Spend a relaxing and culturally rich half day in the coastal city of Negombo. Your tour begins with a guided visit to the city’s key landmarks, including the colorful Negombo Fish Market, historic churches, the Buddhist Angurukaramulla Temple, and the scenic Dutch Canal. Along the way, your local guide shares stories about the city’s colonial past, religious diversity, and vibrant daily life.
Next, head to a professional wellness center for a 75-minute full-body Ayurvedic massage using natural herbal oils. This traditional Sri Lankan healing practice helps release tension and promote relaxation through therapeutic pressure and herbal remedies.
Finish your experience with a hearty Sri Lankan lunch served at a local restaurant or homestay. Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared local dishes such as rice, dhal curry, vegetable curries, sambol, and more.
This tour is ideal for those looking to blend cultural discovery, relaxation, and culinary enjoyment in a short amount of time.
Duration: 5 hours<br/>Lunch<br/>Negombo City<br/>Air conditioner car (private)<br/>Ayurvedic massage (Full Body)<br/>Pickup included
Dinner<br/>Pickup included
Negombo was home to Sri Lankan fishermen and women who engaged in traditional fishing methods long before the city became a renowned beach destination with hundreds of beach resorts lining its sandy shore.
This large fish market, located at the western end of Negombo's seashore, is the center of all morning action. The Negombo Fish Market is one of Sri Lanka's largest and most important markets, which drives Negombo's economy.
From the time Sri Lanka was controlled by the Portuguese, the Christian faith has had a strong effect on Negombo. Because of the city's huge number of churches, it is commonly referred to as "Little Rome."
The church's construction began in 1874 and was finished in 1922, after a lengthy break. The art and architecture of this church, as well as a few other comparable buildings in Sri Lanka, reflect the early twentieth-century cultural fusion of European practice with Sri Lankan art and architecture.
The Angurukaramulla Temple is one of Negombo's most well-known temples. It is well-known for its Buddha statue and a spectacular dragon entryway. To enter the temple, one must pass through the dragon's mouth, which is said to ward off evil spirits.
A 300-year-old moss-covered remains of an ancient library may also be seen at the temple. There are several trees in the temple, as well as a pond with turtles. The temple also features several murals, ceiling paintings, and elaborate sculptures depicting Buddha's path to enlightenment.
Sri Singama Kali Amman Kovil in Negombo is a Hindu religious site devoted to Ganesh, the Hindu deity of beginnings who is represented by an elephant.
Ganesh is the patron of scholars, financiers, scribes, and authors, and is typically worshipped before any major undertaking.
Also known as Hamilton Canal is a 14.5 km (9.0 mi) canal connecting Puttalam to Colombo, passing through Negombo in Sri Lanka.
The canal was started in 1802 by the British and finished in 1804. Its purpose was to remove saline water from the Muthurajawela marshes. Gavin Hamilton, the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce, was honored with the canal's name.
The Negombo Dry Fish Processing Area is a fascinating spot where visitors can witness Sri Lanka’s traditional fish preservation techniques.
Here, freshly caught fish—mainly tuna, sprats, and mackerel—are salted and sun-dried on large racks under the tropical sun.
This centuries-old method enhances the flavor and shelf life of the fish, making it a staple in local cuisine. You can walk through the drying fields, interact with local fish processors, and learn about the labor-intensive process that supports many coastal families.
The area offers a truly authentic glimpse into Sri Lanka’s fishing heritage.
St. Sebastian’s Church, located on Sea Street in Negombo, Sri Lanka, is a beautiful blend of colonial and modern architecture. Built in the 16th century, it honors St. Sebastian, the church's patron saint. The church’s white exterior and elegant arches make it a striking landmark. It holds historical and cultural significance, serving as a vital place of worship for the local Catholic community. Annual festivals, particularly the Feast of St. Sebastian, are celebrated with lively processions and prayers. The church offers a peaceful escape, with its serene ambiance perfect for quiet reflection. Located near Negombo’s coastline, visitors can easily combine a church visit with time at the beach, making it a perfect destination for both spiritual reflection and cultural exploration.
Ayurvedic Full Body Massage – 90 minutes
Enjoy a relaxing herbal oil massage in a local Ayurvedic center
Sri Lankan Lunch – 45 minutes
Sri lankan rice and curry lunch at a local restaurant or guesthouse
Negombo is a vibrant coastal city in Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, historic Dutch-era architecture, and the bustling fish market. Often called 'Little Rome' due to its significant Catholic population and churches, it offers a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and lively local life.
Negombo Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand along the Indian Ocean, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is lined with palm trees and offers stunning sunsets.
The Negombo Fish Market is one of the largest and most vibrant fish markets in Sri Lanka. It's a bustling hub where fishermen sell their daily catch, and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood.
St. Mary's Church is a historic Catholic church in Negombo, known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance. It's a popular pilgrimage site and a key landmark in the city.
The Dutch Canal is a historic waterway built by the Dutch during their colonial period. It's a scenic spot for a leisurely walk or boat ride, offering glimpses of local life and nature.
Anguruwankanda Forest Hermitage is a peaceful retreat nestled in a lush forest. It's a great place for meditation, hiking, and experiencing the serenity of nature.
A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked with spices and served with gravy.
A flavorful curry made with fresh seafood, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, served with rice.
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.
A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice cooked in meat stock, wrapped in a banana leaf with meat, sambol, and a hard-boiled egg.
This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rain, making it ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. The city is bustling with tourists during this period.
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
GMT+5:30
230VV, 50HzHz
Negombo is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Negombo Railway Station
Negombo Bus Station
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Negombo. They connect the city center with beaches, markets, and other attractions.
Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber
Car, Bike, Scooter
Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka, offering a mix of modern and colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions.
A scenic boat safari along the Kelani River, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its surroundings.
A unique wetland ecosystem located near Negombo, offering opportunities for birdwatching, boat rides, and nature walks.
Price varies by option