BENTOTA

Bentota is Sri Lanka’s most exotic beach and is situated on the Colombo-Galle coast, 65 km from Colombo. The area is dotted with luxury hotels and resorts due to its popularity as a tourist attraction. Between December- April conditions in Bentota are favorable for safe swimming, fun water sports and exciting excursions. Whether you are looking for a beach holiday to laze about in the sun on golden sands or to indulge in water sport activities, Bentota has much to offer. Not only it is blessed with a gorgeous beach, it also has a lagoon and a river, perfect for recreational water-based activities.

Water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing, parasailing, fishing, wake boarding and canoeing are some of the exciting activities to do, while boat trips up the river and deep sea fishing trips are also available, depending on weather conditions.

You can also visit the architectural creations of the famous Bawa brothers. Geoffrey Bawa’s enchanting garden in Lunuganga and Bevis Bawa’s Brief Garden are hidden gems of the area and places of tranquility and beauty visitors must discover.

North of Bentota is another popular beach resort on the south coast, Beruwela. This beach is well-sheltered by palm groves and offers excellent water sports facilities. Other noteworthy sites here include the fishing harbour, lighthouse, Kachimalai Mosque and Galapata Temple. Induruwa, located south of Bentota is well known for its offshore reef which is perfect for safe swimming. This small fishing village stretches along a small creek and has pristine sandy beaches. About 11 km south of Bentota is the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a community based turtle hatchery and turtle watching project set up by the Turtle Conservation Project. You can also take a leisurely trip to the Galapota Temple on the south bank of Bentota River. It is said that it dates back from the 12th century.