Waikkal holidays

Holidays to Waikkal offer you a quieter and more relaxing alternative to the busier tourist shops and bars in nearby Negombo. This old fishing village was once inhabited by Portuguese settlers, which is reflected in some of its architecture. It also has long, wide sandy beaches and a forested backdrop featuring colonial railways and canals.

West coast beaches

Waikkal is about a 15-minute drive north of the old trading port of Negombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Its extensive beaches have attracted many new hotels for those wanting a peaceful, all-inclusive holiday. Behind the beaches are unique mangroves, palm forests and old colonial waterways. Here, you'll find some interesting historical villas and restaurants over the water.

Colonial days

Sri Lanka has had its share of European colonists, from Portuguese missionaries to British and Dutch traders. The Dutch first carved out the canals to transport cinnamon from the tangled inland forests to the coast at Negombo. Then in 1864, the British built the first railways to connect the tea and coffee plantations with Colombo. These canals and railways are still active with tourists and commuter traffic, and offer an interesting day out.

Ecotourism

The Waikkal area hosts a unique mangrove ecosystem. You can take a boat trip through the canals to discover the birds, butterflies, and an occasional reptile such as the water monitor. For the whole wellness experience, you could also visit an Ayurvedic spa for a massage and some relaxing natural therapies.