Bentota

The Beachside Bliss of Sri Lanka

Bentota, a picturesque coastal town located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant water sports scene. With its golden sands, clear waters, and lush greenery, Bentota offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The town’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it a popular destination for honeymooners, families, and beach lovers.

Things to Do

Relax on Bentota Beach

  • Pristine Sands: Bentota Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, known for its soft golden sands and clear blue waters. The beach’s calm and gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Beach Activities: Enjoy a range of beach activities, including beach volleyball, beach cricket, and building sandcastles. The beach’s wide expanse provides plenty of space for relaxation and recreation.

Explore the Bentota River

  • River Safari: Take a river safari along the Bentota River to explore its scenic waterways and mangrove forests. The safari offers the chance to spot various bird species, monitor lizards, and other wildlife.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy a variety of water sports on the Bentota River, including jet skiing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. The river’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for these activities.

Visit the Brief Garden

  • Lush Gardens: Brief Garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Bevis Bawa, is a beautifully landscaped garden located near Bentota. The garden features a variety of plants, sculptures, and ornamental features.
  • Artistic Heritage: Explore the garden’s artistic heritage and learn about its history and design. The garden’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Discover the Lunuganga Estate

  • Architectural Gem: Lunuganga Estate, the former residence of famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, is a stunning estate set amidst beautiful gardens and lush landscapes. The estate is known for its unique blend of architecture and nature.
  • Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the estate to learn about Geoffrey Bawa’s life and work and explore the various buildings, sculptures, and gardens on the property.

Visit the Kande Viharaya Temple

  • Buddhist Temple: Kande Viharaya Temple is a significant Buddhist temple located near Bentota. The temple is known for its large seated Buddha statue, which is one of the tallest in Sri Lanka.
  • Cultural Heritage: Explore the temple’s beautiful architecture and learn about its historical and cultural significance. The temple’s serene surroundings make it a peaceful place for meditation and reflection.

 

Enjoy Water Sports at Bentota Beach

  • Surfing and Windsurfing: Bentota Beach offers excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing. Rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the local surf schools to enjoy the waves.
  • Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world of Bentota with snorkeling and diving excursions. The clear waters and coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and turtles.

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

  • Turtle Conservation: The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a conservation center dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their nesting sites. The hatchery raises awareness about turtle conservation and provides a safe environment for turtle hatchlings.
  • Educational Tour: Take an educational tour of the hatchery to learn about the different species of sea turtles and the conservation efforts to protect them. You may also have the opportunity to release baby turtles into the ocean.

Explore the Bentota Bazaar

  • Local Market: The Bentota Bazaar is a bustling local market where you can shop for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. The market offers a variety of local products, including spices, teas, and traditional garments.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market and interact with local vendors to learn about their products and traditions.

Take a Day Trip to Galle

  • Historic Fort: Galle, located a short drive from Bentota, is a historic city known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Explore the fort’s narrow streets, visit the museums, and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.
  • Shopping and Dining: Galle offers a variety of shopping and dining options, including boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes.

Visit the Brief Garden

  • Lush Gardens: Brief Garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Bevis Bawa, is a beautifully landscaped garden located near Bentota. The garden features a variety of plants, sculptures, and ornamental features.
  • Artistic Heritage: Explore the garden’s artistic heritage and learn about its history and design. The garden’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Take a Boat Ride on the Maduganga River

  • Scenic Waterways: The Maduganga River, located near Bentota, is a scenic river known for its lush mangrove forests and diverse wildlife. Take a boat ride on the river to explore its scenic waterways and observe various bird species and other wildlife.
  • Island Visits: The river is dotted with small islands, each with its own unique attractions. Visit Cinnamon Island to learn about cinnamon cultivation or explore the ancient temples and traditional villages on other islands.

Enjoy a Spa Day

  • Relaxation and Wellness: Bentota is home to several luxurious spas that offer a range of wellness treatments, including traditional Ayurvedic therapies, massages, and beauty treatments. Enjoy a spa day to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.
  • Scenic Settings: Many spas in Bentota are set in beautiful, tranquil surroundings, providing a serene environment for your wellness experience.

Visit the Beruwala Fish Market

  • Local Market: The Beruwala Fish Market, located near Bentota, is a bustling market where local fishermen bring in their catch of the day. The market offers a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market and interact with local fishermen to learn about their trade. You can also buy fresh seafood to take back to your accommodation and have it cooked.

Explore the Bentota Ganga Estuary

  • Mangrove Forests: The Bentota Ganga Estuary is a beautiful area where the Bentota River meets the Indian Ocean. The estuary is surrounded by lush mangrove forests and is home to various bird species and other wildlife.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the estuary’s scenic waterways with kayaking and canoeing excursions. The calm waters and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for these activities.

Take a Cooking Class

  • Culinary Experience: Join a cooking class in Bentota to learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts.

  • Local Flavors: Learn about the spices, herbs, and cooking techniques that give Sri Lankan cuisine its unique and vibrant flavors.

Visit the Galapota Temple

  • Ancient Buddhist Temple: The Galapota Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located near Bentota. The temple is known for its large stone Buddha statue and intricate stone carvings.
  • Cultural Heritage: Explore the temple’s beautiful architecture and learn about its historical and cultural significance. The temple’s serene surroundings make it a peaceful place for meditation and reflection.

Take a Bicycle Tour

  • Local Exploration: Explore Bentota and its surroundings on a bicycle tour. Visit local attractions, hidden beaches, and scenic viewpoints with the help of a knowledgeable local guide.
  • Cultural Insights: Learn about the local culture, history, and traditions from your guide, who can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Visit the Barberyn Island Lighthouse

  • Coastal Landmark: The Barberyn Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on a small island off the coast of Bentota. The lighthouse, built in the 19th century, offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding coastline.
  • Boat Trip: Take a boat trip to the island to explore the lighthouse and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The island is also home to various bird species and marine life.

Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

  • Scenic Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise along the Bentota River or the Indian Ocean. The cruise offers stunning views of the sunset and the surrounding landscapes, providing a perfect ending to your day.

  • Relaxation and Romance: The sunset cruise provides a peaceful and romantic experience, ideal for couples and honeymooners.

Visit the Richmond Castle

  • Historic Mansion: Richmond Castle is a beautiful historic mansion located near Bentota. The mansion, built in the early 20th century, features a unique blend of architectural styles and is surrounded by lush gardens.
  • Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the mansion to learn about its history and the life of its original owner, a wealthy Sri Lankan aristocrat. The mansion’s elegant interiors and scenic surroundings make it a fascinating destination.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bentota

  • Best Time to Visit:The best time to visit Bentota is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is most favorable for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
  • Transportation:Bentota is accessible by road and rail from major cities like Colombo and Galle. The town is also well-connected by public transportation and tuk-tuks.
  • Accommodation:Bentota offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury beachfront resorts. Staying near the beach provides easy access to the town’s main attractions.

Conclusion

Bentota is a destination that offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re lounging on pristine beaches, exploring lush gardens, or enjoying water sports on the river, Bentota promises a memorable and enriching travel experience. Plan your visit to this beachside bliss and discover the many treasures of Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast.