A key coastal resort town in the south coast of Sri Lanka, Bentota offers relaxation by the beach and captivating adventures in equal measure. Here are some of the highlights.
Beach & Water Sports
The golden-sand shore is one of the key attractions in Bentota; it’s no surprise some of the top luxury hotels in Sri Lanka are to be found here, including at more secluded beach areas. The town is a hub for water sports too and banana boat rides, jet skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and water skiing are popular.
Enriching Excursions
Cycling and trekking excursions offered by local hotels the likes of Saman Villas provide much to discover away from the beach as well; depending on your route, you may come across idyllic paddy fields, Dutch-period houses, the scenic Dedduwa Lake and the over a century old, Katukoliha Temple.
The Lunuganga Estate
One of the most popular things to do in Bentota is to visit the former home of famed Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa; known as Lunuganga, this estate showcases his distinctive tropical modernism design style while it also features enchanting garden areas set amidst a lakeside backdrop.
Turtle Conservation Project
As part of your visit, you can also head to the nearby Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Project; this initiative focuses on sea turtle conservation and provides a safe haven where rescued and collected turtle eggs can hatch. When here, one may see baby turtles and if lucky, watch them being released too.
