'Bentota will appeal to adventure-lovers and sun-seekers alike.'
If you fancy combining sun-soaking and adventure-seeking on your holiday, Bentota obliges in a big way. It's all down to where this traditional village is located - cupped between the scintillating west coast and a bliss-inducing blue lagoon. To the north, a thin pensinsula of sand divides the sea from the tranquil inland waters. Further south, dense palm groves take over where the lagoon stops, crowding up against a deliciously wide and gently shelving beach. If you feel the urge for thrills, the calm lagoon waters offer plenty of diversions in the shape of diving, waterskiing and jetskiing, as well as more easy-going pursuits like canoeing and game fishing. When you're finished with these, slow things down with a long, lazy river boat trip in search of some of Sri Lanka's exotic wildlife. Here, electric-blue streaked kingfishers dart in and out of the green foliage on the riverbanks, occasionally eyed by the odd, semi-comatose crocodile slumbering in the waters. Back home, Bentota village, shaded by canopies of giant palms, offers a fascinating few hours. Call into a coir factory to watch craftsmen tease cords of rope from emptied coconut husks. Creep into a hushed temple to see lurid paintings and dayglo coloured Buddha statues. And don't miss Bentota's turtle hatchery, where fragile baby turtles are kept until the day they're gently lowered into the ocean. Come nightfall, enjoy dinner on your hotel terrace and linger on the sands as an orange sunset diffuses into pink-hued twilight. After all, it's what you really came here for isn't it?
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Bentota hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Bentota include Hotel Serendib and Taj Exotica.
More Sri Lanka holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Sri Lanka? Our Sri Lanka holiday destinations include Ahungalla, Bentota, Beruwela, Colombo, Kalutara, Negombo, Wadduwa and Waikkal.
Beaches
Bentota has one of the west coast's best beaches, stretching for several kilometres. Palm-fringed with golden sands and azure waters, it truly is a tropical dream. Watersports tend to take place on the calm waters of the river. Choose from windsurfing, water-skiing, deep-sea fishing and diving, where you may even come face to face with one of the massive barracuda that inhabit the area.
Eating out
There are a number of eateries in the centre of the resort serving both Eastern and Western flavours. Those near the bridge have excellent views across the glass-like waters towards the green banks opposite. For a real treat, dine aboard a cruise as it sails gently inland towards Sri Lanka's lush interior.
Nightlife
Nightlife invloves long, lazy walks along the beach at sunset, delicious meals at riverside restaurants at dusk and some slightly livelier hotel-based entertainment.
Shopping
Shops can be found in the hotels and typically sell traditional handicrafts including jewellery, masks and batiks. Nearby Aluthgama has a bustling market every Monday where you can soak up the vibrant personality and rich texture of Sri Lanka as you wander amongst stalls selling everything from pungent spices to delicate saris.
Local information
10km inland from Bentota is Brief Garden, a beautiful house with attractive gardens that was once home to the brother of renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier stayed here during the filming of 'Elephant Walk' in 1953. Today, it is still brimming with eclectic art including a wonderful mural depicting Sri Lankan life. At the northern end of nearby Induruwa beach is a turtle hatchery with prepared, protected sand nests and tanks for hatchlings. Watch the tiny creatures attempting to swim in the tanks before they are realised into the ocean waves.
Location
65km south of Colombo
Transfer time
3 hours approximately, depending on flight arrival times
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