Sri Lanka’s Coastal Gateway to Your Holiday
Just 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Negombo is where many unforgettable Sri Lankan holidays begin. Combining golden beaches, historic canals, fresh seafood, and vibrant local life, it offers the perfect place to relax after a long flight or enjoy a memorable final night before departure.
Unlike simply staying near the airport, Negombo invites you to experience authentic Sri Lanka from the moment you arrive. Explore bustling fish markets, cruise through peaceful lagoons and mangrove forests, discover Dutch colonial churches and centuries-old canals, sample freshly tapped coconut toddy, or unwind on palm-fringed beaches while watching spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Negombo also serves as an excellent base for short excursions. Within easy reach you can visit Muthurajawela Marsh, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Ganekanda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya (Aluthapola Temple), or even enjoy full-day tours to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Kandy, or Colombo before continuing your journey around Sri Lanka.
Whether you’re arriving after an international flight, enjoying a short stopover, or looking for a relaxing beach escape close to the airport, CCT Sri Lanka makes every journey effortless. Our Tourist Board-licensed chauffeurs, modern air-conditioned vehicles, domestic flights, helicopter transfers, and personalised travel planning ensure your holiday begins comfortably from the very first kilometre.
Destination Highlights
Airport Convenience | Golden Beaches | Negombo Lagoon | Muthurajawela Wetlands | Colonial Heritage | Fresh Seafood | Fish Markets | Lagoon Fishing | SCUBA Diving | Deep-Sea Fishing | Paramotoring | Day Excursions
▼ 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
Negombo City Tour
Explore Negombo’s colonial heritage, discovering historic churches, Dutch canals, lively fish markets, Buddhist temples, beaches, and colourful local neighbourhoods with an experienced guide.
Colonial Heritage | Local Life
Paramotoring
Soar above Negombo’s beaches, lagoons, and coconut plantations, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of Sri Lanka’s spectacular west coast and surrounding landscapes.
Aerial Adventure | Ocean Views
Negombo Lagoon Fishing
Experience authentic Negombo Lagoon fishing, targeting Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and other local species while learning traditional techniques from experienced fishermen.
Traditional Fishing | Mangroves
Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride
Cruise through the peaceful Negombo Lagoon, discovering mangrove forests, fishing villages, colourful birdlife, and beautiful coastal wetlands rich in biodiversity.
Lagoon Cruise | Birdlife
Deep Sea Fishing
Head into the Indian Ocean targeting Tuna, Giant Trevally, Barracuda, Sailfish, and other exciting game fish with experienced local fishing crews.
Game Fishing | Indian Ocean
Fishing in Muthurajawela
Fish the peaceful waters of Muthurajawela Sanctuary, targeting Barramundi, Snakehead, Mangrove Jack, Featherback, and other prized freshwater species.
Freshwater Fishing | Wetlands
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
Aluthapola Temple
Visit the historic Aluthapola Temple, associated with King Valagamba, and experience peaceful surroundings, Buddhist heritage, and a traditional personal blessing ceremony.
Ancient Temple | Blessing Ceremony
Muthurajawela Wetland Safari
Cruise through the Muthurajawela Wetlands, searching for crocodiles, colourful birds, butterflies, reptiles, and remarkable wildlife within Sri Lanka’s richest marsh ecosystem.
Wetland Safari | Wildlife
Toddy Tasting Experience
Experience Sri Lanka’s traditional toddy tapping culture, tasting fresh coconut palm sap while discovering one of the island’s oldest living traditions.
Local Tradition | Cultural Experience
Jet Skiing
Experience the thrill of high-speed jet skiing along Negombo’s beautiful coastline with modern equipment and professional supervision for all experience levels.
Water Sports | Speed
SCUBA Diving
Explore Sri Lanka’s colourful coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, tropical fish, turtles, and vibrant underwater ecosystems with professional dive instructors for all experience levels.
Shipwrecks | Coral Reefs
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 together with fellow travellers.
Authentic Cuisine | Local Family
Shallow Sea Fishing by Dinghy
Enjoy authentic coastal fishing aboard a traditional dinghy, learning local techniques while catching reef fish in Negombo’s calm nearshore waters.
Traditional Boat | Coastal Fishing
Kandy Transit Tour
Journey to Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, visiting the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, Royal Botanical Gardens, and returning comfortably to Negombo.
UNESCO Heritage | Temple
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, meeting rescued elephants, learning conservation efforts, and watching their famous daily river bathing experience.
Elephants | Wildlife
Colombo Transit Tour
Discover Colombo’s vibrant attractions, exploring colonial landmarks, museums, shopping districts, Port City, and the modern commercial heart of Sri Lanka.
City Highlights | Culture
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.
