Negombo, just north of Colombo and minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport, is a lively coastal town where history, culture, and nature meet the calming embrace of wellness. Famous for its golden beaches and bustling fish markets, it offers a dynamic yet laid-back introduction to Sri Lanka’s western seaboard.

Remnants of its colonial past remain in the Negombo Dutch Fort and Dutch Canal, while its strong Catholic heritage is reflected in magnificent churches like St. Mary’s Church and vibrant religious festivals. The Negombo Lagoon, with its mangroves and shrimp farms, reveals another side of the town — a tranquil world of fishermen in catamarans, birdlife, and waterside communities. Sunrise or sunset boat rides here are particularly enchanting.

For nature enthusiasts, the Muthurajawela Wetlands and Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary are havens of biodiversity, teeming with migratory and endemic birds. A little further north, Chilaw and Muthupanthiya offer peaceful coastal escapes.

But Negombo is not just about history and nature — it is also a recognized wellness retreat. Resorts such as the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions have made the town a hub for authentic Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions, and guided meditation. This blend of traditional healing and coastal serenity makes Negombo an ideal destination to restore both body and spirit, adding a rejuvenating layer to its cultural and natural charm.