Joanna James
Bentota is in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, and it is one of the best places the country has to offer. Here are some things you should try out when you're there.
Only 10km away from Bentota, the Brief Gardens looks like a scene from the jungle book. This was the home of Bewis Bawa, who is the brother of Geoffrey Bawa. There is a myriad of artwork displayed in the garden including statues and monuments. Some of the significant visitors to the Breif Garden include Laurence Oliver and Vivien Leigh from the movie Elephant Walk produced in 1953. You can't reach Brief Garden via public transportation and a tuk-tuk would cost you some Rs.1500. This is one of the best ways to spend your morning when you're in Bentota.
The temple is located in the Southern Bank of the Bentota river and around 3km inland of Bentota. The Galapataraja temple dates back to the 12th century. The dagoba is more than 2500 years old and there are murals that are simply lovely. The dagoba is said to hold the canine tooth of Kashyapa Thero, who was the main disciple of Buddha. You have to cross the bridge and travel towards Elpitiya for some 1.5km and then for another 1 km to reach the temple.
The Kechimalai Mosque is significant to the Muslim community as it is located in the first Muslim settlement in Sri Lanka. The mosque hosts a major Ramadan Festival each year. The mosque was built somewhere around 1024. It is located in the hotel strip in Beruwala. The mosque is amongst other churches, temples, and mosques which makes a complex of places of worship near the beach and fishing port. This is another place near Bentota that deserves your attention and time.
This is one of the significant Bodhi trees on the island and there are hundreds of worshippers visiting here every day. The Bodhi tree is considered sacred and some believe this has healing powers. What is most interesting about this temple complex is the dagoba which is hollow. Once you go inside it, you will be impressed by the wall paintings and the statues inside. Tip-the inside of the dagoba is very noisy but it is actually the echo of the whispers of the worshippers inside. If you go to the edge of the dagoba and talk, everyone in the room can hear what you said. When you visit the Kalutara Bodiya, don't forget to book a canoeing tour along the Kalu Ganga. Visit hotels in Kalutara the likes of Mermaid Hotel and Club to book tours and have a hearty lunch afterwards.
The Amal restaurant is one of the most popular places in Bentota. This one of the places regular travelers to Bentota doesn't miss out on visiting. There are indoor and outdoor dining options available here. What's more, the first Saturday of each month, the hotel hosts a bonfire party. The beach bar has live music every day and the restaurant is one of the most happening places in Bentota.
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