A characteristic fishing town north of Colombo, Negombo is a mere 6 km drive from the international airport. Set amidst lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet’s paradise with sea food in plenty. Old-world fishing craft, like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran, bring seer, skipjack, herring, mullet, pomfret and amber jack, while lobster and prawn are caught in the lagoon.

An important spice-trading centre controlled at various times by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Today, it has a reputation for fine basket ware (visit basket hall) and also for the best mangosteens(fruits) on the island. Passing Kalutara South of the Kalu Ganga Bridge is the Gangatilleke Vihara, which has a hollow dagoba (Buddhist shrine) with an interesting painted terior. By the roadside there’s a small shrine and a bodhi tree where drivers often stop to make offerings to ensure a safe journey. Wadduwa is 8km north of Kalutara.