Things To Do
in Bentota
Bentota is a sun-soaked coastal town in Sri Lanka's southwest. It blends long palm-fringed beaches with calm river cruises and luxury resorts. The area is known for its turtle hatcheries, water sports, and scenic lagoons.
Visitors come for a relaxed, easy-going vibe that pairs beach time with cultural excursions and nature escapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and take a scenic drive to Bentota, enjoying the lush Sri Lankan landscapes along the way. Check into your hotel and refresh before heading out. Spend the morning lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun.
After a relaxed lunch at a beachside café, explore the beautiful Bentota River by taking a boat safari. This serene ride will allow you to spot exotic wildlife and observe the traditional way of life along the riverbanks. Finish your exploration with a visit to the iconic Brief Garden, filled with tropical flora and art installations.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood. Spend the evening strolling along the shore, listening to the waves and enjoying the gentle breeze. Conclude your day with a cocktail at a local bar while watching the stars twinkle above.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the beach for a thrilling water sports experience. Choose from jet skiing, banana boat rides, or parasailing as you feel the thrill of the ocean. Reserve some time to relax and sunbathe between adventures.
Recharge with a lunch featuring local cuisine, then embark on an exciting snorkelling trip to explore the underwater marine life. Dive into the colorful coral reefs and swim alongside tropical fish in crystal-clear waters. After your outing, visit a nearby fishing village to gain insight into the local fishing industry.
As the day ends, enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a traditional dance performance showcasing vibrant costumes and intricate choreography. Wind down on the beach, sipping your drink and listening to live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🏨1 night in mid-range hotel | $40-120 |
| 🚤River boat ride | $15-30 |
| 🚕Local taxi (short trip) | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and gentle climate
- Accessible river safaris and wildlife
- Relaxed vibe with many upscale resorts
- Rich in culture and nearby historic sites
- Can be very touristy at peak season
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Water activities require safety awareness
- Seasonal rain can disrupt plans
- "Ayubowan" - Hello / May you live long
- "Istuti" - Thank you
- "Dayawenna" - Please
- "Ow" - Yes
- "Naa" - No
- "Samawenna" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Bentota
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft light over golden sands and palm silhouettes makes for classic coastal photography.
Golden-hour reflections on the river, boats and fishermen create dynamic compositions.
Geoffrey Bawa’s garden-inspired estate with water features and lush landscaping.
Sea turtle conservation sites with hatchery tanks and coastal habitats.
Food in Bentota
Bentota Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy sour fish curry featuring firm white fish and goraka (tamarind-like fruit).
Must-Try!
A platter of steamed rice with a selection of vegetable curries, dal, pickles and coconut sambol.
Chopped roti with vegetables and sometimes meat, stir-fried with spices on a hot griddle.
Coconut relish with chilies, onions and lime; a perfect accompaniment to rice and curries.
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with egg or coconut sambol.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market offering fresh produce, spices and snacks; great for observing daily life.
Nearby seafood market with fresh catches and stalls along the coast.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes, and follow local guidelines in religious sites.
Greet with a smile; avoid public displays of affection in rural areas; ask permission before photos.
Small tips for good service are appreciated; avoid criticizing staff publicly.
Safety
Tipping in Bentota
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in restaurants if no service charge; small tips for guides.
Cash (LKR) widely accepted; credit/debit cards in hotels and larger restaurants; ATMs available in Bentota and nearby towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Predictable sunny days with warm temperatures; ideal for beach and river activities.
Increased rain and humidity; expect showers but fewer crowds and lush scenery.
Mix of rain and sun; occasional storms; hotel rates lower and crowds thinner.
Bentota at Night
Hiking in Bentota
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forest trek through Sri Lanka’s biodiversity hotspot with streams and waterfalls; a day trip from Bentota.
Short, scenic walks along marshy coastal areas with birdlife and mangroves.
Airports
How to reach Bentota by plane.
Sri Lanka’s main international gateway, about 100-120 km north of Bentota; transfers by road or domestic flight to Colombo are available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Sinhalese with Tamil and Muslim communities; tourism workers from across Sri Lanka.
International visitors from Europe, Asia and beyond; many English speakers in hotels and tourist areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide; local matches and cricket facilities are common.
Jet-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and banana boat rides along Bentota Beach.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bentota.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Sri Lankan vegetarian curries and dal are widely available; ask for no fish stock or meat broth.