Negombo holidays

With its white sandy beaches, ancient temples, and hectic street markets, holidays to Negombo combine all the luxury of a relaxing beach holiday with the thrill of an exotic city break.

Mornings strolls to the fish market

If you're an early bird, then it's well worth taking a morning stroll down to the fish market near the lagoon bridge. Get there early enough, and you'll see dozens of fishing boats and canoes heading back into the port. Then watch as the best catches are auctioned off. Bartering is all part of the fun, and some of the negotiations get pretty lively. You can even make a few bids if you think you can keep up with the locals.

Visit the temple

Angurukaramulla Temple is right in the centre of Negombo, just five minutes' walk from the town hall. The main feature is a two-metre Buddha statue. There's also an impressive dragon's mouth entrance, and the remains of a library built over 300 years ago. Inside you'll see intricate murals and paintings detailing the Buddha's journey to enlightenment. Behind the temple there's a small, well-tended garden and pond to explore. Look closely, and you might see a few of the local turtles.

Explore centuries of local history

For a glimpse into Negombo's colonial roots, visit the ruins of the old Dutch fort down by the mouth of the lagoon. It's a 15-minute walk from the centre of Negombo, and opens from 8am to 8pm. Portuguese settlers built the fort in the early 17th century. It changed hands several times over the next few hundred years, as different foreign invaders staked their claim. Feel free to stroll around, or take a guided tour to learn more about the fort's fascinating history.