EXPERIENCE
The Best of Negombo, At Your Own Pace.
Life at Vil-la Catamarano revolves around the water. Start your morning with a dip in the pool followed by breakfast on the terrace. As the day winds down, the catamaran lounge becomes the heart of the villa.
Located just 20 minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport, we are the ideal first or last stop on your journey, offering a stress-free transition for large groups.
Places to Visit in Negombo
The Old Dutch Fort & Dutch Canal
The Old Dutch Fort and the Dutch Canal would have to be Negombo’s two main attractions. The Dutch Fort is now part of the local prison. Built in 1672 and located near Munnakkaraya Bridge, you can easily walk from the Negombo bus station or hotel area to reach the fort.
Things to do in Negombo
Explore the Negombo Lagoon
Embark on a boat safari through the historic Dutch Canal. Witness the "Oruwa" catamarans in action and explore the lush mangroves that make our coastal ecosystem so unique.
The Angurukaamulla Temple
Most Buddhist tourists would appreciate visiting the Angurukaamulla temple. Located near Harishchandra College, the temple boasts a giant Buddha image. There are also a number of old paintings and murals. In case you are interested in the kings of Sri Lanka of a bygone era, you will get a lot of information about them at this temple.
The Lellama Fish Market
Negombo is defined by its fishing heritage. Visit the Lellama market to see the morning's catch arrive on the shore, exactly as described in our cultural guide.
St. Mary’s Church
This is one of the larger cathedrals in Sri Lanka. Considering that the population of Negombo is 90% Roman Catholic it comes as no surprise that it is quite an important building in the city. The architecture is majestic and the church has some nice paintings. It is known as Mahaweediya Palliya in the Sinhala language and is quite easy to find.
Canal Sailing
Sail along the canal. There are boats available for hire if you wish to sail along the Dutch canal and it can be quite a surprise to see a European-style canal in Negombo. There are guides who will point out the salient features of the city and take you along the beach to the harbour. It can be interesting when you imagine that the Dutch used the same route so many centuries ago, and it is still in existence.
Negombo Beach
Relax on the beach or take an early morning walk as you watch the boats set off from the beach for a day’s fishing. Come back later to see the day’s catch or head onwards to buy some from the fish market close by. The fish market has a lot of blood and an overpowering smell about it so make sure your tummy can take the experience before you decide to try it out, otherwise stick to the cleaner parts of the beach. It can get really sunny so make sure that you use a lot of sunscreen. The sunset is absolutely amazing and is a must see if you are spending the day at the beach.
Catamaran Dining
While the regular nightlife is to be found in the hotel bars, you might enjoy hiring a catamaran and heading out on the water for a sail and a barbeque meal. It can be the experience of a lifetime. A crew of three will man the boat and you can imagine living the life of the rich and the famous by pretending it’s your private yacht!