Cultuaral & Historical Guided Negombo City Tour By panoramic Car
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the charm of Negombo with a guided city highlights tour, followed by a deeply relaxing Traditional Sri Lankan Trigger Point Massage. This experience is perfect for travelers who want to explore local culture and unwind in total comfort all in one memorable day.
Your journey begins with a relaxed Negombo City Highlights Tour, where you'll explore key attractions such as the Dutch Canal, Dutch Fort, Negombo Fishing Village, St. Mary's Church, Hindu and Budhist Temple, local market and coastal viewpoints. Learn about the city's rich history, colonial influence, and vibrant daily life from a friendly local guide.
Available options
Negombo City Tour
Duration: 3 hours<br/>Car : Toyota Roomy<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Guided Tour
Location Pickup & Drop Off
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop At a Colorful Hindu Temple Rich in art and history.
The Sri Mutthu Mari Amman Temple in Negombo is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Muththumari Amman, a form of the Hindu goddess Mariamman, known for protecting against diseases, and is a must-visit for its spiritual energy and cultural significance.
2
See a Majestic Catholic church, reflecting the Colonial era.
St. Mary's Church is a landmark edifice, a Roman Catholic church in the heart of Negombo.
It is one of the largest Catholic church in Sri Lanka.
Construction of the church was started in 1874 and completed, after a long gap, in 1922.
The art and architecture of this church and a few similar other churches in Sri Lanka demonstrate the cultural amalgamation of the European practice with Sri Lankan art and architecture during the early years of the 20th century.
The church was built in neoclassicism style with columns and plain walls. Its ceilings are painted with alabaster images of many saints. The walls at the upper level are fixed with sculptures of religious saints.
3
Explore the historic Dutch fort.
Negombo Fort was a small but important fort in Negombo, approx. 30 km (19 mi) north of Colombo, that was built by the Portuguese to defend Colombo.
In its time the fort at Negombo was probably the next in strategic importance after Colombo, Jaffna and Galle.
4
Discover the Local Life at the Negombo fish Market.
5
The Hamilton Canal, Also commonly known as the Dutch Canal is a 14.5 km (9.0 mi) canal connecting Puttalam to Colombo, passing through Negombo in Sri Lanka. The canal was constructed by the British in 1802 and completed in 1804. It was designed to drain salt water out of the Muthurajawela wetlands. The canal was named after Gavin Hamilton, the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce.
6
Visit a Buddhist Temple for peaceful and spiritual experience.
Colorful Temple with a 6 meter Buddha Statue, sculptures, murals & the ruins of a historic library. At the entrance of the temple there is a dragon head guard gate.
The paintings on the ceiling display Lord Buddha’s journey to enlightenment, as well as the legends of the country’s former rulers from the Mahavanshaya ( Ancient Book that wrote about Sri Lanka ).
You may cover the arms and legs before entering the premises. Footwear must be left at the entrance.
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
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Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Negombo
Negombo is a vibrant coastal city in Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, historic Dutch-era architecture, and the bustling fish market. Often called 'Little Rome' due to its significant Catholic population and churches, it offers a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and lively local life.
Top Attractions
Negombo Beach
Negombo Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand along the Indian Ocean, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is lined with palm trees and offers stunning sunsets.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Negombo Fish Market
The Negombo Fish Market is one of the largest and most vibrant fish markets in Sri Lanka. It's a bustling hub where fishermen sell their daily catch, and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood.
Market
1-2 hours
Free (Food purchases extra)
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church is a historic Catholic church in Negombo, known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance. It's a popular pilgrimage site and a key landmark in the city.
Religious
30-60 minutes
Free
Dutch Canal
The Dutch Canal is a historic waterway built by the Dutch during their colonial period. It's a scenic spot for a leisurely walk or boat ride, offering glimpses of local life and nature.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (Boat rides extra)
Anguruwankanda Forest Hermitage
Anguruwankanda Forest Hermitage is a peaceful retreat nestled in a lush forest. It's a great place for meditation, hiking, and experiencing the serenity of nature.
Nature
Half day
Free (Donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kottu Roti
A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked with spices and served with gravy.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Seafood Curry
A flavorful curry made with fresh seafood, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, served with rice.
Dinner
Contains seafood and coconut.
Hoppers (Appa)
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.
Breakfast
Vegetarian (unless with egg).
Lamprais
A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice cooked in meat stock, wrapped in a banana leaf with meat, sambol, and a hard-boiled egg.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat and fish.
Popular Activities
Water sports
Boat safaris
Hiking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga
Visiting temples and churches
Exploring local markets
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rain, making it ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. The city is bustling with tourists during this period.
26-30°C
79-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Negombo is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable taxi services or app-based taxis.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km (22 miles)
By train
Negombo Railway Station
By bus
Negombo Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Negombo. They connect the city center with beaches, markets, and other attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Negombo City Center
Negombo Beach
Lunuwila
Day trips
Colombo
35 km (22 miles) • Half day to full day
Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka, offering a mix of modern and colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions.
Kelani River Safari
40 km (25 miles) • Full day
A scenic boat safari along the Kelani River, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its surroundings.
Muthurajawela Marsh
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A unique wetland ecosystem located near Negombo, offering opportunities for birdwatching, boat rides, and nature walks.
Festivals
Easter Celebrations • March or April (varies by year)
Christmas Celebrations • December 25
Pro tips
- Visit the Negombo Fish Market early in the morning to see the fresh catch and experience the bustling atmosphere.
- Take a boat ride along the Dutch Canal to enjoy the scenic views and learn about its history.
- Try local seafood dishes, particularly grilled fish and prawn curry, for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the historic St. Mary's Church and learn about its significance to the local Catholic community.
- Relax on Negombo Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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