Negombo sightseeing and lagoon boat tour

A combination city and lagoon boat tour in Negombo is an immersive experience that highlights the area's history, multicultural identity, and natural ecosystems. Most tours cover major landmarks and include a boat trip through the Dutch canals and Negombo Lagoon.

Negombo City tour: A glimpse into "Little Rome"

Sometimes called "Little Rome" for its strong Catholic heritage, Negombo's city tour showcases its diverse religious and colonial history.

Angurukaramulla Temple

What it is: A historic Buddhist temple complex over three centuries old, also known as Bodhirajarama Maha Viharaya.

Key features:

Dragon entrance: Enter the main temple through the mouth of a large dragon statue, said to ward off evil spirits.

Statues and murals: Inside, admire the six-meter-tall seated Buddha statue and vibrant, centuries-old murals that depict Jathaka stories from Buddhist literature.

Ancient library: The temple grounds contain the moss-covered ruins of an ancient library.

St. Mary's Church

What it is: One of Sri Lanka's largest and most magnificent Catholic cathedrals, with construction beginning in 1874.

Key features:

Neoclassical architecture: The church features a striking columned façade and a blend of European and Sri Lankan artistry.

Ceiling paintings: Gaze at the "thunderous" alabaster images and paintings covering the nave, including depictions of the life of Christ.

Hindu Kovil

• What it is: Some tours stop at the Hindu temple, Sri Singama Kali Amman Kovil, to offer a complete picture of Negombo's multicultural identity.

Negombo Fish Market

• What it is: A bustling, open-air fish market, known locally as "Lellama," and the second-largest in the country.
• Key features:
• Fresh catch: Witness the day's catch being unloaded from thousands of fishing boats.
• Lively atmosphere: Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of daily trade as fishermen and vendors bargain over their products.
• Dry fish processing: Nearby, you can often see fresh seafood being dried in the sun, a long-standing tradition.

Negombo lagoon boat tour: A tranquil wildlife experience

The boat portion of the tour takes you away from the city's hustle to explore the area's vital wetland ecosystems.

Dutch Canal and Hamilton Canal

• What it is: Travel along these historic waterways originally built by the Dutch and British to transport goods, including cinnamon.
• Key features:
• History: The canals are a living legacy of the colonial era.
• Scenic views: Glide past fishing villages and green banks lined with coconut palms.

Mangrove forests

• What it is: Explore the protected mangrove forests, which act as a vital sanctuary for the lagoon's biodiversity.
• Key features:
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for a variety of animals, including crocodiles, water monitors, and playful toque macaque monkeys.
• Birdwatching: Spot diverse birdlife, such as kingfishers, cormorants, herons, and egrets.