Bentota Beach
-Bentota
Relax on golden sands, enjoy thrilling water sports, and explore natural beauty in one of Sri Lanka’s best beach destinations.
Introduction
Bentota Beach is a beautiful and peaceful beach town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, just 64 km from Colombo. It’s famous for golden sand, calm waves, and a mix of ocean and river landscapes. Whether you want to relax or enjoy water sports, Bentota offers everything for a perfect beach holiday.
How to Get There
- By Train: From Colombo to Aluthgama or Bentota station.
- By Car or Taxi: About 1.5–2 hours via the Southern Expressway.
- By Bus: Many buses from Colombo and Galle stop in Bentota.
Top Things to Do in Bentota Beach
Enjoy Water Sports and Activities
Bentota is a hotspot for exciting water sports. The calm waters of the Bentota River and the open sea provide perfect conditions for:
- Jet skiing
- Windsurfing
- Water skiing
- Banana boat rides
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, there are plenty of local centers offering lessons and rentals.
Relax on the Beach
The beach is wide, peaceful, and less crowded than many other tourist spots. You can lie under the palm trees, enjoy a fresh coconut, take long walks, or just watch the waves. The sunsets here are truly magical.
Take a Madu River Boat Safari
A relaxing boat trip along the Madu River will take you through mangrove forests and past small islands. You might even stop at a fish spa or visit an island temple. This is a great way to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife and nature.
Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda
Just a few kilometers away is the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. It’s a great place to see how sea turtles are rescued, protected, and released back into the sea. It’s educational and perfect for kids and families.
Explore Local Culture and History
Visit the Kande Viharaya Temple, famous for its massive seated Buddha statue. For architecture lovers, check out Lunuganga Estate and Brief Garden, two beautifully designed homes and gardens of famous Sri Lankan artists Geoffrey and Bevis Bawa.
Best Time to Visit Bentota Beach
The best time to visit Bentota is from November to April. During this time:
- The weather is sunny and dry.
- The sea is calm and perfect for swimming and water sports.
- Great conditions for boat rides and beach relaxation.
Avoid May to October if possible, as this is the southwest monsoon season. Rain and rough sea can affect your plans.
Travel Tips for Bentota Beach
- Swim Safely: Only swim where lifeguards are present. Some areas may have strong waves.
- Carry Sunscreen: The sun is strong, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Use Local Transport: Tuk-tuks are cheap and fun for short distances.
- Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly when visiting temples or local villages.
- Cash is Handy: Not all shops accept cards, so carry some Sri Lankan rupees.
- Early Morning Walks: The beach is peaceful and less crowded before 8 a.m.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to April
WEATHER TIP
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as it can be very hot.
