arrival Terminal to Katunayake bus stop which is just 5 minutes away from the airport.
Then take a tuk-tuk to your hotel in Negombo for 400 to 500 LKR or take a regular bus to Negombo centre for around 50 LKR.
After leaving arrival building many taxi drivers want to sell you a ride and tell you wrong information. You should not pay more than 700 LKR for a tuk tuk. Taxi is only interesting if you are a group of 6 or more persons.
If you want to go by public bus it is recommeded only at daytime 6am - 3pm) :
Leave Airport and turn right. There is a sign, to the left to colobmo, to the right to Negombo. Please be strong and ignore all the TukTuk.
Walk along road for around 2 or more kilometers until a T-Crossing on the left; Avariwatta Road. You cannot miss it there are many houses.
Turn left and go to next crossing with a clock tower. You will pass on the left the entrance to the airport export area or something like that. You can take a shortcut to the bus stand or keep going on the street.
On the clock tower crossing turn left, many shops and restaurants Bus Stand on the left.
The village/area is called Katunayake. The name of the bus stand is "AIRPORT" in case you come from Colombo.
Within Bus stand find the bus to Negombo Beach every 20-30 min; Tickets are paid within bus.
Within Bus Stand in Negombo search bus 905 and go to Negombo Beach.
From Colombo the regular slow bus departs at the Colombo Central Bus Stand, roughly every 30 minutes. The Air-Conditioned Express Bus costs LKR130 and leaves from the Gunasinghepura Bus Stop behind the Central Bus Stand and is a 2 minute walk. There is a designated waiting for the AC 240 Bus.
Tuk Tuk or Three wheelers 150 LKR from the Negombo Bus/Train Station to any hotel at Lewis Place. Bus 905 runs between Ethukala and Negombo Centre. Approx. every 30-60mins.
There is not much to see in Negombo just a long strip of Sandy Beach, sit back, relax, sun bath or take a dive in to the Indian Ocean but the water is mostly rough.
You can also visit:
- Negombo Fish Market.
- Muturajawella Marsh land.
- Anavillundawa Bird sanctuary. Ramsar declared wet land 50 km from negombo
- Dutch Canal.
- Mangrove park at negombo Lagoon.
- Dutch Fort & Church.
- Grand Street Church, Main Street Negombo.
You will need to buy Beach wear, gems and batiks
Eat at Sea Joy, lowis place st. next to no.189. good local food and lovely service! if you ask they can make hoppers and pittu. The guest house rooms are nice and very clean. cheap.
The Peacock, 125 Lewis Place. A friendly bar with various drinks and wooden benches and stools and a wall written with greetings and recommendations. Also serves food. Drinks from Rs200.
Lespri Grand, 35, Kimbulapitiya Road, Thelwaththa Junction, Negombo 10 minutes from the Airport. checkin: 02:00; checkout: 10:30. A comfortable home away from home type, guest house with friendly staff, spotless rooms and free WiFi. All rooms have spacious private bathrooms and a television.
They offer Free drop to Bandaranaike International Airport. With/without A/C and breakfast.
Hostel First Colombo Airport, No 477 Negombo Road, Negombo, 11450, Sri Lanka. The distance is 4.5 kilometres from the airport. Just follow the road away from the airport until it crosses with Negombo Road. Turn right and follow Negombo Road until you see Hostel First sign on the left.
Star Beach Hotel, 83/3 Lewis Place. The hotel is on the beach beside Golden Star Beach Hotel, Opposite Ocean View Tourist Guest House. Older hotel with beach front access, a nice sitting area, hammocks, and free WiFi. Friendly staff and new owners who are currently improving the hotel.
Throw back a couple glasses of arrack with the owners, they're fun to talk to. Non-air conditioned room ground floor 2450 Rupiya, clean and simple rooms.
St. Lachlan Hotel & Suites, St. Lachlans Beach Villa, St. Anthony's Lane, Ettukala. The hotel comprises of 16 elegantly appointed guest rooms and Suites, all of which have LED TV, DVD Player, mini-bar, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Some of its amenities are a pool bar, swimming pool, and a gift/souvenir Shop. Rates on official website start at USD 176.00.
Marine Tourist Guest House, 118 Lewis Place 1 km from the city center. checkin: noon; checkout: noon. A modern guest house with friendly staff, spotless rooms free WiFi and with private balcony. All rooms have spacious private bathrooms and a television refrigertator.
Available is a 24 hour front desk , pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport. With/without A/C and breakfast Rs3500/4500 Dormitory female only and Mixed with Air conditioning and Hot water per bed Rs.1300 1,500.
Mr Silal Fernando Homestay, Just outside Negombo. Mr Fernando is an amicable gentleman who runs this small homestay. He offers airport pickups for 800 rupees. Meals available. Sgl 1000, Dbl 1500 With A/C 2500.
Windmill Hotel, On Beach Rd, close to Topaz Beach Hotel. The rooms here are pretty basic and could be cleaner, but the staff are friendly. As of September 2012 the hotel was halfway through putting in a pool. Family room 4500.
Suriya Arana, 92 Park Lane, One block back from Beach Road, close to shops and restaurants. This is a small guesthouse with an apartment, large family room and two double rooms. The rooms are clean, there is WiFi, and the owners are helpful.
Meals, tours and airport pickup are available. Prices vary depending to season.
Hostel Negombo Beach, 42, Kannattha Para, Cemetery Road. Amazing new and cheap place with super nice lady, great to meet other travelers, clean toilets, new house, superfast WIFI, free kitchen and very near the beach. Basic meals of fried rice/noodles can be arranged for 200 LKR.
There is no sign at the door yet, so you have to check for the house at the number 42 it's near by Blue Horizon hotel 1300LKR dorm.
Blue Horizon Guest House, 81 Cemetary Road, Kudapaduwa, Negombo. Clean and comfortable. Rooms have TV and hot water. Free wifi. Free tea and coffee in the lobby. single/double with AC: $33/38.50.
Villa Flywing Guesthouse, 72/A Cemetary Road. New homestay that feels like crashing with messy relatives. Fun vibe. Big sunny rooms with private bathroom with hot water. There is a kitchen that guests can use, as well as free wifi. Call Gayan Randeni for more pricing. Double: $30 with AC and breakfast.
Hotel Dorset, 70/1A Cemetary Road, Kudapaduwa, Negombo. Free wifi. Rooms have private baths with hot water. This guesthouse has a split personality: the rooms vary in quality so ask to see them.
There are cheaper rooms available for 1800 LKR but they are damp and dark, whereas the rooms upstairs are bright, sunny, and very clean. Single with fan/AC: 2100/2400 LKR; Double with fan/AC: 2200/2500 LKR; Triple: 2400 LKR..
Sha Residence, 80 Cemetary Road. Free Wi-Fi. Rooms have cable TV and private bathrooms with hot water. Clean, bright, and sunny rooms. Single with fan/AC: $10/15 single w/ fan 2000 LKR. Double with fan/AC: $25/30. Triple with fan/AC: $35/40. Can provide breakfast for an additional $5.
Parklane55 Apartments, 55, Park Lane, Ettukala Negombo. Comfortable Apartments with free WIFI zone in all areas, Flatscreen Satellite TV with international channels, seating area and full equipped kitchen. Beach and international restaurants are in walking distance, just enough laid back for a quiet and relaxed stay.
Parklane88 Apartments, 88, St. Joseph Mawata Ettukala, Negombo. Just opposite Parklane55 Apartments. Brandnew Apartments, big balconies or terraces, breakfast restaurant. You will find comfortable rooms with free WIFI zone in all areas, Flatscreen Satellite TV with international channels, seating area and full equipped kitchen.
Beach and international restaurants are in walking distance, just enough laid back for a quiet and relaxed stay. Outside Jaccuzy pool
Jetwing Beach, Porutota Road, Ethukale, Negombo 11500. The hotel comprises of 75 deluxe rooms and 3 exclusive suites which feature a private balcony or terrace with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. It is also inclusive of Spa Treatments, 2 Swimming pools, a tennis court and much more.
Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilion is nice and serene hotel, and in close proximity to Negombo. They offer airport pickup, staff is friendly and you really feel at home. prices may vary from LKR25,000 to LKR28,000 full board.
Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Beach, Ethukale, Negombo, Sri Lanka. Quick Links. Jetwing Beach is overlooking the beautiful ocean and consists of spa treatments and wellness facilities with luxury rooms. Starting prices for a room go at LKR15000 and can climb to LKR25000
Jetwing Sea, Jetwing Sea, Palangaturai, Kochchikade, Negombo, Sri Lanka Quick Link. Jetwing Sea is located is a beautiful pristine location in front facing the ocean. with wellness seas and many activities to do, their rooms start at 25,000
Jetwing Lagoon, Jetwing Lagoon, Pamunugama Road, Thalahena, Negombo, Sri Lanka. Jetwing lagoon is surrounded by pristine beaches and consists of luxury accommodation. Prices may vary from the standard deluxe room to the bawa suite starting at LKR22000
Jetwing Thalahena Villas, B425, Negombo. checkin: 2 pm; checkout: 12 Noon. The perfect villa in Sri Lanka nestled away from hectic urban life. The two deluxe rooms and one suite at Jetwing Thalahena Villas can accommodate a maximum of eight guests if you wish to book the entire villa for yourselves. $135.00.
Club Hotel Dolphin, Kammala South, Waikkal, Negombo, located at a distance of 56 km from the city of Colombo and 20 kms from the Bandaranaike International Airport. checkin: 2 pm; checkout: 12 pm. Club Hotel Dolphin, in Negombo is a family hotel, located minutes away from the international airport.
This beachfront property is great for your beach vacation. The hotel features a spa and wellness centre, meeting and event venues, swimming pool, theatre, discotheque, fitness centre, mini library, pool table, badminton, tennis and squash courts, archery and a range of watersports such as kayaking, water aerobics, boat rides, etc. Rates on the official website start at USD 90.
Wallawwa, The Wallawwa, Minuwangoda Road,Opatha, Kotugoda,Sri Lanka. Located at a distance of 18 kms from the Katunayake Airport to colombo. checkin: 2 pm; checkout: 12 pm. Wallawwa is located just 20 minutes from the Katunayake airport.
This is a luxury boutique hotel ideal for your transit holidays. Hotel features many suites and rooms, swimming pool, restuarant and a beautiful garden
Buses leave the main Negombo Bus Stand every 30 mins. The journey costs about 40 LKR. Last bus from Negombo to the airport goes around 18:30. Last bus on sunday laeves at 6:30pm.
To Colombo buses leave the main Negombo Bus Stand every 30 mins. The journey costs 75 LKR and lasts 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. Also there is a new air conditioned Luxury bus service between Colombo and Negombo which uses the newly built Expressway and it is the fastest way to travel between these two cities.
The ticket price for one way journey is Rs 120. Kandy: Bus leaves the main Bus terminal every 30 min.Journey takes 3-4 hours and cost Rs.200
Sigiriya/polonnaruwa, bus leaves the main Bus terminal at 14 hours.It reach sigiriya around 18.00 hrs and polonnaruwa around 20.. hrs
Anuradhpura: you get in to the bus at periyam mulla junction bus stop in negombo. Journey take 4-5 hours. Alternatively you can take A/C bus from Negombo Bus Terminus every 30 minutes starting form 5a.m., it also stops on bus stops until its full of people to Kurunegala, then take direct local bus to Anuradhpura the journey takes about 2 and 1/2 hours.
Tourism Observer
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