Overview

Bentota is a laid-back back alluring coastal resort town nestled on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. This tranquil beachfront town is home to golden sands at Bentota Beach and various, abundant watersports on the natural waters of Bentota Lagoon. Bentota is unique as it is also home to the Bentota River, which flows into the sea and then the lagoon. The area is known for coral-rich diving sites, ancient temples and large Buddha statues, unique estates and tranquil gardens, and some fascinating architecture. Bentota retains a natural charm with an unspoilt shoreline, it lures in visitors from around the globe with its pristine natural beauty.

Things to see and do

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery in Bentota, which offers a protected habitat for several species of Sea Turtles. The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project aims to raise awareness about turtle conservation through workshops and initiatives. Visitors can watch and learn about the sea turtles, as well as get up close and personal. They might even get to witness turtle hatching

Go on a River Boat Safari Trip along the Bentota River, which is the third largest river in the country, and flows into the Indian Ocean, where it forms a tranquil lagoon. The scenic boat ride travels through an area blessed with biodiversity, filled with ravishing mangrove forests and the surrounding jungle, which is filled with exotic bird species such as White Herons and Halcyons. There is exotic fauna that can be seen along the riverbanks, and more wildlife, including crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes, turtles, and fruit bats. It's a tranquil environment with coconut trees that create a canopy over the river, allowing plenty of shade.

Take a boat ride out to Cinnamon Island, a gorgeous tropical island in Bentota, where the favorite spice is made. Visitors can witness the entire process of the famous spice being made at the cinnamon plantation that has been around for generations. It’s considered one of the best places to visit in Bentota. The island is famous for its spice heritage, and the plantation has been a small, family-run business on the island since the early 1900s. Visitors can also buy cinnamon products made with the aromatic spice. The island itself is covered in acres of land sprawling with cinnamon trees and dotted with breathtaking architecture and historic villas, it's a nice place to explore.

Head to the beautiful Brief Garden, decorated with unique sculptures and artwork designed by the infamous architect Bevis Bawa, who inherited the property in 1929 from his mother. There is an estate on the land which was Bawa’s home until his death in 1992. The gardens are set on inspired by local traditions of Sri Lanka, along with Italian and English landscapes, and feature ponds, statues, and water steps. An excellent place to wander around and soak in the tranquil, calm, and serene surroundings.

The Lununganga Estate was the country estate and retreat of Bevis’s brother Geoffrey Bawa, world-renowned architect, that is now open to visitors. The gardens are open to visitors by appointment only. The home is a series of modernist cubes, arranged within a series of courtyards and ambitiously landscaped gardens. Tours of the estate are available and are a very popular activity in Bentota, on the tour visitors can see Bawa’s Garden Room, the Red Terrace, the Butterfly Pool, one end of teh Dedduwa Lake, and many other sections of the Garden.

Visit Kande Viharaya Temple, a major Buddhist Temple and one of the most famous in Sri Lanka, built in 1734. The temple got its name ‘Kande Vihara’ because it was built on top of a hill called Mountain Hill in the town of Aluthgama. The temple features the majestic sculpture of a cross-legged sitting Buddha, which is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world, standing 160 feet tall. It is a significant site for worshippers, receiving thousands of visitors daily.

Shopping

There are some good shopping opportunities to choose from in Bentota, with a mixture of traditional markets, modern-day boutiques, shopping centers, and malls. Shoppers can enjoy a unique experience when shopping in the coastal city and shop for things like local handicrafts, traditional clothing, jewelry, masks, unique souvenirs, and other fascinating trinkets. Bentota’s bustling street markets and local bazaars are amongst the most popular and fun ways to shop. These vibrant street stalls sell everything from spices to artwork and provide a glimpse into the rich culture of the city and the country. Visitors to the markets can sample local delicacies, pick up fresh produce, and find some of the best knick-knacks to take home.

The Monday market in Aluthgama is a highlight of the week among the locals and tourists alike, with a variety of busy stalls and roadside shops. The Bentota Bazaar is in the heart of the city, boasting a plethora of shops and local outlets selling a variety of handmade articles. Shoppers can purchase Batik textiles, Sri Lankan mementos, and unique local gift items handmade using decorated and carved wood and brassware by local artisans. There is a quaint local post office in the area where you can pick up local stamps and postcards to give as souvenirs or take home as memorabilia. Meetiyagoda is a unique market area that is popular throughout the country for its large moonstone supply. Moonstones are among the most famous jewelry and astrological stones found in Sri Lanka, known for their soothing powers. Meetiyagoda is one of the only places in the country where visitors can shop for the famous moonstone jewelry and astrological ornaments.

Dining

In Bentota, there are many restaurants located inside hotels, resorts, and villas, so many guests will enjoy dining on site with world-class buffets and other delicious menu items. However, if you want to get out and experience the famous food found in and around Bentota, you're in luck as there is a great variety of traditional Sri Lankan restaurants and plenty of International cuisine to choose from. Bentota’s culinary scene is a delightful mixture of traditional flavors influenced by various neighboring countries and their cultures. The island of Sri Lanka might be small, but the food scene in Sri Lanka is anything but; there are beautiful cafes, authentic restaurants, and casual beachside eateries found all over that are well worth visiting.

Food lovers can sample delicious, freshly caught fish and seafood due to Bentota’s coastal location; the menus here are filled with daily catch options like ambul thiyal or jumbo prawns. Regional food and tasty Sri Lankan cuisine are found throughout the city in local, authentic eateries. Enjoying a flavorful traditional Sri Lankan curry is easy to do as it is a staple on many menus, either vegetable or meat curry, spicy or not, served up with steamed rice and papadums. There are also plenty of places, especially in the hotels, where visitors can enjoy traditional Western fare, including burgers, fries, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. Bentota is known for its street food, with various food trucks and stalls scattered throughout the city. Popular snacks include Pol Sambol, Pol Roti, Kottu Roti, and shredded Roti. Hoppers and String Hoppers are a type of pancake served with sweet or savory fillings.

Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach is a popular place to spend the day. The pristine golden sands are the perfect location for relaxing and soaking up the tropical sunshine. The striking, blue, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer a refreshing reprieve from the hot sunshine, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. The beach is perfectly lined by high-end grass and palm trees that sway in the ocean breeze, making it a picturesque place to be.

The beach runs parallel to Bentota Lagoon, which is also known as Paradise Island due to it being a long, narrow peninsula that justs out into the ocean. This is the perfect place for spending a day on the water with opportunities to go fishing, snorkeling, canoeing, diving, windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, and on boat rides.