Negombo: City Tour From Colombo

Negombo’s captivating history and vibrant culture await visitors on this city tour from Colombo. Priced at $60 per person, the 4-hour adventure promises an immersive experience, featuring visits to the 17th-century Dutch Fort and the picturesque Hamilton Canal. With an English-speaking chauffeur guide, travelers can explore the charming streets, take in the architectural splendor of St. Mary’s Church, and witness the daily lives of the local fishing community. Whether it’s exploring historical sites or immersing in the vibrant local culture, this tour offers a compelling glimpse into Negombo’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• A 4-hour tour exploring the traditional fishing town of Negombo, located near Colombo.
• Highlights include visiting the 17th-century Dutch Fort, exploring the Hamilton Canal, and an optional walk to St. Mary’s Church.
• The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, and 1 liter of bottled water per person.
• Guests can expect an immersive cultural experience, observing the daily lives of the local fishing community.
• Preparation recommendations include comfortable shoes, sun protection, and arrival 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Negombo City Tour from Colombo is a 4-hour activity that provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the historic and cultural highlights of Negombo, a traditional fishing town.

Discover the historic and cultural highlights of Negombo, a traditional fishing town, on this 4-hour tour from Colombo.

Priced from $60 per person, the tour includes pickup from Colombo hotels, a visit to the 17th-century Dutch Fort, a guided tour of the Hamilton Canal, and an optional walk to St. Mary’s Church.

Travelers can expect an English-speaking chauffeur guide, 1 liter of bottled water, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed.

Itinerary Highlights

Pickup from Colombo initiates the tour, followed by a visit to the 17th-century Negombo Dutch Fort, where travelers can spend around 30 minutes exploring the historic site.

Next, the guided tour of the Hamilton Canal allows visitors to discover the fishermen’s huts lining the waterway, with an optional 30-minute walk to St. Mary’s Church to admire its vivid religious paintings.

Finally, the tour returns to Colombo, providing an immersive cultural experience in the traditional fishing town of Negombo.

Cultural Experience

Negombo, a traditional fishing town, offers visitors an immersive cultural experience. Explore the 17th century Dutch Fort, now a prison, and uncover the area’s rich history. Discover the vibrant Hamilton Canal, lined with fishermen’s huts, and observe the daily lives of the local community. Admire the ornate St. Mary’s Church, with its vivid religious paintings, showcasing the town’s diverse religious heritage.

| Cultural Highlight | Description |

| — | — |

| Negombo Dutch Fort | 17th century Dutch-built fort, now a prison |

| Hamilton Canal | Bustling waterway lined with fishermen’s huts |

| St. Mary’s Church | Ornate church with vivid religious paintings |

| Fishing Community | Observe the daily lives of the local fishing community |

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation and a chauffeur guide to escort visitors throughout the journey. A liter of bottled mineral water is provided for each guest.

Food and additional drinks, however, aren’t included in the tour price. Guests should come prepared with any snacks or beverages they may want during the excursion.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and pets, luggage, or large bags aren’t allowed.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Preparation and Restrictions

Visitors should come prepared with their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women. Pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour. This is to maintain safety and comfort for all participants.

Travelers should be ready at their hotel 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enriching Negombo city tour from Colombo.

Getting to Negombo

From Colombo, it takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to reach Negombo, depending on traffic conditions.

The drive offers a glimpse into Sri Lankan life, with bustling streets, local shops, and coconut plantations lining the roads.

Once in Negombo, the transportation is included in the tour package, so you can sit back and enjoy the sights.

The tour will:

1. Pick you up from your hotel in Colombo.

2. Drive you to the historic Negombo Dutch Fort.

3. Guide you through the picturesque Hamilton Canal.

4. Provide transportation back to Colombo at the end of the tour.

Exploring the Dutch Fort

Upon arriving at the historic Negombo Dutch Fort, the tour group steps through the grand arched entrance, seeing the site’s captivating past.

Once a fortified stronghold, the fort now functions as a prison, offering a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial history.

The guide leads the group through the well-preserved walls and bastions, sharing insights into the fort’s strategic importance and the lives of its former occupants.

Visitors can imagine the bustling scenes of the past, where merchants, soldiers, and prisoners once roamed the same grounds.

The tour provides a tangible connection to Negombo’s storied legacy.

Discovering Hamilton Canal

After exploring the historic Negombo Dutch Fort, the tour group makes its way to the picturesque Hamilton Canal.

Lined with fishermen’s huts and bustling with activity, the canal offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local community.

The guide points out:

1. Fishermen mending their nets and preparing their boats for the next day’s catch.

2. Vendors selling fresh seafood along the canal’s edge.

3. Children playing and swimming in the calm waters.

4. Traditional wooden boats transporting goods and passengers through the serene waterway.

The group takes in the sights and sounds, immersed in the vibrant, cultural experience.

Common Questions

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration if needed. However, this may incur additional fees. It’s best to check with the tour operator before the tour to discuss any changes to the itinerary or duration.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

There are no discounts mentioned for children or seniors on this tour. However, the tour operator may be able to provide special pricing or accommodations for these groups upon request. It’s best to inquire directly with them.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who’ll accommodate changes to the standard itinerary within the available time and cost constraints.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and closed-toe shoes for walking. Bringing a sun hat and sunscreen is also advisable.

Do I Need to Pay Any Additional Fees on the Day of the Tour?

No, there are no additional fees to pay on the day of the tour. The price mentioned covers all the inclusions – transport, chauffeur guide, and 1 liter of bottled water. Food and extra drinks are not included.

The Sum Up

Negombo’s city tour from Colombo offers a captivating cultural experience. Visitors can explore the 17th-century Dutch Fort, stroll along the picturesque Hamilton Canal, and witness the daily lives of the local fishing community. With an English-speaking chauffeur guide, this 4-hour adventure provides a convenient and immersive way to experience the charm of this historic coastal city.

You can check availability for your dates here: