Sri Lanka’s International Gateway & Perfect First Stop
Welcome to Katunayake, home to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA/CMB) and the gateway to every corner of Sri Lanka. Whether you’re arriving after a long international flight or preparing to depart, Katunayake is far more than an airport town. With excellent transport connections, comfortable accommodation, nearby attractions, and direct access to Sri Lanka’s expressway network, it is the ideal place to begin or conclude your holiday.
Many travellers choose Katunayake for their first night in Sri Lanka or last night before departure, allowing time to recover from a long flight or enjoy a stress-free journey back to the airport. It is also an excellent base for airport layovers, transit stops, and convenient day excursions before continuing to destinations such as Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, the Cultural Triangle, or Sri Lanka’s spectacular southern and eastern coastlines. Accommodation is available to suit every budget, from comfortable guesthouses to premium airport hotels, while CCT Sri Lanka can arrange reliable airport transfers, chauffeur-driven vehicles, domestic flights, and private helicopter charters.
If you have a few hours or an extra day, Katunayake offers surprising opportunities to explore. Cruise through the peaceful Muthurajawela Marsh, enjoy a relaxing Negombo Lagoon boat ride, visit the historic Aluthapola Rajamaha Viharaya, discover the birthplace of Sri Lanka’s rubber industry at Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, experience the centuries-old tradition of toddy tapping, enjoy lagoon or deep-sea fishing, or take memorable day trips to Colombo, Kandy, or the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Whether you’re starting your Sri Lankan adventure or preparing to fly home, Katunayake offers the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and authentic local experiences. Travel confidently with CCT Sri Lanka. Our Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs, modern air-conditioned vehicles, domestic flights, helicopter transfers, and personalised holiday planning ensure your journey begins—and ends—as smoothly as possible.
Destination Highlights
Bandaranaike Airport | First Night Stay | Airport Transfers | Airport Hotels | Domestic Flights | Muthurajawela Marsh | Negombo Lagoon | Aluthapola Temple | Henarathgoda Garden | Toddy Experience | Day Excursions | Deep-Sea Fishing
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy reliable door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Scheduled Flights
Reach Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations quickly aboard scheduled domestic flights while enjoying spectacular aerial views and avoiding long road journeys across the island.
Fast Travel | Scenic Flights
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
▼ Signature Experiences
Toddy Tasting Experience
Experience Sri Lanka’s traditional toddy tapping culture, learning how fresh coconut sap is collected, fermented, and enjoyed as one of the island’s oldest beverages.
Local Tradition | Cultural Experience
Negombo City Tour
Discover Negombo’s colonial heritage, exploring historic churches, the Dutch Canal, bustling fish markets, golden beaches, and the town’s vibrant coastal atmosphere.
Colonial Heritage | Coastal Town
Jet Skiing
Experience the thrill of high-speed jet skiing along Negombo’s beautiful coastline with modern equipment and professional supervision suitable for all experience levels.
Water Sports | Adventure
Henarathgoda Botanical Garden
Visit historic Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, where Sri Lanka’s first rubber tree was planted, surrounded by magnificent tropical trees, gardens, and colonial history.
Botanical Garden | Rubber Heritage
Shallow Sea Fishing by Dinghy
Enjoy authentic coastal fishing by traditional dinghy, learning local techniques while catching reef fish in the calm waters off Negombo’s coastline.
Coastal Fishing | Traditional Boat
Sri lankan Cookery Lessons
Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, and hands-on guidance before enjoying your homemade meal with fellow travellers.
Authentic Cuisine | Local Family
SCUBA Diving
Explore the colourful reefs and fascinating underwater world of Sri Lanka’s Negombo coast. Suitable for certified divers, beginners, and those wishing to complete PADI courses.
Shipwrecks | Coral Reefs
Muthurajawela Marsh Safari
Cruise through the Muthurajawela Wetlands, searching for crocodiles, colourful birds, butterflies, mangroves, and remarkable wildlife in Sri Lanka’s richest marsh ecosystem.
Wetlands | Birdlife
Aluthapola Rajamaha Viharaya
Visit the historic Aluthapola Rajamaha Viharaya, associated with King Valagamba, and experience its peaceful surroundings, Buddhist heritage, and traditional blessing ceremonies.
Ancient Temple | Personal Puja
Negombo Lagoon Fishing
Fish the productive waters of Negombo Lagoon, targeting Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and other popular freshwater and estuarine sport fish with local fishermen.
Lagoon Fishing | Barramundi
Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride
Cruise through the peaceful Negombo Lagoon, discovering mangrove forests, fishing villages, tropical birdlife, and one of Sri Lanka’s richest coastal wetlands.
Lagoon Cruise | Mangroves
Deep-Sea Fishing
Head into the Indian Ocean aboard fully equipped fishing boats, targeting Tuna, Giant Trevally, Barracuda, Sailfish, and other exciting game fish.
Game Fishing | Indian Ocean
Colombo Day Tour
Explore Colombo’s vibrant attractions, discovering colonial landmarks, Buddhist temples, museums, shopping districts, and the modern skyline from Katunayake Airport.
Capital City | Sightseeing
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, meeting rescued elephants, learning conservation efforts, and watching their famous daily river bathing experience.
Elephants | Conservation
Kandy Day Tour
Journey from Katunayake to Kandy, visiting the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and Sri Lanka’s beautiful cultural and hill-country landscapes.
Temple of the Tooth | UNESCO Heritage
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
