Negombo is one of the major cities in Sri Lanka with an interesting history. Situated on the western coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in the Western Province, it is the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka and it is also the administrative capital centre of the Negombo Division.  

 

Negombo is one of the major commercial hubs in Sri Lanka and it is a very important economic centre in the country with about a 144,551 population within city limits. It is approximately 35 km (22 mi) north of Colombo. This city is known for its centuries old fishing industry, with busy fish markets and long, sandy beaches. Negombo is a westernized, vibrant city and it is one of the major tourist destinations in the country. The main international airport (Bandaranaike International Airport) of Sri Lanka is also situated in the Negombo metropolis.

 

What to Expect

Start the tour by setting off on a thrilling catamaran ride into the deep blue ocean and learn fishing in both traditional and modern ways, and catch fish on your own. After that, visit the busy Negombo fish market called the ‘Lellama’ and watch the boats returning with their catch of fresh fish, crab, lobster, prawns, and squid. You can also buy your own selection of fish to add to the seafood platter at lunch.

 

For lunch, you will be taken to a restaurant where you can either watch the chef prepare the seafood platter for you or you can join him in cooking the fish you bought! Your city visit will be done during this time as well. After that, you can enjoy the delicious seafood platter. After lunch, you will set off on a boat ride in the Negombo Lagoon, which is fed by a number of rivers and a canal. The lagoon has an expansive mangrove swamp. The boat ride would let you spot some of the flora and fauna species in the area as well as water birds such as herons, terns, cormorants and shorebirds.

 

Transfers in between sites are done in a tuk-tuk giving you the chance to see and interact with the local communities.