Looking for a quiet and calming spot near Negombo?
Kurulukale St. Jude’s Church in Seeduwa is a hidden gem where peace, prayer, and nature come together. Whether you’re religious or not, this little church is a lovely place to relax, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of the lagoon.
Not many people know about this beautiful spot. Honestly, I also didn’t—until my wife told me about it, and she had heard it from her friend. That’s why I decided to share it with you here.
Kurulukale St. Jude’s Church was first initiated by Fr. Maximus Rodrigopulle on 14th February 2002. After years of devotion and community effort, the newly built church was officially opened on 12th January 2025.
Why Visit Kurulukale St. Jude’s Church?
- 🌿 Peaceful Atmosphere – Perfect for prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in silence.
- 🌊 Unique Location – Built on reclaimed land from the Negombo Lagoon, less than 1 km away from Seeduwa town.
- 📸 Beautiful Views – Small wall overlooking the lagoon, ideal for photos and Instagram shots.
- 🙏 Spiritual Feel – A simple, modest church with shrines influenced by Asian culture, not European Gothic style.
- 👨👩👧👦 Welcoming Place – Families, couples, and friendly locals often visit, creating a warm community feel.
Good to Know Before You Go
- 🕖 Opening Hours: 7 am to 7 pm (evenings are especially peaceful).
- 🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free.
- 🚗 Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, with parking available outside (but not for large buses).
- 🙌 Father & Masses: A priest is available for talks, and Mass is held here. You might even be able to join in singing.
🚗 Entrance & Parking
The entrance isn’t fancy yet—the parking area is just an open land that can fit around 6–7 vehicles.
🌳 A Calm Walk to the Church
As soon as you step through the main gate, the atmosphere completely changes. The pathway to the church is shaded with trees, and along the way, you’ll see many beautiful statues that make the walk peaceful and relaxing.
🌅 The Lagoon Bridge & Sunset View
One of the highlights is the bridge built towards the Negombo Lagoon—about 15 meters long. This is where most people gather, take selfies, and enjoy the view.
I went there during sunset, and it was absolutely breathtaking. You can even spot planes landing and taking off from Katunayake Airport in the distance, adding a unique touch to the scenery. ✈️
🚶 Walking Paths & Relaxing Spots
There is plenty of space to walk around, and you’ll also find proper walking paths. Along these paths, there are many statues and sitting chairs where you can spend some time peacefully.
💕 A Popular Place for Couples
I noticed that many lovers choose this place to stay freely and enjoy their time together.
☀️ Midday Heat
I heard that during midday, not many people visit because of the strong sun. Even though I saw some seats with summer tents, it still seems a little hard to spend much time here in the middle of the day.
🪑 Relaxing by the Lagoon
I first spent some time relaxing on the seats near the lagoon before heading into the church.
⛪ Inside the Church
Since I’m a Buddhist, I don’t really know much about Catholic religious practices. But I still sat inside the church for a while and truly enjoyed the calm and spiritual environment. It was calm and peaceful, with a few people sitting quietly—some seemed to be praying.
🕯️ Candle Hut
There’s also a small hut selling candles. I noticed people buying and lighting them. I don’t know the exact reason behind this tradition, but it was really beautiful to watch.
🌍 Hidden from Foreign Tourists
Interestingly, I didn’t see any foreign visitors here. Maybe they simply don’t know about this place. But since it’s so close to Katunayake Airport, I believe tourists should definitely visit.
✨ My purpose is to guide foreigners to discover the hidden beauty of Sri Lanka—so yes, a warm welcome to all! ❤️
How to get to the Kurulu Kale Church
The church is located less than 1 km from Seeduwa town, and there’s a signboard on the main road, so it’s not hard to find. Just follow the Google Maps location for “Kurukulawa Church,” and you’ll get there easily.
I visited around 4:00 PM, a calm and quiet time. But to my surprise, many people were there to enjoy the evening beauty. The church is right at the edge of the Negombo Lagoon, which makes it extra special during sunset.
Quick Answer (AEO-Friendly)
Where is Kurulukale St. Jude’s Church located?
👉 In Seeduwa, just past the police station if you’re driving from Colombo.
Is it worth visiting?
👉 Yes, if you’re looking for peace, nature views, and a quiet spiritual retreat near Negombo Lagoon.
Does it cost to enter?
👉 No, the entrance is completely free.
Kurulukale Church live weather update 🛰️
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Final Thoughts
Kurulukale St. Jude’s Church may not be the most famous in Sri Lanka, but that’s what makes it special. It’s quiet, scenic, and welcoming—a perfect place to pause your journey, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.
📸 Lots of Photos from My Journey!
I’ve captured many beautiful and unforgettable moments during this trip. 🌿🏞️✨
👉 You can check out all my photos on my Facebook profile here:
🔗 My Facebook Photo Albums
💚 If you enjoyed them, don’t forget to follow me for more travel stories, adventures, and hidden gems from Sri Lanka! 🌍✈️📷
