Bentota is the main resort town in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. This is an ideal place for a long comfortable beach holiday. Almost all the resort staff speaks English, the signs are in the international language, and the level of service does not differ from the European one. Vacation in Bentota in Sri Lanka is suitable for those who appreciate comfort.
This travel guide is the only one you need to read to get the full information about most popular tourist attractions and best things to do in Bentota. It will be helpful to all first time travelers, planning a trip to this Sri Lankan city.
Bentota General Info
- Location: Bentota is located 65 kilometers from Colombo.
- Average air t: in winter: during the day – +30, at night – +25 degrees; in summer : during the day – +29, at night +26 degrees.
- Average water t: in winter – +28; in summer – +27.
- Best season to visit: November to April.
- Rainy season: March-October, heaviest showers in summer.
- Book a tour from Bentota to Yala National Park here .
Things to Do in Bentota
Have a Nice Time on Bentota Beach
Upon arrival, everyone goes to Bentota beach. Wide, stretched under palm trees, with fine yellowish sand – this beach is ideal for a relaxing holiday.
Each hotel offers sun loungers, umbrellas. The southern part of the beaches is the best one. There are so many tourist attractions are located, so your trip to Sri Lanka will be unforgettable.
The northern side of Bentota beach is more about exotic nature. The mouth of Bentota river forms a small island, which is popularly called “Paradise”.
Boat safari through the mangroves
On boats you will sail along Bentota river through the jungle, will see several small islands on your way, observe tropical birds, more than 111 species and animals live there in total. This place is often visited by ecologists and biologists. You can also book a tour from Bentota to Yala National Park.
Visit Turtle Hatchery
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Center is located in the north of Bentota. You can get there by tuk-tuk in 20 minutes from the city center. Here you can see up to five endangered turtle species. This is one of the popular tourist attractions in Bentota.
The main goal of the conservation center is to keep the eggs so they hatch and help small turtles get to the sea so that they are not eaten by predators. Only a few turtles from each nest survive to adulthood.
That is why it is important to find nests in time to help protect the species.
Brief Garden – Bevis Bawa
10 kilometers north from the resort is the home of one of the best sculptors and artists in Asia. This is a real cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Years have been spent transforming the rubber farm into a true green jungle paradise. Work on ennobling the space began in the 1920s. The garden is still open to the public today.
You can walk along the winding paths that lead to the pool, patio, enjoy the atmosphere of privacy.
Cinnamon Island
Another amazing place in the vicinity of Bentota, which is a must visit. These plantations have been used for growing cinnamon for centuries. There you can learn absolutely everything about this spice, from how it is grown and how it is used. It was family business which has been passed down from generation to generation.
Diving and snorkeling
Those types of water sports are typical for all Sri Lanka resorts. Equipment rental and instructors can be found right on the beach. The marine life near Bentota is rich with small colorful fish, corals and sea turtles. Bentota is one of the spots for whale watching in Sri Lanka, don’t miss this opportunity and join day tour.
You can visit Sunshine Water Sports Centre to enjoy nearly all water sports available there, for example surfing.
Galapata Raja Vihara
Ancient Buddhist temple, the building dates back to the twelfth century. The most amazing thing about this place is the labyrinth of underground tunnels that connect the temples. This place is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Bentota. There is also a thirty-meter statue of Buddha.
Visit Ambalangoda
The small town of Ambalangoda is located 24 km to the south from Bentota. In Sri Lanka, this place is widely known for ritual dances in devil masks. This is a stunning sight that you should definitely visit.
You can find the same masks in the local market, just first study what can and cannot be exported from Sri Lanka. The same traditional dance you can watch in Weligama.
Lunuganga Garden
Explore this beautiful botanical garden – the largest in Bentota, located in the estate of famous Sri Lankan architect. Join the tour to see some exotic trees, learn about traditions of weaving wreaths, listen interesting stories your guide share. Visiting time – from 9:30 to 14:00.
Beruwala Lighthouse on Barberyn Island
The snow-white lighthouse on the small island of Barberin, with an area of 3.25 hectares, is located 0.8 km from the coast of the city of Beruwala on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Entrance fee is 500 rupees along with a transfer to the island and back.
This lighthouse is a historical landmark that functions and daily shows the way for ships. It was built in 1889 and has been renovated several times. There are 5 keepers watching the lighthouse, but no one lives on the island itself.
Bentota Bazaar
One of the must-visit places in Bentota is Bazaar. Fresh seafood, exotic fruits and vegetables, clothes, souvenirs, cosmetics – you can find anything you want.
This place is very popular among locals. This marketplace has been approved by the government and is the perfect place for those who want to escape the noise and hustle of the Monday market.
