05 Things to do Around Bentota Beach - Apart from Swimming in the Indian Ocean

How would you feel about cycling around a coastal village, passing verdant paddy fields and catching a glimpse of a 125-year-old temple? That's exactly what's in store for tourists opting to take on the pleasures of a cycle tour in Bentota. Cycle tours can be booked via any top resort Bentota is home to; you could also search the web for tour companies. A typical cycle adventure will take you past the 125-year-old Katukoliha Temple which sits on the area's highest point, head past the Mullegoda Temple and stop to admire the beautiful murals. Also quite impressive are the Dutch colonial houses you will pass along the way. Enjoy the scenic splendours as you peddle past Dedduwa Lake and wave to the villagers working in the paddy fields.

If you love outdoor adventures and loads of invigorating exercise, then do check out the Bentota walking trail. The track takes the same path as the cycle tours, with the exception of being more personal. Stop at the villages and understand why Sri Lanka is known as the island of smiles or sit down for a cup of steaming hot tea at one of the little kiosks. Admire the foliage, chat with the friendly kids and experience traditional Sri Lanka first hand.

Water sports are available in plenty at Bentota Beach. Guests at AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa and similar resorts will find plenty of action close by as the resort town is popular for banana boat rides, jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, mono-skiing and lots more. You could also opt to take on a river cruise by joining an excursion on the beautiful River Madu. The boat rides take you past lush mangrove forests, little islets, stone shrines and cinnamon farms located on the islands. Look out for monkeys on the bank, stop for a drink of king coconut sold from a makeshift pier and try holding a baby crocodile at the croc farm; your Bentota beach resort will be more than happy to organise these thrilling excursions.

Bevis Bawa was a renowned artist, architect and genius landscaper who lent his talents to the island. The Brief Gardens developed over a span of 15 years and showcases the artist's multi-talented skills. Spread across 5 acres of land that ends at the river, the aesthetically laid out garden is where one goes to replenish the mind, body and soul.

Head over to the next town of Beruwela, visit the fish market and you are in for a treat – rather smelly, but quite the experience for the curious tourist. The Fish Market is best visited in the early hours of the morning, a time when the fresh catch of the day is brought in and sellers and buyers are hard at work bargaining and auctioning off the fresh catch. To be precise, the market is active from 5 am to 8 am and is the best place for picking up the island's freshest ocean delights.