Joanna James
Tipped to be Sri Lanka's favourite beach hub, Bentota is not only a popular weekend getaway destination but also a beach paradise with cultural heritage to match. Here are some of the best ways to spend your time on a holiday in Bentota.
Cycling enthusiasts will find that the coastal city of Bentota is tailor-made for their favourite pastime as the roads are not only flat and offer ocean vistas but are also safe enough for biking in unlike most Sri Lankan cities. Biking is also the best way to get around Bentota when engaging in sightseeing activities; so, rent a bike from a nearby rental shop when you're planning to drop by the Mullegoda Temple, Dedduwa Lake or the iconic Katukoliha Temple.
No trip to this part of the country would be complete without exploring the stunning beaches that line its confines. Beaches are the main reason most travellers head to Bentota in the first place. Whether one is based at a beachside hotel the likes of Saman Villas or in an accommodation hub in town, splashing around on Bentota Beach is one of the most rewarding things to do in Bentota.
Nature lovers and conservationists touring Bentota should also pop by one of the area's most successful conservation and wildlife preservation hubs. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a nationally renowned effort that provides a safe environment for sea turtle eggs and hatchlings as most eggs that are laid on the beach are either consumed by humans or other predatory creatures. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery offers hatchlings a sanctuary in which to grow until it is their time to make the journey back into the ocean. Visitors can contribute to these endeavours by actively volunteering, making a donation or by purchasing a ticket to tour the premises.
As Bevis Bawa's horticultural centrepiece, a trip to the Brief Gardens is a must for all holidaymakers based in Bentota. Ideally situated, the extensive grounds and the household that once belonged to the brother of celebrated local architect Geoffrey Bawa offers visitors a respite from coastal landscapes and plunges them into a curated wilderness full of sculptures, trees, flowers and ponds. Designed by the collector, amateur designer and nature lover himself, a guided tour of the house and grounds will transport visitors to a more resplendent era in Bentota's history.
As a unique spa experience that's only accessible to those vacationing in Bentota, allowing tiny little fish to cleanse your feet can be one of the most fascinating ways to spend an afternoon. Available through a number of spa facilities, spa-goers need only dip their feet in a pond full of small fish to have the little creatures remove all dead cells from their skin. Those who prefer more traditional spa menu items such as aromatherapy or foot reflexology, however, are welcome to sign up for more conventional treatments.
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...
