Negombo brings together waterways, architectural history and the coast. A 100 km-long canal runs through the city and is still in use; at the northern end of the lagoon is the Lellama (Lel-La-Ma) fish market. Churches dating from the Portuguese era, an old Dutch fort gate, temples and Negombo Ethukala Beach complete the selection. As you plan, it helps to ask yourself one question: do you want your stay to focus mainly on water-based experiences, religious and architectural culture, or the beach?

The canal and lagoon as different ways to experience the water

The 100 km-long canal runs through Negombo and is still in use. At the same time, it is an attraction that lets you experience the land from a different perspective. Its continued use and its value as a visitor attraction are both part of its character. At the fish market, by contrast, fishing trips and boat trips into the lagoon and the ocean beyond can be arranged. These offer different kinds of water-based experiences: the canal is an attraction in its own right, while trips from the market go into the lagoon and farther out. So, when deciding what interests you, you can choose between the canal as a sight to see and an organised trip.

Fish market and trips on the water

Daily fish auctions take place at the Lellama (Lel-La-Ma) fish market, at the northern end of the lagoon. Visitors can meet local fishers and buy fish there. The market therefore combines the chance to watch an auction with the opportunity to shop for yourself and meet people from the local fishing community. If you’re interested in a trip, fishing excursions into the lagoon and the ocean beyond can be arranged at the market; boat trips on these waters are also available. You can visit the market on its own or plan one of the trips that can be arranged there as another focus of your visit. When deciding, it helps to distinguish between a fishing excursion and a boat trip: both go into the lagoon and the ocean beyond, but they are different types of trip on offer.

Churches, fort gate and temples

Negombo’s old Dutch fort gate was built in 1672 and is now part of the prison. The richly decorated Roman Catholic churches from the Portuguese era within the city earned Negombo the nickname “Little Rome.” These churches offer a different cultural perspective from the area’s Buddhist heritage: the Agurukaramulla Temple draws Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka to Negombo each year. Intricate wood and stonework is also a notable feature of Angurukaramulla Temple; its window frames and moonstones are nearly three centuries old. These differences can help you choose which cultural sites to visit: the fort gate offers a historical connection, the churches stand out for their decoration and nickname, while the temple foregrounds Buddhist tradition and its old wood and stonework.

Beach and finding accommodation

Negombo Ethukala Beach has golden sand and a palm-fringed coast. The beach adds a scenic dimension to the market, water and cultural themes. If you’re also looking for a beach setting when choosing your destination, you can weigh this up alongside your other interests in the area.

Discover more destinations: Siyambalapitiya, Dalugama, Katunayake, Ja-Ela, Kiribathgoda, Gampaha, Welisara, Bopitiya

Return to the parent travel overview: Gampaha.