Conveniently located close to the airport, just an hour north of Colombo, Negombo is a wonderful start or end point for your Sri Lanka holiday. As well as being a great resting place after a long flight, this youthful north-west coastal town has plenty to offer tourists looking to get a taste of Sri Lankan culture. Head to the lagoon or the beach and watch the local fishermen bringing in their catch in colorful catamarans, bleached by the sun; cycle along the extensive network of canals which links Negombo to Colombo, built by the Dutch in the 17^th century; admire the colonial churches scattered around the town; explore the surrounding rice fields and coconut plantations, or simply stroll along the beach and take in a beautiful sunset.