Negombo is a beach in Sri Lanka that features the strong interest to be close to Colombo Airport. Only 20 minutes drive from the aiport, Negombo can be a nice solution if you want to spend your last night not too far away from the airport and avoid any transportation problem on your way back to the airport.
After a long flight from Europe for exemple, people sometimes decide to relax one or two nights in Colombo, before starting visiting the country. To be honest, I think this is quite a bad idea and a loose of time. The beach is far from being as beautiful as the other beaches we saw in Sri Lanka, the city itsself has no real interest, (excepted the fish market but you can see one in Tangalle) and the hotels are much more expensive than in the rest of the country, certainly due to Colombo proximity. Instead, I would suggest to spend one night in Colombo and start to feel the atmosphere of the country. Otherwise, if you want to avoid the noise and stress of the city, then, go directly to southern beaches around Galle (2 hours drive from Colombo and then you are done to relax !)
On the opposite, spending the last night in Negombo can be an option, as you already saw the major attractions of the country, but I do not recommend more than one night. Souvenirs shopping experience is quite poor with just few shops. Dining experience does not offer special opportunities to my opinion and the beach can be quite windy. Choose at least a nice hotel to rest around the swimming pool :)
Hotels and resorts are to my opinion way too much expensive, especially if you take the time to read comments on trip advisor describing the poor quality of accomodations. We decided to book a boutique hotel that was not on the beach and therefore less expensive (90 € instead of 180 € in major resorts). The boutique Hotel was Pledge 3 and was ok for the price but this will be the subject of another post.
The day we came in Negombo was quite special as it was full moon and Sri Lankan inhabitants were on bank holiday. The beach was full of families which is quite different from other beaches with tourists and hotels only. The atmosphere is different and it is nice to see locals enjoying their own country.
The two main attractions of Negombo are the Hamilton dutch canal with fishing boats and the fish market. You have to get there around 6 or 7am to observe the buzzling activity of fishermen. Be warned, the fishmarket is wellknown for having a very very strong smelling ! Be brave ;) We did not have the courage to wake up after two weeks of journeys around Sri Lanka and our stop to Negombo was to rest but I regret it a bit....
Enjoy and relax in Negombo :)
Hotels and resorts are to my opinion way too much expensive, especially if you take the time to read comments on trip advisor describing the poor quality of accomodations. We decided to book a boutique hotel that was not on the beach and therefore less expensive (90 € instead of 180 € in major resorts). The boutique Hotel was Pledge 3 and was ok for the price but this will be the subject of another post.
Enjoy and relax in Negombo :)
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