Katunayake - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s International Gateway & Perfect First Stop

Welcome to Katunayake, home to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA/CMB) and the gateway to every corner of Sri Lanka. Whether you’re arriving after a long international flight or preparing to depart, Katunayake is far more than an airport town. With excellent transport connections, comfortable accommodation, nearby attractions, and direct access to Sri Lanka’s expressway network, it is the ideal place to begin or conclude your holiday.

Many travellers choose Katunayake for their first night in Sri Lanka or last night before departure, allowing time to recover from a long flight or enjoy a stress-free journey back to the airport. It is also an excellent base for airport layovers, transit stops, and convenient day excursions before continuing to destinations such as Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, the Cultural Triangle, or Sri Lanka’s spectacular southern and eastern coastlines. Accommodation is available to suit every budget, from comfortable guesthouses to premium airport hotels, while CCT Sri Lanka can arrange reliable airport transfers, chauffeur-driven vehicles, domestic flights, and private helicopter charters.

If you have a few hours or an extra day, Katunayake offers surprising opportunities to explore. Cruise through the peaceful Muthurajawela Marsh, enjoy a relaxing Negombo Lagoon boat ride, visit the historic Aluthapola Rajamaha Viharaya, discover the birthplace of Sri Lanka’s rubber industry at Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, experience the centuries-old tradition of toddy tapping, enjoy lagoon or deep-sea fishing, or take memorable day trips to Colombo, Kandy, or the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Whether you’re starting your Sri Lankan adventure or preparing to fly home, Katunayake offers the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and authentic local experiences. Travel confidently with CCT Sri Lanka. Our Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs, modern air-conditioned vehicles, domestic flights, helicopter transfers, and personalised holiday planning ensure your journey begins—and ends—as smoothly as possible.

Destination Highlights

Bandaranaike Airport | First Night Stay | Airport Transfers | Airport Hotels | Domestic Flights | Muthurajawela Marsh | Negombo Lagoon | Aluthapola Temple | Henarathgoda Garden | Toddy Experience | Day Excursions | Deep-Sea Fishing

Rent a car Sri Lanka

Rent a Car

Travel through Sri Lanka’s hill country in first-class comfort with our chauffeur-driven cars. Ideal for airport transfers, sightseeing, and luxury holidays around Sri Lanka.

Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven

Mattala Sri Lanka

Scheduled Domestic Flights

Reach Sri Lanka’s southern coast quickly by scheduled domestic flight, enjoying spectacular aerial views while avoiding long road journeys.

Fast Travel | Scenic Flights

Domestic helicopters Sri Lanka

Helicopter Transfers

Experience the central highlands from above with a private helicopter transfer. Experience breathtaking aerial views of Sri Lanka’s coastline with a private helicopter transfer between Katunayake and the south.

Helicopter | Aerial Views

Charter Flights Sri Lanka

Charter Flights

Charter a private aircraft directly to the south coast for the fastest and most comfortable way to begin your holiday. Ideal for families, business travellers, and tailor-made holidays.

Private Aviation | Time Saving

St Mary's Church Negombo Sri Lanka

Negombo City Tour

Discover Negombo’s colonial churches, bustling fish markets, Dutch Canal, beaches, and lively seaside atmosphere on a relaxed guided excursion.

Colonial Heritage | Coastal Town

Henarathgoda Botanical Garden - Sri Lanka

Henarathgoda Botanical Garden

Visit the historic botanical garden where rubber was first successfully cultivated in Sri Lanka while discovering tropical trees, flowering plants, and colonial history.

Botanical Garden | Rubber Heritage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Sri Lanka

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Meet Sri Lanka’s rescued elephants while learning about conservation efforts and watching the famous elephant bathing sessions.

Elephants | Conservation

Colombo Port City

Colombo Day Tour

Explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital directly from the airport, discovering colonial architecture, temples, museums, shopping districts, and modern city life.

Capital City | Sightseeing

Kandy Perahara Seats

Kandy Day Tour

Journey directly from the airport to Sri Lanka’s cultural capital to visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, and the beautiful hill-country surroundings.

Temple of the Tooth | UNESCO Heritage

Irakakandy

Negombo Lagoon Fishing

Experience traditional fishing techniques in the rich waters of Negombo Lagoon while targeting Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and other local species.

Lagoon Fishing | Barramundi

Lagoon Safaris - Trinco

Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride

Cruise through peaceful lagoons and mangrove forests while observing fishing communities, tropical birds, and beautiful wetland scenery.

Lagoon Cruise | Mangroves

deep sea fishing in sri-lanka

Deep-Sea Fishing

Head offshore into the Indian Ocean in search of exciting game fish with experienced local crews aboard fully equipped fishing boats.

Game Fishing | Indian Ocean

Cycling in Sri Lanka

Reserve Your Cycle

Explore quiet villages, beaches, and coastal roads at your own pace with a quality rental bicycle.

City Roads | Freedom

Toddy tasting tour

Toddy Tasting Experience

Discover Sri Lanka’s centuries-old toddy tapping tradition while learning how fresh coconut sap is collected and transformed into one of the island’s oldest beverages.

City Roads | Freedom

Parrotfish SCUBA Dive Sri Lanka

SCUBA Diving

Explore the colourful reefs and fascinating underwater world of Sri Lanka’s Negombo coast. Suitable for certified divers, beginners, and those wishing to complete PADI courses.

Shipwrecks | Coral Reefs

sri lankan cookery lessons

Sri lankan Cookery Lessons

Prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes using fresh local ingredients before enjoying your homemade meal with experienced local hosts.

Authentic Cuisine | Local Family

Jet Skiing Sri Lanka

Jet Skiing

Experience the thrill of high-speed jet skiing along Sri Lanka’s west coast with modern equipment and professional supervision.

Authentic Cuisine | Local Family

Aluthapola Temple Sri Lanka

Aluthapola Rajamaha Viharaya

Visit one of the region’s oldest Buddhist temples, closely associated with King Valagamba, and experience its peaceful atmosphere, history, and living religious traditions.

Ancient Temple | Personal Puja

Boat safaris Muthurajawela Marsh Sri Lanka

Muthurajawela Marsh Safari

Explore one of Sri Lanka’s richest wetland ecosystems by boat while spotting birds, crocodiles, butterflies, and other fascinating wildlife.

Wetlands | Birdlife

Negombo Sri Lanka

Shallow Sea Fishing by Dinghy

Enjoy a relaxed fishing experience just offshore aboard a traditional dinghy, targeting coastal species while experiencing authentic local fishing traditions.

Coastal Fishing | Traditional Boat

Arrive in Comfort with CCT Sri Lanka

You’ve discovered some of the best experiences available in and around this destination. Now let us take care of the journey.

Whether you’re arriving at the airport, travelling from another part of Sri Lanka, or continuing your holiday after your excursion, CCT Sri Lanka provides reliable private transport tailored to your schedule and travel style.

Our Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs, modern air-conditioned vehicles, and extensive local knowledge ensure a smooth and stress-free journey from start to finish. From airport pickups and hotel transfers to multi-day tours across the island, we take care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying your holiday.

Why Travellers Choose CCT Sri Lanka

✓ Family-run Sri Lankan travel company serving visitors since 1979

✓ Tourist Board–registered chauffeurs committed to safety and professionalism

✓ Private transfers tailored to your itinerary

✓ Modern air-conditioned vehicles for a comfortable journey

✓ Airport pickups and flexible drop-off locations throughout Sri Lanka

✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden charges

✓ Instant booking confirmation for peace of mind

✓ Local assistance before and during your journey

Select your preferred vehicle below and reserve your private transfer.

Explore Katunayake

From: 5$

Book your journey in comfort and confidence with CCT Sri Lanka.
Simply select your vehicle from the drop-down list, pick your travel date, and enter your pick-up time and location later — our professional drivers will handle everything from there.