8 x Things To Do in Bentota

Bentota is a sandy, heavily populated seaside town popular with locals and tourists all year. It is approximately 64 kilometers from the crowded city of Colombo and may be reached in one or two hours by car. The distance between the airport and Bentota is 85 kilometers, and it will take approximately 4 hours to get there.

Photo by Malinda Madugalle on Unsplash

Over time, Bentota has been a popular destination for tourists visiting Sri Lanka for their summer holidays, typically relaxing and sunbathing on the beach while listening to the waves breaking nearby. Bentota beach is the major destination where everything happens – whether it's for relaxing or participating in various water sports activities such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. Snorkeling and paddle boarding are also popular activities.

Bentota, set among palm palms and stunning turquoise waters, is a fantastic experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

1. Bentota Beach

Bentota is perhaps the most popular beach town on Sri Lanka's western coast, famous for its namesake Bentota Beach. Bentota Beach has it all: golden sands lined by palm trees swaying softly in the air, crystal clear waters, a relatively unspoiled, calm, and family-friendly ambiance, and plenty of water activities.

During the peak season in Bentota, the currents are moderate, which is ideal for a light swim and water activities like water skiing and boogie boarding, to mention a few. At nearby beachside eateries, treat your taste buds to a wealthy Sri Lankan feast or continental specialties.

2. Visit Kande Viharaya Temple

As you climb the stone steps to the peak, you'll see the complete form of this stunning 18th-century hilltop Buddha, but the first thing you'll notice is the head. It is reportedly one of the world's tallest likenesses of the deity, standing cross-legged and towering a magnificent 49m (160ft) in height. A stupa, a 300-year-old Bodhi Tree, and a relic room are the temple structures to visit here. Don't rush; you'll need time to take in the splendor.

3. Diving and Snorkelling in Bentota

4. Windsurfing in Bentota

Skim the waves at high speed and feel the spray against your tanned skin on the open waters of Bentota, a popular surfing and windsurfing destination. If you're new, don't worry; the Bentota River's calmer waters make practice a breeze. Try to visit between November and April, before the wet season arrives and things get a little choppy.

5. The Lunuganga Estate

6. Bentota River Cruise

7. Walking Trail – Katukohila

8. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Visiting the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery should be at the top of your Bentota to-do list. The gathered eggs of sea turtles and tortoises that are safeguarded until they hatch are pure heaven. The 'Turtle Hatchery Project' was started for sea animal conservation and survival enhancement.

This hatchery houses a variety of sea turtle eggs, including Green turtles, Loggerhead turtles, Hawksbill sea turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, and many others. As a result, this is one of the most significant projects undertaken by the Sri Lankan people to protect marine species and give something back to nature.