Negombo is a youthful beach town on Sri Lanka’s north-west coast which lies an hour north of Colombo, and is just north of the main international airport, making it a great beginning or end point for your Sri Lanka holiday. The beaches are scattered with bleached, multi-coloured catamarans: walk along the coast at dawn and watch the local fishermen hauling them up the beach, full with the day’s catch.  A large lagoon, fed by many rivers, canals and the sea, lies near the town centre and is surrounded by a complex of paddy fields, grasslands and coconut plantations.

Many of the hotels in Negombo are of a resort style, as it was one of the first popular budget beach locations in Sri Lanka. However, Jetwing Beach is a large yet luxurious hotel which will satisfy those seeking a convenient and comfortable place to rest after a long flight. Other options close to the airport, but a little way out of Negombo, are Horathapola Estate, an old colonial mansion set on a coconut estate, or The Wallawwa, a stunning boutique hotel with beautiful gardens which offers delicious cuisine.