Bentota

It is the jewel of Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Its pristine coastal stretch has endless golden beaches, and the lagoon has a wealth of biodiversity. Bentota resorts are some of the most stylish you find on the island, offering luxurious pampering in the sun. There’s plenty of opportunity for adrenaline-filled water sports here. Madu River, which runs through the town, is a paradise for exotic discovery. Its mangroves, islands, bird-life, and cinnamon plantations on the banks create relaxing river cruises. You can also go on an architectural journey here as it was the home of Geoffery Bawa, the architecture genius. His Lunuganga country home is an excellent testimony to his skill. Bentota Sri Lanka nightlife by the ocean is also an exhilarating experience.

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Tailor-make a Tour

Hidden Gems

Go diving in the waters off Bentota to see colourful corals and schools of fish.
The coastal formation of Bentota allows bountiful fishing expeditions in the sea and river.
Cinnamon Island has a century-old cinnamon plantation and carries out cinnamon processing.
Kande Vihare temple dating back to 1700s sits on a hilltop and has a giant Buddha statue.
Moragalla beach has 20 varieties of mangrove trees and is ideal for water sports or to unwind.

Best Times to Visit

Bentota is a year-round destination.

Weather

BENTOTA WEATHER

Top Attractions

Watersports

Water skiing, jet skiing, mono skiing, banana boat rides, windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and snorkelling are popular water sports here.

Madu Ganga Safari

Cruise along Madu River that features 64 islands, wetland creatures, the most unspoilt mangrove forests, and a 200year old Buddhist temple.

Lunuganga

The magnificent estate and country home of famous architect Geoffrey Bawa is a rare treat for nature lovers and architecture connoisseurs alike.

Brief Gardens

This 20acre property and country home of landscaper Bevis Bawa, brother of Geoffrey Bawa, consists of exotic flora, sculptures, and paintings.
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Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

This conservation project does not hold turtles in captivity. Turtles lay eggs on the beach, and baby turtles are cared for until they are ready to swim.

Galapata Viharaya

Situated on the south bank of Bentota River is this 12th Century Buddhist temple with a maze of tunnels, murals, stone carvings, and an ancient dagoba.

Where to Shop in Bentota

The nearby Ambalangoda town offers traditional arts and crafts products, while Bentota Bazaar has souvenir items, Batik textiles, and more. He nearby Meetiyagoda town is famous for its moonstones.

Where to Eat in Bentota

Diya Sisila, Randholee, Bollywood Masala, Frangipani, Rock Beach, Malli’s, Golden Grill, Pier 88 River Bar, and Breeze are some of the best Bentota restaurants to seek out sumptuous meals.

Top Accommodations

Explore where you enjoy a comfortable stay during your explorations.

Cinnamon Bentota Beach

Nestled along the mesmerizing Indian Ocean and overlooking breathtaking stretches of palm-fringed beaches and a winding river, Cinnamon Bentota Beach is the ultimate tropical paradise destination on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This luxury beach resort has a heritage dating back to the 60s, when it was first expertly designed by one of Asia’s most influential architects, Geoffrey Manning Bawa.

Club Villa Bentota

Club Villa is a secluded luxury villa placed in lush tropical surroundings with 17 distinctively furnished rooms and an exclusive Club Suite. Each room is completed, with hand-picked furnishings that hark back to the Dutch colonial era.
It has undergone various changes over the years, with additions by notable architects such as Channa Daswatta, Chevadurai Anjalendran, and a well-known painter Laki Senanayake, who creates an amazingly detailed painting of Srilanka’s famous rainforest Sinharaja.

Saman Villas

Where the gloriously aqua-hued waters of the Indian Ocean gently lap fine golden sandy shores of the Southern coast of Sri Lanka, is where you’ll find a unique and undeniably romantic boutique hotel that pushes the boundaries of luxury.
Enjoy a choice of gorgeously appointed rooms, spaciously elegant interiors, and sprawling gardens set against the backdrop of the ocean. Come discover escapism at its finest, delivered with attentive, personalised service and inimitable savoir faire.

Taj Bentota Resort and Spa

Taj Bentota Resort & Spa – Level 1 Certified is located in Sri Lanka’s Galle District, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Pampering spa services, an outdoor pool and 5 dining options are provided. The property’s well-lit rooms come equipped with a minibar and tea/coffee maker. It provides a cable TV and safety deposit boxes. Private balconies have outdoor seating areas and overlook the sea.
Taj Bentota Resort & Spa is 60 km from South Colombo. It is approximately 90 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Guests who drive can enjoy free parking.