Negombo is approximately 30 km north of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, about 6 km from the International Airport. Negombo has a small port and its economy is based on tourism and fishing, though it also produces ceramics and brass ware and this proximity makes it an ideal location at both the start and end of a tour of the island. The hotels on the main strip of Negombo are often crowded with European tourists and offers the best value.

The beach here is quiet and peaceful, and the sight of the fisher folk out as sea on their oruwas (outrigger canoes) is a particularly charming sight. It is not always safe to swim here, but diving enthusiasts can explore the wreck of a World War II British cargo plane in nearby Marawila. A jungle boat trip down the Kalu Ganga (Black River) will reward you with the sighting of monitor lizards and flocks of migrant birds.

The Munneswaram Hindu temple is 20kms away, and can be combined with a tour of the famous fish market in the seaside town of Chilaw. The larger hotels in the area also have equipment and facilities for water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and skiing.