This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Negombo.
Negombo is an important city and famous tourist spot in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Being in the proximity of main and the biggest international airport of Sri Lanka, Bandaranaike International Airport, the town is considered to be the most important place for arriving and transiting passengers to Sri Lanka. It is one of the famous tourist spots for its sandy beaches; fishing industry; and raw cinnamon, which is also a major part of the economy of the city. Most of the population of Negombo are Catholic, and because the city mainly depends on tourism, locals are relatively more accepting and welcoming toward the foreigners, which eventually makes it one of the most peaceful and liberal cities of Sri Lanka. It hosts the most famous and largest fish market of Sri Lanka, called Lellama.
Tourists to and from the airport prefer to stay for a day or two in the city in order to enjoy the warm and sandy beaches and lagoon of Negombo. Lewis Place is the most famous road, just parallel to the beach -- a walk on the road not only offers scenic view of the beach but also a number of clubs, pubs, local foods, tea, and spices can also be tested along the road.
Many backpacker hostels in Negombo are present on this road, offering very cheap places to stay in the city. Most of the hostels in Negombo are of international standard and offer both dorm and private rooms and include free breakfast. Some of the Negombo hostels also offer air conditioned rooms for a higher rate, as the day can be quite hot for most of the day. Other things to do in Negombo include rafting, fishing, boating, shopping, and a visit to the Dutch Canal and St. Sebastian's Church. The city is relatively calm and recommended mostly to relax; it's definitely not a party place.
Written by local enthusiast for Negombo hostels
Brown Traveller
