How to Really Experience Negombo Beyond a Layover and Its Lesser-Known Fish Market

Many people see Negombo as just a brief stopover upon arrival in or departure from Sri Lanka.
But who says it's just a transit point?
This seaside town holds a vibrant and authentic slice of Sri Lankan life.

🚣 Itinerary Planning 🚣
🚗 Transportation: A 1-hour drive from Colombo
🐟 Negombo Fish Market
The fish market at 7am is where the soul of Negombo lies! The moment the fishing boats dock, the shimmering silver sardines pour onto the concrete like a waterfall. Workers drag tuna with iron hooks, and the salty, fishy air mixes with the aroma of coconut oil.
🌟 Don't forget to bring a bottle of peppermint oil, as the fishy smell in the market can be quite strong…

⛪️ St. Mary's Church
Discover a peppermint-colored church in the tropics, with pink and mint green walls and murals inside depicting stories from the Bible. Sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows onto the pews. Just put on a long dress and you can easily capture a South Asian version of "Roman Holiday."
🌟 The church's backyard has a century-old tree laden with jackfruit. As a tropical fruit lover, I really wanted to try one!

🕍 St. Sebastian's Church
A typical Gothic church, it is said to have been modeled after the Reims Cathedral in France, but the planned height was never reached due to insufficient 💵. There is a beautiful phoenix tree next to the church, so don't forget to take lots of photos.

🚤 Dutch Canal
Hire a colorful wooden boat, and the boatman will take you into the waterways overgrown with water hyacinths. This canal is affectionately known by locals as the Hamilton Canal, and there are some quaint restaurants and cafes along its banks.

🌅 Negombo Lagoon
Remember to rush to the south bank of the lagoon in the evening. The golden sunset is reflected on the lagoon, and the fishermen standing waist-deep in the water casting their nets look like figures from a Monet painting.

🏨 Sentido Heritance Negombo
The hotel we chose is one of Sri Lanka's many heritage hotels. Although not designed by Bawa himself, it still exudes a strong sense of design.
The hotel is right on the beach. Enjoy the sea breeze and birdsong in the morning while having a hearty breakfast. What could be more pleasant for a vacation?

The beauty of Negombo
is never found in postcards,
but in the wrinkles of life, stained with fish scales.