Unveiling The Secrets Of Bentota Sri Lanka For An Ultimate Coastal Escape

Bentota is a gorgeous coastal town in Sri Lanka known for its natural beauty, stunning beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. This mesmerizing tropical destination is also known as the water sports capital of Sri Lanka. Its calm blue waters, coconut palm trees and golden shores make for a serene atmosphere. The dazzling beaches are not the only reason why Bentota Sri Lanka is one of the best holiday destinations in the island country of Sri Lanka, its unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities adds more value to the place. Here is a concise travel guide to help you plan the best coastal holiday ever. 

General Information 

Location: Galle District of the Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Population: Approx. 37,000

Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Visa: Visa on arrival for most nationalities

How To Get To Bentota Sri Lanka

By Air – The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo is the nearest airport to Bentota. The airport is well connected to most of the major cities around the world. Once in Colombo, bus and taxi services will take you to either the city of Colombo or to Bentota. The distance from Colombo to Bentota is 86km which takes about 1½ hours to cover.

By Rail – Train services are available only within Srilanka and do not connect to other countries. So once you are in Srilanka, take a train to Aluthgama, which is about 3km away from Bentota. It is again another cost effective way of travelling.

By Road – Just like the rail services, there are no buses connecting to other nations. Take the A2 Highway that connects a number of coastal cities south of Colombo. You can even find plenty of buses and cabs providing services to Bentota from Colombo on a daily basis.

How To Commute Within Bentota

If you’re travelling on a budget and looking to save on transportation, here are a few money-saving options for getting around the city.

Tuk-Tuks – Tuk-Tuks are three-wheeled motorized vehicles, often used as a taxi to travel between small distances. Local tuk-tuks are the most affordable and convenient ways to get around Bentota Sri Lanka. 

Public Buses – There are plenty of buses that can take you to different corners of the city for a much cheaper price in comparison with other modes of transportation. However, taking public transportation can eat up a lot of your time. 

Rent A Bicycle – Consider renting a bicycle if you want to explore Bentota at your own phase. This eco-friendly option is a great way to save money.

Shared Services – Download local ride-sharing service apps like PickMe to enjoy a comfortable journey at a reasonable price. By doing so you can save a lot of money.

Best Time To Visit

The weather in Bentota Sri Lanka is more or less the same as in the rest of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit Bentota mainly depends on the kind of experience you are looking for and the budget. 

December to April – Generally the dry season from December to April is the best time to visit. It is considered as the peak tourist season as many people come during this time to enjoy water sports in Bentota. 

May to August – The pre-monsoon months have pleasant weather with occasional rain showers making it the ideal time to visit if you are looking to save money.

September to November – If you like the rains, this could be another best time to visit as occasional showers make the whole place fresh and rejuvenated. 

Click Here To Book Your 4 Days Tour in Cultural Triangle of Srilanka From Colombo/Airport

Top Bentota Tourist Places

Bentota Beach – Srilanka Bentota beach is famous for its fine sandy soil, pleasantly calm waters and the numerous water sports activities. This picturesque beach has a vast coastline with palm trees, hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Lunuganga – Famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa’s countryside house is the Lunuganga which stands as proof of his evolution as an artist. The equipment used, his style, plans and other ideas in the field of architecture are all at display here. 

Brief Garden – One of Bentota’s cherished possessions is a garden created by the famous Sri Lankan artist Bevis Bawa. What was once a rubber plantation is converted by Bevis into a marvelous 5 acres garden with tropical trees and artwork that cannot be put into words.

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Center – The main aim of this project is to protect Sea Turtles from predators. This is where breeding of this endangered species happens. It is one of the best places to visit in Bentota during your Sri Lanka Tour.

Kande Viharaya Temple – Kande Viharaya Temple is a historic Buddhist temple on an elevated position. A majestic sitting Buddha statue which is about 160 feet tall is the main attraction here. The temple walls depict various scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. It is not just a place of worship but also a center for learning.

Moragalla – This place is known for its picturesque coastline, calm waters, golden sands and its many water activities like snorkeling, diving and windsurfing.

Galle Dutch Fort – Stretched across eighty seven acres of land is the Galle Dutch Fort which is home to a huge collection of antique and archaic churches. For those who wish to explore more about Sri Lankan culture and tradition, this is the place to be.

Things To Do In Bentota Sri Lanka

Madu River Safari – Sailing through the lush mangroves and rich biodiversity of the Madu River amidst serene nature is one of the best things to do here. This immersive journey will give you an insight into the local life and wildlife that includes exotic birds and aquatic creatures.

Sight-Seeing Tour – Apart from the beautiful beaches, there are a couple of places that are worth a visit through the town. Gorgeous estate, gardens, Buddhist temples and interesting work of architecture by the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa can be covered with a day tour.

Adventure Water Sports – Bentota Sri Lanka is a top destination for water sports enthusiasts as it is best known for surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, canoeing and more. There are a number of experienced guides who can assist in these activities.

Visit Turtle Hatchery – This is your chance to learn about these incredible creatures from close. Programs that involve feeding and care of turtles are included in the package. Entry fee to the hatchery is used in the conservation efforts to protect and preserve them. 

Tea And Rubber Plantation Tour – Take a walk through Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea and rubber production process from start to the end. A guided tour will help understand how the final product is achieved. The tour also offers free tea tasting sessions and fascinating methods of tapping trees for rubber. 

Ayurvedic Spa Treatment – A full-body massage at one of the Ayurvedic spas can help balance the mind, body, and spirit. It is also a great way to relax and rejuvenate amidst your travel. Good herbal oils and detoxifying therapies are used to improve overall well-being and health.

Best Places To Stay In Bentota

5 Star Accommodations: Taj Bentota Resort & Spa, The Cinnamon Luxury Collection

4 Star Accommodations: Paradise Road The Villa, Avani Resort

3 Star Accommodations: Villa 80, Marina Bentota, Club Bentota, Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa

Some Tips For A Safe Travel

– Use reliable and reputed transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis or tuk-tuks.

– Be aware of your surroundings and keep all valuables safely.

– Exchange currency through local banks or exchange offices, avoid exchanges at hotels or airports.

– Always stay with the group and avoid wandering or swimming in unknown or unguarded areas.

– Eat well cooked meals from reputable eateries and avoid street food from unhygienic places. 

– Respect the local customs, traditions, dress appropriately and follow all guidelines at religious places.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Travel To Sri Lanka Should Be On Your Bucket List

FAQs