Bentota at a glance
Location: Southwest coast of Sri Lanka, about 65 km south of Colombo
Region: Southern Province, Galle District
Population: approx. 37,000 (incl. Aluthgama)
Time zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (GMT +5:30)
Best time to travel: December to April (dry season on the southwest coast)
Known for: Fine sandy beach, tranquil lagoon, water sports, Ayurveda, boat trips, boutique resorts
Bentota is considered one of the most elegant and relaxed destinations on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The place has managed to be developed for tourism without losing its charm. Between soft sandy beaches, lush vegetation and a peaceful lagoon, Bentota offers the perfect mix of relaxation and activities. Sun worshippers, water sports enthusiasts, Ayurveda guests and travelers who want to experience Sri Lanka from its quiet side meet here. In this guide, you will not only find the most beautiful sights and activities on site, but also tips for day trips, culinary highlights and practical tips for planning your trip.
Location and arrival
Bentota is located on one of the widest stretches of beach on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, stretching between the mouth of the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean. The location is strategic: it is only about an hour and 30 minutes drive from Colombo International Airport (BIA), traffic permitting. The most convenient way to reach Bentota is by car or minivan transfer, alternatively there are train connections from Colombo to Aluthgama, from where it is only a few minutes by tuk-tuk to the beach.
Bentota's special geographical feature is the combination of beach and lagoon. While the open ocean with its swell is particularly interesting for surfers, the lagoon is ideal for leisurely boat trips and kayak tours. In the dry season, the water is clear and calm, while stronger currents can occur in the monsoon season - especially on the beach.
Places of interest in Bentota
The cultural and scenic highlights of Bentota are many and varied. Particularly famous is the Letter Gardena lovingly designed estate by landscape architect Bevis Bawa. Between sculptures, exotic plants and winding paths, there is a special sense of tranquillity. A visit in the morning is ideal, when the light is soft and the temperatures are pleasant.
Not far away is the Bentota Beachone of the widest beaches in Sri Lanka. It impresses with its fine, golden sand and gently sloping coastline. In the early morning, it seems almost deserted, with only fishing boats and seagulls accompanying the walk.
Another highlight is the Kande Viharaya Templeone of the most important Buddhist temples in the region. A Buddha statue over 48 meters high is enthroned here and can be seen from afar. The complex is a lively place of worship, especially on Poya days, when believers from all over the area come to pray.
Instagram hotspots & photo spots
Photographers get their money's worth in Bentota. The beach at sunset is a classic - the golden light bathes the palm trees and sand in warm colors. The view from the Bentota Bridge over the river at dawn is also particularly picturesque. Those who love tropical garden photography will find countless motifs of blossoms, sculptures and winding paths in the Brief Garden.
Activities in Bentota
Bentota is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are widely practiced here. The lagoon is perfect for beginners as it is more sheltered than the open sea. A boat tour on the Bentota River, where you can see mangrove forests, monitor lizards and kingfishers up close, is quieter but just as impressive.
If you prefer something more traditional, you can join a guided Ayurveda treatment undergo. Many resorts and wellness centers offer authentic treatments - from gentle massages to multi-day cures.
A special tip is to visit a Turtle breeding station nearby. Here you can learn all about the protection of sea turtles and sometimes even see newly hatched turtles. Animals into the sea.
Day trips from Bentota
Less than 25 km away is Beruwalaa coastal town with a busy fishing port and the Barberyn lighthouse. The journey takes around 30 minutes and is particularly worthwhile in the morning when the fishing boats return.
Around 40 km to the south you will reach Bilethe historic port city with its old town shaped by the Portuguese and Dutch. The journey takes around 1 hour, and the Galle Fort with its colonial buildings and cafés is particularly worth a visit.
Also worthwhile is a trip to the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserveabout 90 km away. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach this UNESCO World Heritage site, which is home to lush vegetation and a rich variety of species. Animal world impressed.
For nature lovers, the Letter Garden as a half-day excursion - only 10 km and 20 minutes' drive away, but with the feeling of entering a world of its own.
Bentota Sri Lanka - How long to stay?
You should plan at least two full days for Bentota to enjoy the beach, lagoon and nearby sights at your leisure. If you also want to make several day trips, it is better to stay five to seven days.
Dining in Bentota
Bentota offers a mixture of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and international gastronomy. You should definitely try fresh fish in one of the small beach restaurants, often straight from the fisherman's boat to the grill. Street food such as kottu roti or hoppers can be found at small stalls in the town in the evening.
Hotels and accommodation in Bentota
The accommodation landscape in Bentota ranges from luxurious boutique resorts to family-friendly mid-range hotels and simple guesthouses. Many hotels are located directly on the beach or by the lagoon and offer an unobstructed view of the water. Sustainable resorts rely on local materials and solar energy.
Culture and encounters
In addition to the temples, it is often the small encounters with the people that make Bentota special: a chat with a fisherman on the beach, a visit to the local market or a workshop where you learn how to cook traditional dishes.
Best time to visit Bentota
The best time to visit Bentota is from December to Aprilwhen the sea is calm and the sky is mostly cloudless. In the monsoon season from May to October, it can rain more frequently and the current at sea is stronger.
Conclusion
Bentota combines everything you would expect from a tropical destination: beaches, nature, culture and a relaxed atmosphere. If you spend a few days here, you will find the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure - and take away memories that will last a long time.
FAQ Frequently asked questions
Where is Bentota located?
Bentota is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, around 65 kilometers south of Colombo. The town belongs to the Southern Province and is located directly on the Indian Ocean and the Bentota River.
What is the best way to get to Bentota?
The quickest connection is by car or minivan from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, there is a train connection to Aluthgama, from where Bentota is only a few minutes away by tuk-tuk.
When is the best time to visit Bentota?
The best time is from December to April, when the dry season prevails on the southwest coast. During this time, the sea is calm and the sunshine duration is high.
Is Bentota a beach-only destination?
No - in addition to the beach, Bentota also offers a lagoon, cultural sights, water sports and nature experiences. Day trips to historic towns and rainforests are also easily possible.
What water sports are available in Bentota?
Here you can try out water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddling. The lagoon is ideal for beginners, while the open sea offers more sporty conditions.
Are there any cultural sights in Bentota?
Yes, including the Kande Viharaya Temple with its imposing Buddha statue and the Brief Garden by artist Bevis Bawa. Both places offer exciting insights into the local culture and art.
Can you dive or snorkel in Bentota?
Diving is possible, but the region is not Sri Lanka's best-known diving area. Snorkeling is possible on calm days near the reefs, preferably in the dry season.
Is a boat trip on the Bentota River worthwhile?
Definitely - the mangrove landscapes are rich in species and offer the chance to observe monitor lizards, kingfishers and other animals. Tours usually last 1-2 hours.
Is Bentota suitable for families?
Yes, many hotels are family-friendly and offer pools, gently sloping beaches and special children's programs. Boat trips or visits to turtle sanctuaries are also exciting for children.
How expensive is Bentota compared to other places in Sri Lanka?
Bentota is slightly above average in terms of price, especially in the high season. However, there are also cheaper guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
Is there nightlife in Bentota?
The nightlife is rather quiet. Some hotels offer live music or beach parties, but the place is not known for wild partying.
Can I take Ayurveda treatments in Bentota?
Yes, many resorts offer authentic Ayurveda treatments and multi-day cures. The offers range from relaxing massages to complete health programs.
1How safe is Bentota for tourists?
Bentota is considered safe. Nevertheless, as everywhere else, you should take care of your valuables and be aware of the current when swimming in the sea.
Are there any shopping facilities?
In addition to small souvenir stores and markets, you will also find some jewelry and batik stores in Bentota. Colombo is ideal for larger purchases.
Which day trips are recommended from Bentota?
Excursions to Galle, Beruwala, Sinharaja rainforest and the Brief Garden are popular. River and lagoon tours are also easy to plan.
Is there medical care in Bentota?
There are smaller clinics and pharmacies in the town. Colombo is the first port of call for major medical treatment.
Can you surf in Bentota?
Yes, especially during the high season there are suitable waves for beginners and advanced surfers. Surfboards can be hired from local schools.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Many restaurants offer vegetarian curries, hoppers or roti. Vegan dishes are often also available if you ask for them.
What language is spoken in Bentota?
Sinhala is the main language, but many locals also speak some English, especially in the tourism sector.
What is the climate like in Bentota?
The climate is tropical with an average temperature of 27-30 °C. Humidity is high all year round, but more pleasant in the dry season.
This was our mangrove tour in Bentota - rain, snakes and a long beach
It was one of those days when you wonder how small the world actually is. But before I tell you about it, a quick look at what surrounded us that day: Mangroves.
These unique coastal forests grow where fresh and salt water meet. Their roots act like an interwoven net that not only holds the soil in place, but also prevents coastal erosion, softens storms and provides shelter for countless animal species - from fish and crabs to birds, reptiles and even monkeys. Mangroves are among the most productive, but also the most fragile ecosystems in the world. Any damage to their roots can permanently disrupt the balance - something that is unfortunately often underestimated.
It was in this fragile habitat that our day began. Susantha, an old friend from Ammersee, suddenly called me. Like me, he lives in Bavaria, but spends a few weeks a year in Sri Lanka to look after his hotel. Ammerlanka a funny combination of words from our shared home lake and our home country. He happened to be there just as I landed in Colombo after a long journey from Germany. "Where are you?" he asked. "In Sri Lanka, just on my way south," I replied. "Then come and see me, I'm in Bentota!" he laughed.
So the next morning I was standing outside the hotel, and the mood was already relaxed when I met Susantha and Dulshan again. We spontaneously decided to go on a mangrove tour. Susantha steered the boat herself, and as soon as we started the engine, our laughter and the rumble of the engine mingled with the warm, damp smell of the lagoon.
The trip began lively - Susantha told anecdotes from Sri Lanka and Bavaria, Dulshan teased as usual. Between the roots and channels of the mangroves, we spotted birds lurking on branches, jellyfish gliding lazily in the water, nimble monkeys in the treetops and monitor lizards sunning themselves on the shore. We kept our distance so as not to disturb the animals, and yet it was as if we were sitting in the middle of their living room.
Probably the most memorable moment came when we passed under a low-hanging branch on which a snake had coiled itself. And Dulshan, of all people, was standing right under this branch - directly beneath it, not even a hand's breadth away. He hunched his shoulders as if he had been hit by a bucket of cold water and shouted: "Why is it always me?" I knew it was a harmless snake, but the look on his face was priceless. The mood turned silly and Dulshan suddenly started acting out the famous Titanic scene, singing "My Heart Will Go On" at the top of his voice. The boat shook with laughter.
We were out for about three hours. We kept talking about how fragile this ecosystem is - and how little consideration many boats show. The sound of engines often drowned out the chirping of birds, and we saw boats crashing into narrow channels without paying attention. We all agreed that motorboats shouldn't be out in the mangroves at all. These forests are not only home to countless animal species, but are also a natural protection against coastal erosion and storms - something that most people are probably not aware of.
As we drove back to the hotel, this image hung in my mind: the fine, branching roots of the mangroves holding the land in place while life pulsates all around. And at the same time, the thoughtlessness with which people rush through this fragile labyrinth. The day had made us laugh, yes - but it had also left its mark.
Perhaps it was precisely this mixture of joy and thoughtfulness that would stay with me for a long time.
If you go on a mangrove tour yourself, make sure you ask the driver to keep enough distance from the delicate roots. Every collision, however small it may seem, can disturb the fragile balance.
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