Things To Do
in Bentota
Bentota is a coastal town located in southern Sri Lanka known for its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular tourist destination offering a wide range of water sports activities including snorkeling, jet skiing, and diving. Bentota is also home to lush greenery, serene gardens, and tranquil river cruises, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Visitors can enjoy luxury beach resorts, local seafood cuisine, and vibrant cultural experiences in Bentota.
- "Ayubowan" - Hello
- "Suba dawasak" - Good day
- "Aparada" - Sorry
- "Hondai" - Good
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Bentota Beach. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachfront café as the sun rises.
Take a scenic boat ride along the Bentota River and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Spot local wildlife and grab a quick lunch at a riverside eatery.
Relax on the beach as the sun sets, with a cocktail in hand. Experience a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Head to Lunuganga, the enchanting estate of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Enjoy a guided tour of the lush gardens and discover the creative landscape.
Have lunch at the estate's café, which offers wonderful views of the surroundings. Spend some time leisurely exploring the nearby villages.
Return to Bentota and enjoy a beachside barbeque dinner. Take a quiet stroll along the shore as the day wraps up.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning beaches with beautiful white sand and clear waters
- Rich biodiversity and opportunities for eco-tourism
- Cultural attractions like temples and traditional crafts
- Water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing
- Pleasant tropical climate, ideal for year-round visits
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons
- Limited medical facilities in the area
- Higher prices for accommodation and services compared to other parts of Sri Lanka
- Risk of environmental issues such as beach erosion and pollution
- Public transport options may be limited or inconvenient
Best Activities in Bentota
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Bentota offers a variety of water sports activities including jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Explore the scenic Bentota River and its surrounding mangroves while enjoying a boat safari. It's a great way to observe the local wildlife and lush landscapes.
Enjoy the pristine beaches of Bentota for sunbathing, swimming, and beachside leisure activities.
Visit a turtle hatchery in Bentota to learn about conservation efforts and see adorable baby turtles.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bentota with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bentota
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful sunset views and picturesque photo opportunities
A stunning landscaped garden with unique photo spots
Great for capturing photos of sea turtles
Historic temple with panoramic views of the area
Food in Bentota
Bentota Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local dish, hoppers are bowl-shaped, crispy-edged pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, often served with a range of accompaniments, such as sambal, dhal, or egg. Head to Randholee Resort & Spa or Malli's Seafood Restaurant for excellent hoppers.
Must-Try!
Ambul Thiyal is a sour fish curry, a specialty of Sri Lanka. Made with tuna, goraka (a type of tamarind), and a blend of spices, this dish can be savored at Mohotti Villa or at Aida Ayurveda & Spa.
Lamprais is a Dutch Burgher-influenced dish consisting of rice, mixed meat curry, ash plantain, seeni sambol, brinjal pahi, and a frikkadel. You can relish this dish at The Villa Cafe or Amangalla.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bentota better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
While not in Bentota, a visit to Colombo's Galle Face Green Market is worth it for the street food. Here, you can sample a variety of Sri Lankan snacks and dishes, including isso wade (shrimp fritters), kottu roti, and achcharu (pickle).
Exploring the local street food stalls in Bentota is a fantastic way to experience the authentic flavors of the region. Look out for seafood snacks, roti, and mouthwatering sweets like bibikkan and kalu dodol.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bentota, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and showing deference in interactions.
When visiting temples or other religious sites, it's important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
Greetings are an important cultural norm in Bentota, with respectful gestures such as placing palms together and bowing as a sign of greeting and respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bentota with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bentota
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bentota, Sri Lanka, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in recognition of good service. It is common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers. A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but an additional tip for exceptional service is always welcome.
In Bentota, Sri Lanka, cash is widely used for transactions, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. Major hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions may accept credit cards, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases. ATMs are available in the area for convenient cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bentota.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Bentota with plenty of sunshine and great weather for beach activities and water sports.
Expect more rain and humidity during this period, but also lower hotel rates and fewer tourists. It's a good time for budget travelers and those interested in cultural experiences.
Bentota at Night
Hiking in Bentota
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located approximately 50 km from Bentota, Kottawa Forest Reserve features well-maintained trails amidst lush rainforest and diverse wildlife.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sinharaja is about 70 km from Bentota, known for its stunning biodiversity and beautiful hiking paths through dense rainforest.
Approximately 90 km from Bentota, Adam's Peak is a famous pilgrimage site with a challenging hike to the summit, offering breathtaking views at sunrise.
Around 130 km from Bentota, this park offers scenic hiking trails such as the walk to World's End, featuring dramatic cliffs and unique flora.
Close to Bentota, Richmond Hill is a lesser-known spot suitable for light hiking and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bentota through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bentota by plane.
The main international airport in Sri Lanka, located approximately 100 km from Bentota.
An international airport located about 120 km from Bentota. It serves as a secondary international airport in Sri Lanka.
Often referred to as Bandaranaike International Airport, serves as the primary gateway for international flights to Sri Lanka.
An international airport situated approximately 260 km from Bentota, mainly serving the eastern region of Sri Lanka.
A domestic airport located close to Galle, approximately 30 km from Bentota, with limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, predominantly speaking Sinhala and practicing Buddhism.
A significant ethnic minority in Sri Lanka, mainly speaking Tamil and following Hinduism.
An ethnic group in Sri Lanka, primarily Muslim, who speak Tamil and Arabic.
A mixed ethnic group of European descent, primarily descendants of Portuguese and Dutch colonists.
Includes various smaller groups such as the Vedda and other communities.
The Soul of Bentota
Discover the essence of Bentota through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka, and Bentota is no exception. Residents often play in local fields and beaches.
Bentota's waves and beautiful beaches make it a popular destination for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Football is widely played and followed in Bentota, with local teams engaging in matches and tournaments.
Beach volleyball is a popular activity among locals and tourists alike, benefiting from the sandy shores of Bentota.
Badminton is played recreationally in various community centers and is appreciated for its fast-paced nature.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bentota.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes in Bentota offer a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, often highlighting the region's abundance of fresh produce. Places like The Loft and The Villa Cafe are known for their diverse vegetarian and vegan menus.
While Sri Lankan cuisine heavily features rice and coconut, it's important to communicate your gluten-free needs clearly. Many establishments can accommodate gluten-free requests, and it's advisable to inquire about preparation methods for specific dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bentota with these cultural adventures.
