Joanna James
Bentota is one of the most popular holiday hubs in sunny Sri Lanka. If you love the sun, sand, and sea then Bentota is where you need to be. Apart from the beaches, there are a few attractions in the area that you can explore!
In Bentota, there are plenty of things you can do in the water. There's an endless list of watersports you can experience but why not try something different like a boat safari on the Bentota River. This boat trip offers some of the best sceneries you will get to enjoy. From tiny islands fringed with tangled mangroves to a list of colouful birds and water creatures such as water monitors and crocs, it will be a truly adventurous ride.
The stretch of turquoise blue beach in Bentota continues several kilometers south of the town. Hotels such as AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa offer accommodation with easy access to the ocean. This is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and many holidaymakers spend weeks stretched out on the sandy shores day in and out. You must pick the best Bentota hotel for your holiday out of the clusters of the finest hotels on the southern coast.
Located within a short ride from Bentota, the turtle hatchery in Koggala Beach is a truly unique experience. Although not well known, Sri Lanka is one of the top breeding spots for endangered sea turtles and Koggala beach serves as the home for breeding these sea creatures. Visitors to the hatchery are educated on the importance of protecting turtle life and given an insight to the facilities and the care arranged to the newborn turtles
The Galapatha Viharaya is a significant Buddhist temple found within a radius of around 2km away from the main road of Bentota. The temple is considered important since the sacred tooth relic of Arahat Maha Kashyapa was once enshrined within the temple. You find the ruins of the original temple including rock carvings, pillars, and stones that are still seen in the location. The perahara which is a colourful procession conducted annually by the temple in honour of Arahat Maha Kashyapa is one of the events that draw large crowds. If you are travelling during this season don't miss out on this very vibrant event.
Around ten kilometers inland from Bentota is the Brief Garden. It is the house that was owned by Bevis Bawa brother of the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. Brief Garden has a wide collection of interesting artwork displayed. The highlight of the location is in the garden, which is decorated with an eclectic collection of statues, sculptures, and excessively grown greenery. This legendary house and its garden is a fascinating place to visit whether you are a nature lover or not. There is much to it than simply a beautifully landscaped garden; it reflects Bawa's personality and free-spirited nature, which he freely displays through his work.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
