You’ll land at Bandaranaike International Airport, where the warm, humid air immediately reminds you you’ve arrived somewhere tropical. After clearing immigration, take a short 15–20 minute transfer to Negombo, a laid-back seaside town. Check into your hotel, unpack, and resist the urge to over-plan. This day is about easing into the pace of Sri Lanka. Walk along the beach, watch local fishermen bringing in their catch, and enjoy your first Sri Lankan meal—rice and curry or fresh seafood. As evening falls, sit by the ocean and watch your first Indian Ocean sunset before getting an early night to recover from travel.