"Bentota, situated 64km south of Colombo on the captivating South-western coast of Sri Lanka, is a gem awaiting exploration. Accessible from CMB Colombo Bandaranaike Airport in Katunayake – Negombo, just 37km north of Colombo, Bentota is a mere 101km south of the airport, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
You can traverse to Bentota via the picturesque Colombo – Galle main road (A2) or opt for a scenic journey on the Colombo – Galle – Matara Southern Railway line. Unlike the inland route from Negombo to Colombo, the track from Colombo to Matara, passing through Bentota, offers breathtaking views of the southern coast, revealing pristine tropical beaches along the way.
Nestled just beyond the Bentota Bridge, spanning the enchanting Bentara River, lies the coastal town of Bentota. Renowned for its natural beauty, Bentota boasts lush greenery punctuated by towering coconut palm trees, creating a serene rural landscape. It is hailed as the premier beach resort destination in the south-western and southern coastal regions of Sri Lanka.
South of Colombo, the charming city of Kalutara serves as the gateway to the picturesque bay beaches. However, it is Bentota that steals the spotlight with its twin gems – the Beruwala Bay Beach and the Bentota Bay Beach – both celebrated for their pristine beauty. The coastline further south offers a plethora of tropical beaches, promising an idyllic beach holiday experience.
Bentota Bay Beach stands out as the epitome of luxury and comfort, nestled within the Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex. Boasting a comprehensive support infrastructure, this beach resort is a haven for international tourists seeking an extended seaside retreat. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations, Bentota caters to every traveler's needs.
Adventure enthusiasts will find joy in Bentota's array of water sports activities, including snorkeling, diving, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, and deep-sea fishing. The calm seas from November to April provide ideal conditions for these thrilling adventures, making Bentota a hotspot for families and adrenaline seekers alike.
In essence, Bentota offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty, making it an irresistible destination for a memorable holiday in Sri Lanka."
Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex
The Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex, envisioned by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1970s, is a testament to innovative design and functionality. Strategically situated between the Galle Road and the Colombo-Galle-Matara railway track, this complex serves as a hub of luxury and convenience for travelers.
Home to a myriad of upscale hotels, shopping arcades, and essential amenities, the complex has evolved over the years to meet the escalating demands of tourism in Bentota. Alongside providing a luxurious retreat for holidaymakers, it offers a seamless blend of leisure and practicality.
Within the sprawling complex, visitors can indulge in a shopping spree at the arcade, which features a diverse array of shops offering traditional crafts such as drums, masks, and handmade lace, among other treasures. Additionally, essential services including a railway station, post office, banks, and a Tourist Information Centre cater to the needs of travelers, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The heartbeat of cultural entertainment thrives within the open-air theater, where vibrant performances of folk and mask dancing grace the stage regularly. This cultural showcase adds a touch of local flair to the holiday experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Sri Lanka.
As a cornerstone of Bentota's tourism infrastructure, the Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex continues to enchant and captivate travelers with its blend of luxury, convenience, and cultural vibrancy, ensuring an unforgettable stay for all who venture through its gates.
Bentota River, Bentota Lagoon and River Bentara
The River Bentara, an iconic waterway in Bentota, gracefully converges with the Indian Ocean, creating a serene lagoon that sets the stage for an unparalleled aquatic playground. This picturesque setting offers an extensive selection of water sports activities, making it a mecca for adventure enthusiasts.
From the exhilarating thrill of jet-skiing to the graceful dance of windsurfing, and the breathtaking vistas of parasailing, the River Bentara and its lagoon cater to a diverse range of interests and preferences. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, a romantic river safari along the calm waters provides a serene escape amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Bentota stands apart as a premier destination for water sports in Sri Lanka, owing to the unique blend of river and ocean landscapes that converge harmoniously to offer an unmatched experience. Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful moments of relaxation, the River Bentara and its lagoon promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of aquatic bliss.
Bentota Bay Beach
Nestled between the shimmering turquoise waters of the sea and the tranquil embrace of the lagoon, Bentota Bay Beach Resort beckons with an enchanting landscape of lush greenery and unparalleled recreational offerings.
Bentota has earned its reputation as a premier destination for romantic weddings, hosting countless ceremonies for both locals and foreigners year after year. Its allure extends to honeymooners, drawing couples from Sri Lanka and abroad to bask in its romantic ambiance.
Stretching along the northern end of the beach is the picturesque estuary known as "Paradise Island," a pristine sanctuary of natural beauty. At the southern tip lies the expansive palm-fringed beach, a serene haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Renowned as one of Sri Lanka's most beloved beaches, Bentota captivates water sports enthusiasts with a plethora of activities. From exhilarating swimming and body-surfing to mesmerizing diving adventures, the river, lagoon, and beachfront of Bentota offer endless opportunities for aquatic excitement.
Whether seeking the thrill of adventure or the serenity of a romantic getaway, Bentota Bay Beach Resort and its surrounding splendor promise an unforgettable experience for all who venture to its shores.
Diving at Bentota Beach
The waters of Bentota are consistently invitingly warm, setting the stage for an array of aquatic adventures. Dive shops dot the vicinity, staffed by industry-certified professionals boasting PADI certification. These experts not only provide top-quality equipment but also offer invaluable assistance and guidance to diving enthusiasts, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience. For passionate divers, Bentota emerges as a true haven.
Canoe Rock stands as Bentota's premier dive site, boasting a diverse landscape of sandy expanses and vibrant coral formations. Divers have the option to embark from a boat or venture straight from the shore, with boat diving being the favored choice for its added excitement. For those seeking an extra dose of thrill, a night dive presents an alluring option, with many operators equipped with pure oxygen supplies to mitigate decompression risks.
Venturing just offshore reveals mesmerizing coral reefs awaiting exploration. Grabbing a snorkel and mask allows for an up-close encounter with tropical marine life, while the lively winds of the west coast from December to March beckon windsurfing enthusiasts to take to the waves. For those with a need for speed, jet ski and water-skiing opportunities abound on the tranquil lagoon waters of Bentota.
In essence, Bentota stands as a playground for water sports enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities to suit every craving for adventure and excitement. Whether diving into the depths, gliding over coral reefs, or speeding across the lagoon, Bentota promises an unforgettable aquatic experience for all who dare to explore its waters.
Kosgoda
Located just 8km south of Induruwa Beach, Kosgoda Beach boasts a unique attraction: a community-based turtle hatchery and turtle watching project established by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) in collaboration with the Wildlife Department of Sri Lanka.
This initiative plays a vital role in the conservation efforts for marine turtles, as Sri Lanka is fortunate to host five of the seven existing species worldwide: the Green Turtle, the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Loggerhead, and the Olive Ridley.
Visitors to Kosgoda Beach have the extraordinary opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, learning about their conservation needs and the efforts undertaken to protect them. The project not only serves as a sanctuary for turtles but also educates and raises awareness about the importance of preserving these endangered species for future generations.
Galapatha Buddhist Temple
The venerable Galapatha Raja Maha Vihare Buddhist temple in Bentota stands as a living testament to Sri Lanka's rich history and spiritual heritage. Steeped in antiquity, this sacred site is adorned with a treasure trove of relics dating back to the medieval period.
Among its most notable features are intricately carved stone inscriptions and sculptures, each bearing witness to the craftsmanship and devotion of ancient artisans. Majestic stone pillars rise proudly, echoing the stories of bygone eras, while tranquil ponds and troughs offer moments of contemplation and reflection.
As visitors wander through the temple grounds, they are transported through time, immersed in the legacy of generations past. The Galapatha Raja Maha Vihare stands as a sanctuary of serenity and a beacon of cultural significance, preserving the traditions and teachings of Buddhism for present and future generations to cherish and admire.
Brief Garden
Nestled 11km inland from Bentota lies the enchanting Brief Garden, a masterpiece conceived by the late Bevis Bawa, renowned landscape artist and brother of Sri Lanka's legendary architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Inspired by the elegance of Japanese garden design, Brief Garden emerges as a haven of natural beauty and artistic expression.
Once a humble rubber plantation, the estate has since been transformed into a captivating blend of botanical paradise and open-air museum. Spanning over 5 acres, this magnificent eco-park invites visitors to wander through its verdant pathways, where every corner reveals a new marvel.
Throughout the garden, visitors encounter a myriad of sculptures crafted by Bevis himself, as well as works by other esteemed artists. These artistic treasures add a touch of whimsy and wonder to the lush greenery, creating an atmosphere of serene enchantment.
Brief Garden stands as a testament to Bevis Bawa's creative vision and unwavering passion for nature. It is a sanctuary where art and nature intertwine, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery amidst the tranquil beauty of Sri Lanka's countryside.
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