With its quaint homes and fishermen's smiles, there's a hint of yesteryear still lingering about the otherwise 'up-and-coming' area. Negombo is a favorite among the locals and foreigners because there's much to do and see, and it’s even more enticing because you can reach it in a mere hour (maybe less due to the new expressway) from Colombo.

You can't visit Negombo and not have a look at the Fish Market located on the beach side. You can see first-hand, the catch of the day and also have a nice chat with the fisher-folk. A lovely way to spend the morning, if you don’t mind the noise and the crowd. Almost along the same lines, is a boat ride along the Muthurajawela Marsh. The British and Dutch canals take you on a wonderful journey that allows you to see lots of bird life, water lilies, marsh land and even monkeys. 

Make some time to also visit one of the oldest churches in Negombo- St. Mary's Church. Its beautiful architecture is worth admiring, as are the paintings on the ceiling. And don't forget to make three wishes! They’re sure to come true….

And what's a hustling, bustling seaside town without the seafood? You absolutely must try one of the great seafood restaurants in Negombo to really relish the fresh produce of the sea. Spargo Beach Restaurant, The Coco Beach, and Mr. Crab are some of the few super seafood restaurants where you can enjoy the ocean fare at affordable rates. They're not five-star spots but the food is great. From sumptuous and juicy crab to the most delectable prawns and seafood fried rice, the menu is super tasty.

Lord’s is one of the best eateries you'll find in Negombo. It’s a fusion dining experience with a mixture of Eastern and Western fare that’s unparalleled. A yummy adventure for sure…

On the subject of food, Negombo also has some nice cafés where one can hang out and grab a bite to eat; the latest addition to these is Café J. This lovely venue opens out into the road on one side and the ocean on the other and serves up some nice pastries, English muffins, juices, teas and coffees. Another tried-and-tested café is the Icebear Century Café. The cakes here are the best: moist and delicious. They also serve a scrumptious range of burgers and some super thirst-quenchers.

To complete your tour of Negombo, if you have time, you can also opt for a boat ride on the seas lining the town; the fishermen are usually willing to take guests out for a ‘spin’ for a small fee. 

So hold on tight and enjoy a great time in quaint and beautiful Negombo!