Katunayake is home to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Sri Lanka’s main international airport. For further trip planning, the coastal and cultural attractions of nearby Negombo and nature destinations in Gampaha District can be considered separately.
Nature destinations in the wider Gampaha area
In the wider region, in Gampaha District, there are two coastal wetland reserves, including the Muthurajawela Wetland Reserve. The Muthurajawela Wetland Reserve is one of Sri Lanka’s most important coastal wetland reserves. Muthurajawela Marshland is considered a visitor-accessible attraction in the district. The nearby NARA Mangrove Path is also in the area: this 14-hectare mangrove trail is managed and operated by the National Aquatic Research Authority (NARA). Horagolla Forest Reserve is Sri Lanka’s smallest forest reserve. The region’s nature attractions thus range from coastal wetlands and mangroves to a forest reserve.
Negombo: Beach and history
The coast takes center stage in nearby Negombo. The seaside resort is on Sri Lanka’s west coast; its main attractions include broad sandy beaches and a sea considered safe. Historical sights are also part of the picture: old churches and fishing villages sit alongside the old Dutch Fort Gate and the Dutch Canal. The Fort Gate was built in 1672 and is now part of the prison. The canal served as a supply route for the Dutch administration. The beach and coastal setting on the one hand, and the architectural and historical connections on the other, offer two clearly distinct areas of interest for exploring Negombo.
More destinations in the Western Province
The wider travel destination of the Western Province adds its own botanical and cultural-historical attractions. Henarathgoda Botanic Gardens was founded in 1876 to introduce rubber to Sri Lanka. It houses plant collections of around 2,000 species from Sri Lanka and other countries and is about 450 meters from Gampaha Railway Station. The old Henarathgoda Railway Station has been preserved as a site of historical significance and archaeological interest.
Another botanical attraction is Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens. It was established as Sri Lanka’s first botanical garden dedicated exclusively to the conservation of wet-zone flora. The two gardens therefore have different focuses: Henarathgoda combines the history of the introduction of rubber with plant collections from Sri Lanka and other countries; Seethawaka is dedicated to protecting wet-zone flora.
Cultural interests in the Western Province can also take different directions. Colombo National Museum was founded in 1877 as Sri Lanka’s first national museum. At Gangaramaya Temple, the museum and library are located on the temple grounds. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara features paintings and sculptures by Solias Mendis; Kelaniya Temple is associated with the Buddha’s third and final visit to Sri Lanka.
Recurring events also shape the regional calendar: Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera takes place annually on the January full-moon Poya day. Gangarama Nawam Maha Perahera is held every February and is associated with Gangaramaya Temple. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific dates for your travel year.
More destinations
Other places under the same destination:
To the overarching travel overview: Gampaha.
