Spirit of Negombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka
From USD 67.00
Office phone number: +94 (0)77 700 9294
Spirit of Negombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Get ready for a relaxing yet fun-filled afternoon exploring the laid-back seaside town of Negombo, where you’ll get to experience local life both on and off the water. See the sights on foot and then get a totally new perspective of the area with a leisurely boat tour, all while soaking up some epic views and learning all about the history and culture of Negombo.
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Highlights
- Ease into Sri Lankan life with a trip around the seaside town of Negombo
- Experience the vibrant spirit of the Negombo community
- Take a boat ride through the historic Hamilton Canal and spectacular Negombo lagoon
- Snap photos of the colourful fishing boats, mangrove forests, birds and marine creatures you’ll see along the way
- Stop to dig for clams while enjoying the cool breeze and spectacular views of the lagoon
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
Pillaiyaar kovil (135, Sea street, Negombo). The Hindu temple is located opposite the road leading to Wijayaratnam Hindu Central College.
View on Google Maps
- Starting time: 11.00 AM
- Ending point:
Pillaiyaar kovil (135, Sea street, Negombo).
View on Google Maps
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, cooling local drink, boat ride, refreshing king coconut.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the laid-back coastal town of Negombo feels a world apart. Your Urban Adventures tour starts and ends here giving you the chance to experience the spirit of the Negombo community, as well as take a boat tour through the historic Hamilton (Dutch) Canal and spectacular Negombo lagoon.
Your tour will first take you to a colourful Hindu temple on Sea Street where your guide will explain some of the historic events that happened here. We’ll then continue to St. Mary’s church, a serene spot where the stained-glass windows and religious paintings covering the ceiling are humbling to witness - especially considering that the church dates back almost a century and a half.
Next, it’s time to experience local life with a walk through the bustling streets of Negombo town. We’ll stop for a cool drink at a local sweet shop before we meet our captain. This next part of the tour continues by boat, departing from the dock on the historic Hamilton Canal, cruising through town and the busy fishing harbor before entering Negombo lagoon.
During the ride, our captain will share stories of village life and history as we drift through the colourful landscape of fishing boats, mangrove forests, birds, and marine creatures.
You’ll then get to cool off with a drink of refreshing king coconut water as we make a stop on a nearby sandbank island to dig for clams, enjoy the cool breeze, and admire the spectacular views across the lagoon.
We then return to the dock where our tour ends. From here, feel free to ask your local guide for suggestions on what else to see and do in the area during your visit.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, cooling local drink, boat ride, refreshing king coconut.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: As the tour visits temples, please do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Given the climate in Negombo, light, breathable clothes and fabrics are recommended.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Please note that this tour does not cover any part of Colombo. This tour starts and ends in Negombo. Negombo is located 40 kilometres north from Colombo and close to the international airport. It’s the joining point for most tours in Sri Lanka.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +94 (0)77 700 9294
Email address: info@colombourbanadventures.com
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