How to Plan Your 12 Days Semi-Luxury Holiday in Negombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. If you’re planning a 12-day vacation, Negombo is the perfect place to start your journey. It’s a coastal city located near the Bandaranaike International Airport, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore Sri Lanka without spending a lot of time on the road.

To make the most out of your 12-day holiday, book a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver. BH Lanka Tours offers a private tour where you can explore Sri Lanka at your own pace with the comfort of a private vehicle. The tour comes with a complimentary bottle of water per person each day, free airport pick-up and drop-off, and a knowledgeable driver who can show you the hidden gems of Sri Lanka.

Day 1-2: Negombo

On the first day of your tour, you’ll arrive in Negombo and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city, relax on the beach, or take a stroll around Negombo Lagoon.

On day two, you’ll explore Negombo’s famous fish market and go on a boat ride to see the local fishermen at work. After that, we’ll visit the Dutch Fort and St. Mary’s Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka.

Day 3-4: Sigiriya and Dambulla

On day three, you’ll head to Sigiriya to climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This massive rock formation rises 200 meters above the surrounding plains and offers fantastic views of the jungle below. After that, we’ll visit the ancient city of Dambulla, known for its impressive cave temples.

Day four will be spent exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the capital of Sri Lanka. You’ll visit the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, and other impressive ancient ruins.

Day 5-6: Kandy

On day five, we’ll drive to Kandy, a city located in the central hills of Sri Lanka. You’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth, which is the most significant Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After that, we’ll explore the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, which is home to a massive collection of orchids.

On day six, you’ll get to explore Kandy at your own pace. You can visit the local markets, go to a tea factory, or take a leisurely walk around the city.

Day 7-8: Ella

On day seven, we’ll drive to Ella, which is a small town located in the central hills of Sri Lanka. You’ll get to take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella, which is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

On day eight, we’ll visit Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge, both of which offer some of the best views in Sri Lanka.

Day 9-10: Udawalawe National Park

On day nine, we’ll drive to Udawalawe National Park, which is home to hundreds of elephants and other wildlife. You’ll get to go on a safari and see these majestic animals up close.

On day ten, you’ll get to explore the rest of the park and see more of the wildlife, including leopards, water buffalo, and crocodiles.

Day 11-12: Mirissa

On day eleven, we’ll drive to the coastal town of Mirissa, where you’ll get to relax on the beach, go whale watching, or take a boat ride to see the stilt fishermen.

On your final day, we’ll take you back to Negombo for your departure. If time permits, we can also visit the famous Galle Fort, which is another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Booking Information

Book your 12 days semi-luxury holiday in Negombo, Sri Lanka with BH Lanka Tours. The tour includes a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver, complimentary water bottles, and free airport pick-up and drop-off. Entrance and excursion fees not stated as included, late check-outs, early check-in charges, and personal expenses are excluded.

You can confirm the start time with the local provider in advance of your experience. Pickup is available from any hotel at Negombo, Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla, and Bentota. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. Note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start date.

Book the tour here: book the tour here.

Conclusion

A 12-day semi-luxury holiday in Negombo, Sri Lanka, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will cherish forever. With a private vehicle and an English-speaking driver, you’ll get to explore Sri Lanka’s rich culture and history at your own pace. Book your tour with BH Lanka Tours to make the most out of your Sri Lankan holiday!

Frequently Asked Questions about Negombo

If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, then Negombo is a must-visit destination on your itinerary. It is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. As a virtual assistant, I have been asked many questions about Negombo. In this post, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the city.

1. What is Negombo known for?

Negombo is known for its beautiful beaches, which are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. It is also famous for its seafood, Dutch canals, and vibrant fish market. In addition, Negombo is home to several historic landmarks, such as the St. Mary’s Church, the Dutch Clock Tower, and the Angurukaramulla Temple.

2. When is the best time to visit Negombo?

The best time to visit Negombo is from December to March when the weather is dry and sunny. The temperature during this time ranges from 27°C to 32°C, which is ideal for outdoor activities. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and get better deals on accommodation, then you can visit between May and September when the weather is still good.

3. How to get to Negombo?

Negombo is located about 37 kilometers north of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. You can reach Negombo by taxi, bus, or train from Colombo. If you are arriving by air, then you can take a taxi or a bus from the Bandaranaike International Airport, which is located about 10 kilometers south of Negombo.

4. What is the currency used in Negombo?

The currency used in Negombo is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). You can exchange your currency at any of the authorized exchange counters at the airport or in the city. You can also withdraw money from ATMs, which are widely available in Negombo.

5. What are the best things to do in Negombo?

There are several things to do in Negombo, such as:

• Visit the Negombo Fish Market and watch the fishermen bring in their catch
• Take a boat ride along the Dutch canals and admire the colonial architecture
• Visit the St. Mary’s Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka
• Visit the Angurukaramulla Temple and see the impressive statue of the reclining Buddha
• Relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy the sun and sea
• Try out the local seafood and other Sri Lankan delicacies

6. What are the best places to stay in Negombo?

There are several options for accommodation in Negombo, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Some of the best places to stay in Negombo are:

• Jetwing Beach
• The Beach – All Suite Hotel
• Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions
• Heritance Negombo
• Catamaran Beach Hotel

7. Is Negombo safe for tourists?

Yes, Negombo is generally safe for tourists. However, you should take some precautions to ensure your safety, such as:

• Avoid traveling alone at night
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid deserted areas
• Follow the local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites

8. What are the local customs in Negombo?

The people in Negombo are friendly and hospitable. However, it is important to respect the local customs and traditions. Some of the customs that you should be aware of are:

• Removing your shoes and hat when entering a temple or any religious site
• Dressing modestly when visiting religious sites
• Greeting people with the traditional “Ayubowan” (May you live long)
• Showing respect to elders and those in positions of authority

Conclusion

Negombo is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone in Negombo. By following the tips and recommendations in this post, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this amazing city. Remember to always respect the local customs and traditions, and you will have a memorable experience in Negombo.