Sri Lanka | First Stop: Coastal City of Negombo

☀️ Coastal Town of Negombo! The first stop on your Sri Lanka trip, it's about 7km from Colombo International Airport, and only a 15-20 minute ride by TUKTUK (commonly known as a three-wheeler), making it the perfect first stop to kick off your Sri Lanka journey! Here, you'll find golden beaches, a bustling fish market, and the Dutch Canal – ideal for a relaxing vacation while experiencing local culture. 🏝 Must-visit spots in Negombo 📍 Negombo Beach 🌊 Both sunrise and sunset are stunning here. It's great for walking, swimming, surfing, and you can also watch local fishermen hauling in their nets. 📍 Negombo Fish Market 🐟 One of Sri Lanka's largest fish markets, it's busiest around 5 AM, with tons of freshly caught seafood sold right off the boat. You'll get a strong sense of local life here. ❗️ But be warned, the smell is really fishy – mentally prepare yourself. Negombo is one of Sri Lanka's cities with the strongest Catholic culture, known as "Little Rome". ⛪ Must-visit churches in Negombo 📍 1. St. Mary's Church ✨ The largest and most famous church in Negombo, built in the 19th century, blending Gothic and Baroque styles. The murals on the interior ceiling, painted by local artists, are exquisite. Located in the city center, it's perfect for a walking tour. 📍 2. St. Sebastian’s Church ✨ Inspired by France's Reims Cathedral, its exterior is a classic example of Gothic architecture. It's a key religious center for locals, especially during the St. Sebastian Festival every January, when grand celebrations are held. 🛳 Lagoon tours in Negombo 📍 1. Mangrove Boat Safari 🚣‍♂️ It's recommended to take a boat tour in the morning or evening, gliding through lush mangroves and enjoying the peaceful natural scenery. You might spot flocks of egrets, kingfishers, pelicans, and even water lizards or monkeys! 💰 A boat fits 6 people, costing around 60 RMB per person. You can sit on the water and eat fruit – it's a great experience. 📍 2. Lagoon Sunset View 🌅 In the evening, the lake is painted golden by the setting sun, with fishing boats and coconut trees reflected in the water – the perfect time for photos. You can enjoy it from a lakeside café or resort. 🚗 Travel Tips ✔️ Taxi recommendation: Use PickMe (Sri Lanka's version of Uber) to book a TukTuk – it's more cost-effective! Never wave down a taxi on the street❗️❗️❗️ ✔️ Money exchange: You can exchange money at the airport's Commercial Bank, either at a teller window or ATM. Domestic UnionPay cards work, with a 10 RMB fee. ✔️ Safety reminder: Negombo is relatively safe, but it's advisable to travel in groups at night and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. 🌴 Overall, Negombo is a place where you can relax and experience local culture. It's perfect for adjusting after a long flight or as a final stop to spend a leisurely holiday by the sea! ✈️ #SriLanka#SriLankaTravel#SriLankaTourism#VisaFree#VisaFreeTravel