Getting There

The north-west coast beginning from Negombo is easily reached from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. Negombo is slightly more than an hour north of the capital, Colombo. Inland, Kurunegala links the north-west coastal areas, the cultural triangle, and the hill country.  Useful drive times: International Airport to Negombo (20 mins); Colombo to Kalpitiya (3 hours); Negombo to Kurunegala (2 hours); Negombo to Habarana (4 hours); Negombo to Kandy (3.5 hours).

Historical Background

Kurunegala, capital of the north-west province, was a 12th century capital of the Sinhala kings then known as Panduwasnuwara.  The coastal towns just north of Colombo, including Negombo, Marawila, Chilaw, Kalpitiya and Puttalam, rich with cinnamon & spices, have attracted traders from Arabia, Asia and the West as far back as the 5th century.  Many of those traders settled in the area, including the Portuguese and Dutch in more recent history.  Today, many communities from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds lead peaceful lives along the north-west coast.

Sights

A century’s old network of canals developed by the Dutch, linking Colombo’s seaport to the North Western coastal towns, still function as active waterways and can be explored by boat, or by cycling or walking along sections of the path. The sacred Hindu shrine of Munneswaram, in Chilaw, is visited by thousands of pilgrims, especially in August where a colourful Perehera (pageant) and fire walking takes place in devotion to God Shiva.  The influences of the Dutch and Portuguese periods are notable right along from Negombo to Kalpitiya.  Several 17th century Catholic churches are found here. Sri Lanka’s largest salt-water wetlands, the Muthurajawella marshes, lie south of the Negombo lagoon.  North of Puttalam is the Wilpattu National Park providing natural habitats for a variety of ‘big game’ including leopards, elephants, water buffalo and many species of birds.  Kurunegala, situated amidst several gigantic rocky outcrops, is of historical significance and its archeological ruins can be visited en route to the Cultural Triangle.  Coral reefs offer much for marine enthusiasts with an array of exotic tropical fish, and the deep sea off the Gulf of Mannar in Kalpitiya is home to dolphins, whales, stingrays and several species of Marine turtles.

Accommodation

Negombo offers a range of beach accommodation to suit any budget.  The characterful Ice Bear, a beachside guest house situated in the heart of Negombo, will appeal to those looking for basic but imaginative guest house accommodation.  The refurbished beach rooms at Brown’s Beach Hotel open onto a long stretch of sandy beach and offer good-value mid-range accommodation for a predominantly package crowd.  At the top end of the market, The Beach has brought five-star values to Negombo and is a boon for upmarket clients wanting a convenient stay near the airport. Ayurveda Pavilions specializes in Ayurveda.  Ranwelli Holliday Village in Waikkal is situated on a coastal wetland estuary amid mangroves, rivers, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean and its ecological commitment has been officially recognised by the World Tourist Organisation.  The Mudhouse is a rustic and secluded eco retreat nestled at the foot of the ancient Parmakanda Rock temple in Anamaduwa in Puttalam. Ulpotha by the Sea, opened in 2008, is another eco retreat deal for nature lovers.

Food & Drink

Negombo by night has a vibrant atmosphere with a scattering of bars and cafes.  Fresh sea food is a speciality along the North West coast.  Varieties of fish, jumbo prawns, lagoon and sea crab cooked in red hot curries, western style or grilled on a sizzling BBQ spit is served at hotels and small beachside restaurants.  The Brown’s Beach and Club Oceanic offers an international buffet lunch while the Black Coral  fine-dining restaurant at The Beach offers a fusion menu for lunch and dinner.

Shopping

Those cooking independently can buy fresh seafood straight from the fishing boats as they come ashore in the mornings.  Negombo’s fish auction at the harbour is also worth a look. Negombo has a number of grocery stores, pharmacies and banks.

Events

From December to April, hundreds of Dolphins can be seen off the shores of Kalpitiya.  Observed in pods, these Dolphins often swim alongside the boats and frolic in the seas – a thrilling site for children and adults alike. The giant blue whale is another occasional visitor. In August each year a colourful perehara (pageant) including fire walking takes place in Chilaw, organised by the Munneswaram Kovil.