Joanna James
Tipped to be one of Sri Lanka's most picturesque beach holiday hubs, Bentota is a destination that's home to a plethora of diverse highlights. Here are some of the area's main attractions.
Ideally located within a kilometre of the heart of Bentota town lies one of the area's most breathtaking beaches. Unlike most of the other beaches in the area, the Moragalla Beach is a decidedly more tranquil beach location as well as a pristine landscape where one can enjoy a host of water sports activities. The shallow waters and the sunny weather conditions prevalent on the beach makes it the perfect venue to engage in windsurfing and snorkelling activities. Honeymooners and families will also relish the privacy and the seclusion of this peaceful beach in Bentota.
Easily accessible from Bentota Town, Cinnamon Island is another must-visit highlight for those with an interest in Bentota's cinnamon producing heritage. The entire island is devoted to the cultivation of this pricey commodity that's exported to countries around the world. Travellers who visit the island can enjoy a demonstration on how cinnamon barks are harvested and processed to create the aromatic spice used in many local curries and even teas.
Regarded as one of Bentota's top attractions, the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is one of the most successful conservation projects running in the island. Created to protect the dwindling sea turtle population in the Indian Ocean, the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project saves turtle eggs laid on the beach from predators and protects the hatchlings until they are ready to return to their natural habitat in the ocean. Visitors can explore the tanks full of baby sea turtles during a visit or sign up to take part in releasing hatchlings on the beach or collecting eggs laid by female sea turtles. Ideally located a mere 11km away from Bentota, the venue is a marine life enthusiast's dream come true.
Ranked among the best beaches on the island, Ventura Beach is another natural highlight for visitors based in Cinnamon Bentota Beach or any other 6 star hotels in Bentota. The beach also offers a host of water-bound activities which are organized by local resorts and tour operators.
As the main reason why most tourists head to Bentota in the first place, Bentota Beach stretches on for miles and provides a family-friendly landscape for visitors with children. The white, sandy beach is ideal for swimming activities and afternoon strolls while the many seafood restaurants lining the beach also provide excellent meal options for all.
As one of the most prized architectural and horticultural attractions in Sri Lanka, every tourist based in Bentota should take the time to explore the Lunuganga Estate. The brainchild of local architectural guru Geoffrey Bawa, this impressive exercise in creating a "civilized wilderness" is a breathtaking example of making the natural environment a prominent feature of all building efforts. Spread out across 15 acres, the spectacular ponds, flower beds and landscaping features lining this captivating space are 40 years in the making.
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 pas...
