Bentota is a coastal city famous for its golden sun-kissed beaches. The town is a popular tourist attraction and also a favourite destination for watersports. It is especially famous among the foreign tourists. Bentota hosts a handful of world proclaimed hotels. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda and is also famous for its production in Toddy. An alcoholic beverage made out of cocunut nectar.

TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka
TouringSriLanka

Bentota

Bentota lies just south of the major local city Aluthgama, offers a further clutch of package resorts plus an outstanding selection of more upmarket boutique places. The beach divides into two areas. At the north end, facing Aluthgama, lies “Paradise Island” (as it’s popularly known), a narrow split of land beautifully sandwiched between choppy breakers of the Indian Ocean and the calm waters of the Bentota lagoon; however the “island” is heavily developed and covered in a sequence of big and rather pedestrian hotels. Backing Paradise Island, the tranquil lagoon provides the setting for the island’s biggest range of water sports, along with interesting boat trips up the Bentara river. The atrractive southern end of the beach (south of the railway station), comprises a wide and tranquil swathe of sand that’s home to one of the island’s finest clusters of top-end hotels, set at discrete intervals from one another down the coast.

Inland from here lies the Bentota village, a traditional coastal settlement which is home to a couple of temples and few other minor attractions which the entrepreneurial locals will be happy to show you – for a consideration.  Despite the number of visitors, Bentota beach remains surprisingly quiet, particularly south of the railway station. Unlike Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna, there’s virtually no beach life here, and the oceanfront lacks even the modest smattering of impromptu cafes, handi craft shops and hawkers you’ll find at Beruwela – it’s this somnolent atmosphere which either appeals or repels, depending on which way your boat’s pointing.

Historical Background:

Bentota, nestled between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, has a serene and storied past:

  • Historical Mention: References to Bentota date back to ancient chronicles, and it later became a strategic location during the colonial era, with Dutch forts and cinnamon cultivation.

  • Cultural Connections: It’s near the Galapatha Temple, tied to the Ruhuna Kingdom and housing ancient relics.

  • Early Resort Development: Bentota was one of Sri Lanka’s first planned beach resorts under the 1960s “Tourism Triangle” initiative.

  • River and Sea Combo: The unique geography offers both lagoon-like rivers and surf-ready beaches.

  • Water Sports Capital: Jet skiing, banana boating, windsurfing, and boat safaris made it a water lover’s paradise.

  • Luxury Resorts & Spas: Five-star resorts, including iconic designs by Geoffrey Bawa, attracted upscale travelers.

  • Convenient Access: Easy travel via the Southern Expressway and coastal railway increased its appeal.

Today, Bentota is one of Sri Lanka’s most refined beach resorts, known for luxury travel, watersports, and tranquil river settings.

  • It’s a top destination for honeymooners, wellness tourists, and families seeking both beachfront bliss and adventure.

  • Geography: Located where the Bentota River meets the sea, featuring sandy beaches, riverbanks, and mangrove forests.

  • Climate: Sunny and warm most of the year with the best weather from November to April.

Attractions in and around Bentota:

  1. Bentota Beach – Pristine stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

  2. Bentota River Safari – Explore mangroves, birdlife, and small islands via boat.

  3. Brief Garden – The former estate of Bevis Bawa, a tropical garden paradise.

  4. Lunuganga Estate – The visionary retreat of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa.

  5. Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara – A Buddhist temple with ancient stone inscriptions and relics.

  6. Water Sports Center – Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and more.

  7. Cinnamon Island – Tour cinnamon plantations and learn traditional spice processing.

  8. Turtle Hatchery Project – Protects endangered sea turtles; visitors can observe or release hatchlings.

  9. Ayurvedic Retreats – High-end spas offering herbal therapy, yoga, and wellness packages.

  10. Sunset Cruises – Evening boat rides along the river for peaceful sightseeing.

Things to do in Bentota

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