Negombo
Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers
We're part of TUI Group - one of the world's leading travel companies. And all of our holidays are designed to help you Discover Your Smile.
Registered address: Company Reg. No: 116977, One Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Holiday Types
Popular Destinations
Short/Mid haul
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad.
For more on security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice and follow @dfatravelwise
Northern Ireland citizens should refer to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
More information is available by checking https://www.tuiholidays.ie/f/info/travel-aware
Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.hse.ie/eng/health/az
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.