Negombo

Negombo has a cool little village atmosphere and is only an hour from Colombo and not far from the airport. The beach caters to tourists, with a shoreline dotted with restaurants and small shops selling handicrafts. Bands and musicians perform along the beach, adding to the lively atmosphere. The beach is wide and flat, with locals offering beach chair and umbrella rentals. There are rentals and lessons available for every type of water sport imaginable. Be cautious; the sea here can be rough and has strong currents.

Negombo, six kilometers from Sri Lanka's international airport, is a typical, predominantly Christian fishing town with narrow streets, small boutiques, and many historic churches to visit and see, with routes dating back to the arrival of the Portuguese. Negombo is an excellent location for experiencing Sri Lanka's traditional fishing methods, such as the outrigger canoe, the swifter catamaran, and the lagoon, which is famous for its promfret, lagoon crab, and lobster during season. A resort town with many hotels and restaurants, as well as the famous lagoon, where one can ride in an outrigger sailing canoe and experience the authentic fisherman's life.

Waterland is a fantastic beachfront resort with private villas with private pools and a dining barge with a 360-degree view of the water.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.3/5

Location: on the west coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in Western Province

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Waterland