Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
Bus 240 for the Bandaranaike International Airport (Rs 24, 40 minutes), leaves from the
bus station in town every 15 minutes between about 6am and 7pm. A three-wheeler costs
about Rs 500 from Negombo town or Rs 800 from Lewis Pl. A taxi costs around double
this. The journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes and all hotels can arrange transport. Three-
wheelers may not pick up passengers from the airport terminal, but you can catch one on
the road outside the airport.
To get from the bus station to Lewis Pl or Porutota Rd, catch a Kochchikade-bound bus
or splash out Rs 300 on a three-wheeler.
Around Negombo
Waikkal & Marawila
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The towns of Waikkal and Marawila lie about 3km inland of the coast on the A3 north of
Negombo. It's a very different scene here from the bars and tourist shops at Negombo and
while there are several self-contained package tour hotels in the area, the places we have
listed here are generally more suited to independent travellers and offer a far more intim-
ate, nature-based experience. A huge plus for this area is that the nearby beaches are long,
golden and generally fairly untarnished in comparison to Negombo.
Most people reach Waikkal and Marawila by taxi or car and driver.
Sleeping
Ging Oya Lodge
LODGE
( 227 7822;
www.gingoya.com
;
Kammala North, Waikkal;s/d incl breakfast €45/52; )
The Belgium artist-owners of this place were inspired by the safari lodges of Africa and
they've done a sterling job of replicating the rustic-chic luxury. There are 10 spacious cot-
tages with antique doors, filigree window carvings, beautiful four-posters and semi-open
