When tourists want to enjoy the best beaches in Sri Lanka they head over to Bentota, a charming town located on the island’s western coast. The beaches in this coastal town are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and even for trying out a variety of water sports. As Bentota is something of an exclusive retreat, the beaches here are rarely crowded. The town also enjoys a somewhat central location which is great news for tourists who want to spend time away from the beach, exploring the Sri Lankan countryside.
Bentota is a terrific base from which to explore the southern parts of Sri Lanka as many of the country’s most popular attractions are located close by. The Fa Hien Caves in Kalutara is one attraction that all tourists in Bentota should try to visit. The caves are less than an hour away from Bentota and will provide visitors with interesting insights into the island’s history. The cave complex can only be accessed by foot, so not only do visitors get a chance to view a site of immense archaeological importance; they also get to take a pleasant trek through the countryside.
The Fa Hien Caves is situated near Kalutara’s Bulathsinhala area. The cave system is named after the famed Chinese monk, Faxian (pronounced Fa Hien) who is believed to have visited the area during the fourth century AD. The caves were excavated in the 1960s, only a few decades ago, and human skeletal remains dating to the Pleistocene era were discovered here. Carbon dating has established that some of the remains found here are over six thousand years old. A trip here is bound to be, both, educational and highly enjoyable.
As it is a prominent tourist destination within the country, one can find some of the best Sri Lanka boutique hotels in Bentota. When it comes to accommodation, Saman Villas Bentota is a good place to try. It is an exceptional luxury hotel Sri Lanka, situated on a lonely, yet gorgeous, stretch of beach. Neatly blending traditional décor with modern infrastructure, the hotel manages to feel exotic and familiar at the same time, offering a truly memorable stay.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.