As you travel from Colombo to Galle there is a beautiful hamlet called Bentota. Though smaller in size, Bentota promises a rich experience for any south-bound visitor in Sri Lanka. The most noted attraction is, of course, the beach which is a breathtaking sight. The chain of hotels and resorts located in the vicinity is another highlight on the way.
If you can manage to wake up early in the morning, visit the fish market to witness a hive of activities. The fish market is open from 5.30 to 8 am on a daily basis except for poya days. In Sri Lanka every full moon day is considered a poya, which is also declared as a holiday. If you stay at a resort such as AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa you can inquire from the helpdesk about poya days. Or you can consult a local calendar which gives you the dates on which the poya falls. The fish market will be a completely new experience, but be cautious as it can get quite noisy and be deafening at times.
Another attraction that is worth checking out is the Lunuganga estate. It is a magnificent local bungalow designed as well as owned by Geoffrey Bawa, a reputed Sri Lankan architect. Walking in the estate, you will come across exotic flora and fauna. You can enter the garden at any time between 9 in the morning and 5 in the evening. You are supposed to pay a nominal fee to enter the garden. You can also opt for a guided tour, which will be both interesting and enlightening.
For animal lovers, the Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda is not to be missed. There you have the rare chance to sight the turtles lay eggs. If you need to have a comprehensive picture of the project, inform the officers earlier. Better book a nearby resort. Bentota is quite close to Kosgoda. It is simply a 15-minute drive away. You will be able to see many species of turtles and how the project attempts to protect these creatures which are faced with the threat of extinction.
The Madu Ganga safari is another tourist expedition popular in the vicinity of Bentota. The safari lets you cruise along the mangroves while basking in nature’s ultimate splendour. No nature lover should miss this safari, as it takes you to a wide range of exotic flora and fauna amid mangrove forests and the lagoon.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
