Planning a seaside escapade in Sri Lanka, but don't know where to start? Don't worry I got you covered.
One of the best beach towns to visit on this island is Bentota. As a popular tourist destination on the southwest coast, this location is paradise for ocean lovers.
You can find a long beach adjacent to a lagoon where you can partake in many activities from river tours to watersports. Furthermore, Bentota is the perfect place to experience the rich Sri Lankan architecture and culture. You can have a stroll along the Lunuganga garden while admiring the estate of architect Geoffrey Bawa or visit a historic temple.
With a plethora of places to visit in Bentota, this article is divided into sections that might suit your interests from historic landmarks to water tours. First, let's have a look at how to get there.
Distance from Colombo - 110 km or 1 ½ to 2 hours
Colombo – bentota Express way – No traffic – include tolls
Colombo – bentota Express train – 1 to 1 ½ Hour’s
Head to Colombo fort railway station where you can get tickets for 3rd class or 2nd class.
3rd class tickets are cheaper, however, it can get very crowded sometimes, so not recommended for tourists.
To pre-book a rail journey contact a travel agency
For more information, log in to – http://www.railway.gov.lk/web
Colombo – Benthota – 10 to 15 mins.
The following travel companies offer internal chatter flights and Helicopter tours
https://www.senoksl.com/travel-and-leisure/airport-and-aviation-services-sri-lanka.html
The Wanawasa Royal Temple or Wanawasa Rajamaha Viharaya in Bentota is a historic site believed to have been built in 250 BC, during the reign of the Polonnaruwa kingdom. Underground tunnels can be found in this temple, believed to be connected to the other ancient temples around the region.
Via highway 102 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 67 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
No need to buy tickets
Open 5.00 am to 9.00 pm
As a place of worship it is advisable to refrain from wearing revealing, sheer or extremely short clothing.
You need to remove your hats and shoes before you enter.
Getting the service of an Area Guide is highly recommended.
Avoid full moon (Poya) days and Sundays to steer clear of large crowds.
A 10 minute drive from Bentota town center, the Kande Vihara is a famous Buddhist temple. It lies on top of a hill near Aluthgama town, hence the name 'Kande vihara' for Mountain temple. Founded in 1734, this temple is an archaeological site with a Bodhi tree believed to be over 300 years old.
Via highway 80 km or 1 ½ hour’s drive
Via Panadura 60 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
No need to buy tickets
open 5.00 am to 7.30 pm
As a place of worship it is advisable to refrain from wearing revealing, sheer or extremely short clothing.
You need to remove your hats and shoes before you enter.
Getting the service of an Area Guide is highly recommended.
Avoid full moon (Poya) days and Sundays to steer clear of large crowds.
The secret island is the end of the Bentota beach meets the Indian ocean. You can get to this location by boat or a 30 minute walk along the Bentota beach as some parts of the road leading to this spot is damaged. If you enjoy meditation, there is a center here and a Buddhist temple for a relaxing, spiritual experience.
Via highway 102 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 67 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
No need to buy tickets
Open 24/7
If you are planning to visit the meditation center it is advisable to refrain from wearing revealing, sheer or extremely short clothing.
You need to remove your hats and shoes before you enter.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the western coast of country, the Bentota beach is a popular seaside getaway. This beach is very clean and tranquil, an excellent spot for a peaceful stroll or a romantic proposal. The currents are good for a light swim as they are very mild, plus there are many water sports you can partake in along the beach.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
No need to buy tickets
Open 24/7
There are many exciting water activities at the Bentota beach.
An evening visit I highly recommended to watch the sunset.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a slice of heaven with crashing waves, pristine sands surrounded by tall, swinging coconut trees, this is the best beach to spend your day.
Via highway 80 km or 1 ½ hour’s drive
Via Panadura 60 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
No need to buy tickets
Open 24/7
Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Bentota river while having some adventure experiences
This is a Public Beach.
Try to avoid weekends, it is usually crowded.
Although not a well-known sailing destination, the best boating spots in Sri Lanka are on the west coast in Beruwela and Bentota. Being a hub for watersports due to the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, you can get private sailing tours in Bentota.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
You need to buy tickets
open 7.00 am to 5.00 pm
Check the prices and compare before you make a decision.
Take all the safety precautions appropriately when you are on the boat
If you are an adventure seeker Bentota is the best place for water activities in Sri Lanka. Having risen in Sri Lanka's tourism map as one of the top spots for water sports, expect a vacation that will keep you on your toes.
There are so many activities to choose from like water skiing, windsurfing, banana rides, wakeboarding, jet skiing, tube rides, and paramotoring.
If these are on your bucket list but haven’t tried your hand at watersports before, do not fear, there are courses available at several water sports centers to help you get started.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
No need to buy tickets
Depends on the center
There are 10 to 15 water sport service providers in Bentota. Please check the google reviews as well as trip advisor’s reviews before you choose a place.
One of the most notable attractions in Bentota are the river tours. As the bentota river snakes through beautiful tropical terrain, it provides an excellent setting for river safaris.
Take the time to relax and enjoy the scenery while taking a boat trip along the river and through the mangroves. There are several tours and water activities such as jet-skiing, banana boat excursions to choose from.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
You need to buy tickets
Open 7.00 am to 5.00 pm
The tour is around 3 hours. You can talk to service providers before your arrival and negotiate the rates and the activities you want to involve.
If you love scuba diving Bentota is the place to go. Especially if you are a beginner, there are plenty of shallow diving sites. The centres will provide a safe diving experience while you witness the beautiful flora and fauna of the ocean.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
You need to buy tickets
Open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Make sure to bring sunscreen as you do not want to dive in with sunburns
Research the best locations and centres for diving before joining
If you want to explore the scenic beauty surrounding Bentota, take a trip to the Ella dola Waterfall in Mathugama, which is a 30 minute drive from this coastal town. This is a very calm place to bathe and relax. If you are a nature lover, there are many waterfalls such as the Thambadola Ella around this area to explore.
Via highway 70 km or 1 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
Open 24/7
Wear appropriate clothing.
Be cautious of slippery rocks.
An estate that was restored by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa from the time it was purchased in 1948 until his death, the Lunuganga is now a hotel under the Lunuganga Trust's management. There are six different sorts of rooms, with one being a bentotary Studio. The atmosphere is calm, and the sensation you receive while wandering through the estate is out of this world.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
You need to buy tickets
open 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Make sure to reserve a tour before arriving at the property.
Would you like to learn the traditional art of Sri lankan mask carving? Try a mask making tour. An artisan hosts the workshop, which takes you through the stages of the traditional mask carving process from beginning to end. The host will introduce various types of masks such as Kolam, Sanni, and Raksha masks and the art of constructing them.
After that, you will be given an overview of the tools and how to carve on a block of wood. These masks use lightwood that allow you to easily carve a design of your choosing while providing durability and lightness. He'll be by your side from start to finish so ask away if you are unclear about the instructions. This is a great family activity as no skills are required and it will be a fun day for your kids.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
you Need To Buy Tickets
open 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
This is a private experience.
Best family event to get some experience on Srilankan Arts and Crafts.
Watching the turtles during hatching season is one of the best things to do in Bentota. The Sea Turtle project is an animal protection organization that provides a nesting ground for endangered turtle species. The association aims to conserve sea turtle eggs while also increasing hatching rates. They not only hatch turtles but also treat disabled turtles and those who have become weak as a result of fishing. This turtle sanctuary is a spectacular location to take your children as you can learn more about these wonderful creatures while interacting with them.
Via highway 100 km or 1 ½ to 2 hour’s drive
Via Panadura 65 km or approx. 2 hour's drive depending on traffic
You need to buy tickets
Open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, ask any question you have.
