Time on the beach of Negombo can be fun or it can be annoying. The beach is flooded with locals pedaling their goods and occasionally a beggar or two. I learned to have fun with the people bargaining for the best price, and getting into a conversation with them. They really appreciate that someone acknowledges them. One of my favorite peddlers was the snake charmer... He allowed me to handle his python, king cobra, the baby king cobra (6 weeks old)and his pet monkey. On this beach you will also be asked if you would like to go out on one of the local fishing boats...just remember bargain for the best price.
Shell collecting needs to be done early... as many tourists and locals comb this beach. Even though most say the beach is not as beautiful as the Southern beaches of Sri Lanka, I found the night life more lively, and the atmosphere more pleasant.