Negombo is a quaint cozy old fishing town by the sea which is also famously known as 'little Rome' is home to a predominantly Catholic community. From Portuguese and Dutch colonial type ramparts, forts, churches, and wayside shrines to fascinating canals and creeks, Negombo continues to have some of its old-world charm and residue of a colorful bygone era of the Dutch and Portuguese settlers.

In case you didn’t know, the name Negombo was used by the Portuguese is derived from the Sinhala name Meegamuva translating to ‘the village of honey’. Folklore states that it was derived from the story of a swarm of bees settling in a boat, which had been hauled ashore there. Although it has never had a flourishing honey trade, it was once a spice town known especially for cinnamon.

One of the island's biggest fishing ports in Sri Lanka; over 500 edible species of fish inhabit the sea and the inland lagoon. The Catamarans (large boats with sails) lined up at the beach embark on the sea in the early mornings and the fresh catch is brought in by mid-day. Negombo also has a colorful array of coral reefs and a 50-year-old shipwreck that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish. Catamaran ride can be arranged at most hotels in Negombo.

A tourism hot destination point, Negombo is ideal for various water sports such as diving and windsurfing. Facilities and water sports equipment are available at most of the hotels at Negombo.