Hostels in NEGOMBO, SRI LANKA

City Negombo in Sri Lanka- The First Beach Resort of Sri Lanka

Located near Colombo, Negombo has some of the best beaches on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Being located close to the Bandaranayake international airport, it attracts tourists who wish to stop over for a day on their way to or from the airport. Well known for water sports and diving options, these beaches have well preserved coral reefs and a 50 year old shipwreck, which serves as an artificial reef for the marine life. It was a thriving trade port during the Dutch and the Portuguese rule.

Accommodation Options
There is a wide range of accommodation options including beach resorts, budget hotels, guest houses, apartments and self catering options in this city. The hostels are the best options for groups and budget travellers. Hostels in the beach area are very popular among the travellers. The rooms are clean with all the facilities including suited bathrooms with shower facilities, fresh linen and well equipped bedrooms. Hostels ensure safe and comfortable accommodation option. It is a safe city with no safety concerns and you can select any hostels of your choice.

History
This seafaring city, where fishing has always been the main stay was a thriving trading port during the colonial times. During the European Colonization, the township of Negombo was inhabited by a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Negombo is popularly known as the “Little Rome" due to the presence of many Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches found in this township.

Popular Places
Negombo, the first beach resort of Sri Lanka is equally famous for its excellent shopping options and water sports facilities. The colonial vestiges add an old world charm to this city while the colourful and trendy markets and crafts shops add a contemporary tag to this beach town. Portuguese Fort and Dutch Cemetery and the fort which is used as a jail today are some of the landmarks of this city. Dambulla, a series of cave shrines painted with vivid Buddhist murals and the amazing rock formations at Sigiriya are the island’s most amazing sights.

Getting Around
Taxis are easily available. Buses and motorized rickshaw are the cheaper travel options in the travel guide of this fishing town of Negombo. Boat cruise is another popular option to explore this city through the Dutch-built canal network. If your have enough time at your disposal, the city is best explored on foot.

Places of Entertainment
From bars to beach hotels and restaurants, there are many hang out spots for you to spend time after sun down. Live cultural shows Kandyan dancing, street side acrobatics and karaoke nights are some of the popular options. The romantic seaside town of Chilaw, famous for sea pearls is only a two hour drive. If you happen to be here in the months of August/September, you can partake in the annual carnival at Munneswaram Temple held in honour of Lord Shiva.

Currency
Rupee is the official currency which is divided into 100 units. Bills  include 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Rupee while coins are offered in smaller denominations ranging from 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cent pieces. Currency exchange facilities are available in hotels, travel agencies and shops and the currency exchange rates will be listed in news papers and the internet.

Negombo Group accommodation | Cheap hostels & budget hotels