bentota

Bentota is a city that is adorned with palm trees. Located about 62 Km south Colombo, this laid back coastal town embodies the charm of island living. Boasting of a serene atmosphere, Bentota is a popular weekend getaway, far from the metropolitan chaos of Colombo. The name of the city is taken from a mythical demon 'Ben' who ruled the river banks or 'tota'. This beautiful city will enthrall you with its charm and you will be bound to fall in love with it.

Places to See
Bentota Beach
A fold of pristine golden sands along the Indian Ocean, Bentota Beach is an extraordinary experience. While you soak under the sun, you can enjoy the sound of the Ocean crashing against the shores. The beauty of the beach is hard to put in words; let’s just say its mesmerizing beauty will leave you speechless.

Brief Garden
Spread over a couple of acres of land, the Brief Garden is a marvelous stretch of gorgeously created landscape. A visit to this garden makes you feel like you are in a fairytale world. There are several beautiful Japanese style gardens and lawns that will remind you of the colonial days. The work of famous architect Bevis Bawa is showcased here, along with several other artists from Sri Lanka and around the world.

Turtle Hatchery Project
Another must visit attraction here is the Turtle Hatchery Project at Bentota Beach. Since a long time, several endangered species of turtles have been frequenting a stretch on this beach. The turtles are allowed to hatch and prosper in a protected area, before they are set free. This is a must visit attraction for all the nature lovers.

Cinnamon Island
The Cinnamon Island is also a popular attraction, located close to Bentota. The reason behind the name of the island is the fact that an age old cinnamon plantation has been run by a single family for generations here now. A visit to the Island also lets the visitors learn about the processing of cinnamon for its various uses.

Kande Vihara Temple
This is among the most popular Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The Kande Vihara Temple houses Sri Lanka’s tallest statue of Guatam Buddha. Apart from the Stupa, it also houses the Bo Tree, four sacred Maha Devalas and ancient relics.

Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya
Renowned for the ancient marble statue of Lord Buddha, Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya is located in Kaluwamodera. The Buddha statue is over a hundred years old and measures almost six feet. According to sources, the statue is said to have come from Burma.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Bentota is between October and April, as the temperature is ideal for water sports and other adventure activities. May to September receives heavy rainfall and the weather is not suitable for outdoor activities.

How to reach
By Air - Bandaranaike International airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka. This airport has daily flights to a local airport, Katunayake, which is about an hour’s drive from Colombo. International flights include flights from the neighbouring countries like India, Europe, Australia and parts of Southern Asia.
By Train - Bentota has a small railway station, and mostly all the local routes go through the station. The station is on the Colombo-Matara line, which is the scenic Southern Coastal Line.
By Road - Bentota is connected to Colombo and Galle with a good network of buses.