Embark on a private chauffeur-guided tour of Negombo City, Sri Lanka’s historical gem. Explore ancient sites, visit the Dutch Fort, and immerse yourself in the multicultural charm of this coastal city.
- Negombo Fish Market - Long before Negombo became a famous beach destination with numerous resorts along its sandy shores, it was home to Sri Lankan fishermen and women who practiced traditional fishing methods. This expansive fish market, situated at the western end of Negombo’s coastline, is the hub of morning activity. The Negombo Fish Market is one of the largest and most significant markets in Sri Lanka, playing a crucial role in driving Negombo’s economy.
- St. Mary’s Church - Since the Portuguese era, the Christian faith has had a profound influence on Negombo. Due to the city’s large number of churches, it is often called “Little Rome.”
Construction of the church began in 1874 and was completed in 1922 after a long hiatus. The art and architecture of this church, along with a few other similar structures in Sri Lanka, showcase the early 20th-century cultural blend of European traditions with Sri Lankan art and architecture.
- Angurukaramulla Temple - The Angurukaramulla Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Negombo. It is famous for its Buddha statue and an impressive dragon entrance. To enter the temple, visitors must pass through the dragon’s mouth, which is believed to ward off evil spirits.
The temple also houses the 300-year-old moss-covered remains of an ancient library. The temple grounds feature several trees, a pond with turtles, and numerous murals, ceiling paintings, and intricate sculptures depicting Buddha’s journey to enlightenment.
- Sri Singama Kali Amman Kovil - The Sri Singama Kali Amman Kovil in Negombo is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesh, the Hindu god of beginnings, who is depicted with an elephant head.
Ganesh is the patron deity of scholars, financiers, scribes, and authors, and is typically worshipped before embarking on any major endeavor.
- Dutch Canal - Also known as Hamilton Canal, this 14.5 km (9.0 mi) waterway connects Puttalam to Colombo, passing through Negombo in Sri Lanka.
The canal was initiated by the British in 1802 and completed in 1804. Its primary purpose was to drain saline water from the Muthurajawela marshes. The canal was named in honor of Gavin Hamilton, the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce.
- Dutch Fort - The Dutch Fort was a small yet significant fort in Negombo, approximately 30 km (19 mi) north of Colombo, constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 to protect Colombo.
During its time, the fort in Negombo was likely the next in strategic importance after Colombo, Jaffna, and Galle.
In 1796, the British took over the fort without resistance and subsequently demolished the structure. A prison was built using the remains of the fort, and it is still in use today by the Sri Lankan government.
- Private transportation
- Landing and/or facility fees
- Hotel transfers to and from the tour starting point
- Fuel surcharges included
- All parking fees covered
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
- Gratuities
Embark on a private day trip to the tranquil city of Negombo with a personal driver at your disposal.
Situated to the north of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, along the western coastline, Negombo boasts remnants of a 17th-century Dutch Fort, which now serves as a prison. The Dutch-era Hamilton Canal flows into the Negombo Lagoon, adorned with local fishermen’s huts.
Benefit from the services of our warm and skilled drivers who will escort you around the city, offering an exclusive insight into this culturally diverse location.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
