Ice Bear Guest House

Negombo


A gorgeous traditional villa with lots of colour and flair (or ‘Swissness’, as the sign says – to which you could also add ‘and a little eccentricity’). This ‘budget boutique’ hotel has hammocks, sun loungers and a variety of rooms, the priciest of which offer sea views. The rooms have flower-sprinkled beds and homey touches.

There’s also a breezy cafe with tasty treats such as homemade muesli, with classical music often wafting through the palms. Book the five-course captain's dinner in advance (Rs 1800).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Negombo attractions

1. Hamilton Canal

0.35 MILES

The Dutch showed their love of canals here like nowhere else in Sri Lanka. Canals extend from Negombo all the way south to Colombo and north to Puttalam,…

2. Negombo Beach Park

0.64 MILES

Foreign tourists can normally access the beach in front of most big hotels even if you're not staying, but for a more colourful (and noisier) scene join…

3. Negombo Beach

0.88 MILES

Even though it could never compete in a beauty contest against many Sri Lankan beaches, Negombo's beach, which stretches north from the town right along…

4. St Mary’s Church

1.28 MILES

The fading pink chamber of St Mary’s Church, in the town centre, has some thunderous religious ceiling paintings covering the nave.

5. Main Fish Market

1.36 MILES

Each day, fishers take their oruvas (outrigger canoes) and go out in search of the fish for which Negombo is famous. They’re a fine sight as they sweep…

6. Dutch Fort

1.51 MILES

Close to the seafront near the lagoon mouth are the ruins of the old Dutch fort, which has a fine gateway inscribed with the date 1678. Also here is a…

7. Angurukaramulla Temple

1.6 MILES

East of the town centre the Angurukaramulla Temple, with its 6m-long reclining Buddha, is worth seeing; take a three-wheeler for around Rs 200.

8. Fish Market

1.63 MILES

Across the lagoon bridge is Negombo's second fish market. If you can stagger out of bed at 6am, it’s a good place to watch big fishing boats return with…