On the western coast of Sri Lanka lies the city of Negombo, famous for its beautiful beaches. Owing to its proximity with the Bandaranaike International Airport, it is often preferred as the first or the last destination on a Sri Lanka Tour. The long shores of the city allure many tourists and also serve as the gateway to the fishing industry. It is a modest town with several decent hotels and hangout options available here for all budget sizes.
The town’s official name was coined by the Portuguese invaders but in the native Sinhala language, it is called Mīgamuva. Just like most other cities of the country, Negombo too displays the influence of Portuguese, Dutch and British eras in its architecture. A buzzing city center is better described as an active and lively place than a crowded one. Probably this sense emanates from the warmth and friendliness of the local communities here.