Bentota, Sri Lanka

Bentota sits where the Bentara river meets the sea, which gives it two very different faces. On the ocean side there is a long, wide beach and the island's most developed water sports scene — jet skis, banana boats, wakeboarding and windsurfing all run out of the river mouth.

On the inland side, the Madu Ganga wetland is a maze of mangrove channels and small islands that you explore by boat, stopping at a cinnamon island and a temple built on a sandbank. Geoffrey Bawa's garden estate at Lunuganga is nearby, and the town has a strong Ayurveda tradition.

Getting there and when to go: Bentota is about 65 km south of Colombo, an hour and a half to two hours by road using the Southern Expressway, and the coastal railway stops in the town. The calmest sea and clearest skies are from November to April; from May to October the south-west monsoon brings bigger waves and afternoon rain, though the river and the lagoon stay sheltered for boat trips year round.

Highlights of Bentota

Bentota Beach
Madhu River Safari
Turtle Hatchery
Water Sports Activities
Lunuganga Estate

Things to do

A beautiful tropical beach with golden sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the ocean
Enjoy a scenic boat safari through mangrove forests, small islands, and peaceful river landscapes filled with wildlife and local village life
Visit local sea turtle conservation centers and learn about efforts to protect endangered sea turtles along Sri Lanka’s coastline
Bentota is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for water sports including jet skiing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, and snorkeling
Explore the famous country home and gardens designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa

Plan your visit

Build a trip around Bentota

Tell us roughly when you are coming and how long you have. We will put Bentota into a private itinerary with your own vehicle and chauffeur guide, and send back a firm price.