NEGOMBO
★ GAY TRAVEL ★ GAY DAY ★ GAY NIGHT ★
GAY GROUP TRIP
Join an incredible gay group trip to Sri Lanka with Out Come Out - and us!
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A MAGICAL JOURNEY TO SRI LANKA: A GREEN PARADISE
In December, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Sri Lanka, a destination that had been on our travel wishlist for ages. While we knew it was a beautiful island, nothing could have prepared us for the sea of green that surrounded us everywhere. It’s truly a magical place!
As a gay couple, we never felt any discomfort or received strange looks during our trip in Sri Lanka, whether at hotels, restaurants, bars, or shops. Everyone was always very friendly, and we were welcomed with warmth.
Our journey began in Negombo. After landing in Colombo, we took a transfer to our accommodation in Negombo Beach, arriving late at night. It wasn’t until the next morning that we got to explore the city. We stayed near the beach, between Negombo Beach and Browns Beach—an ideal spot to start our trip.
For accommodation, consider staying at the Belmont Boutique Hotel.
Getting Around and Exploring Negombo
After breakfast, we headed out to explore the area and the city center. Tuk-tuks are the go-to transport here, and you’ve got a couple of options:
The PickMe App: This works like Uber, letting you call tuk-tuks or cars. Some tuk-tuk drivers might ask for cash instead of app payment, but you can politely insist on using the app or choose another ride.
Haggling on the Spot: We found it handy to use PickMe to check prices and then negotiate directly with tuk-tuk drivers we met on the street. It saved us time and worked out well!
Our first stop? The Fisherman’s Market. We got a car through PickMe to drop us off, and from there, we started exploring Negombo on foot.
Highlights to Check Out Around the Fisherman’s Market
Starting from the market, there’s plenty to see nearby. Here are our top picks:
The Dutch Canal: A scenic and historic canal that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.
St. Mary’s Church: A gorgeous Catholic church with colorful frescoes and colonial charm.
Negombo Fish Market: Watch the daily hustle and bustle as fishermen bring in their catch. It’s lively, authentic, and a sensory experience!
Angurukaramulla Temple: While a bit further out, this temple is worth the short tuk-tuk ride for its giant Buddha statue and detailed carvings.
Local Streets and Shops: Wander through the vibrant streets to find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
One thing that caught us off guard was how few tourists we saw—both in the hotel area and downtown. But that made the experience feel even more special. Everyone we met was incredibly kind and welcoming, and we always felt safe wherever we went.
Oh, and let’s not forget the weather—it’s hot! Be sure to pack light clothes and drink plenty of water to keep up with the tropical heat.
If you prefer, you can book a tour on Get Your Guide and have everything organized without any stress! A tuk-tuk will pick you up from your accommodation and take you around Negombo. Here’s a suggestion:
Suggestions for places to visit in Negombo and Negombo Beach:
- At Negombo Beach: Rodeo Pub & Restaurant - A great spot for dinner and a drink afterward.
- Looking to buy souvenirs in Sri Lanka? Want to get your hands on the famous traditional masks? Negombo is the perfect place for it! We found the best prices here during our trip—sometimes up to half the price of what you’d find elsewhere!
So, if you’re planning to buy Sri Lankan masks, Negombo is the place to do it. The two best shops we visited are located on the main street of Negombo Beach, almost directly across from Rodeo Pub. Take a stroll down this street and enjoy some shopping!
- Supermarket: Cargills (it has everything).
- If you're a smoker, the price of cigarettes in Sri Lanka is quite high. It’s around €10 per pack. However, when you leave Sri Lanka, at the airport Duty-Free, they are much, much cheaper.
The following Sunday, and to finish off the Europride Valletta 2023 celebrations, in the afternoon we went to the Closing Party Disco Tits Pool Party! A hot and wet afternoon and night, with lots of lively people, DJs and entertainers.
We spent 6 nights in Malta and another 3 nights on the island of Gozo, to make the most of everything and we loved it once again.
We advise everyone to visit Malta because it's a fantastic place where the LGBT community is very well received.
Many already know and follow our Gay Travel Agency, Out Come Out - Gay Travel & Tours and anyone who wants to join us on a gay group tour to Malta or at EuroPride 2024 Thessaloniki where we will also be present on a gay group tour, just click, book and let's all go together!
And if you like Pride Weeks, we also have a gay group tour to Reykjavik Pride 2024. Join us!
