Joanna James
Ranked among the island's most accessible beach hotspots, Bentota is within easy driving distance of Colombo. From enjoying its seaside splendour to touring iconic gardens, here are 5 must-experience activities in bountiful Bentota.
Bentota is one of Sri Lanka's most popular beach paradises, and a trip to this seaside town offers visitors the chance to splash around on a golden sanded beach not far from Colombo. In addition to housing Cinnamon Bentota Beach and countless other 5-star hotels in Bentota, the coastline also offers tourists the chance to work on their tan and go for a swim in crystal clear waters. Beach lovers will also find that there are plenty of water sports activities available for those who are based near Bentota Beach, which is a prime snorkelling and diving spot on the southern coast.
As a spa treatment that's on offer in several spas in Bentota, fish spa therapies are one of the main reasons spa-goers choose to holiday in the area. While it is difficult to describe the tingling sensation created by dozens of tiny little fish nibbling at your feet, the health and beauty benefits are equally difficult to contest. Removing dead cells from the skin, this unique therapeutic method, which cleanses the feet, is not the only treatment available in Bentota spas, which also specialise in foot reflexology, aromatherapy and other traditional spa menu items.
When it comes to Sri Lanka's most celebrated horticultural and architectural giants, one cannot forget the iconic brothers from the Bawa family. Bevis Bawa's home and surrounding garden, collectively known as the Brief Gardens, is one of Bentota's main highlights while the Lunuganga Estate, which lies not far from the premises was the holiday residence of Geoffrey Bawa. Both locations offer nature lovers and architecture buffs much in the way of inspiration as both Bevis Bawa and Geoffrey Bawa created spaces where nature appears to merge effortlessly with manmade structures.
No trip to Bentota would be complete without a pit stop at this conservation hub for sea turtles. Serving as both a wildlife preservation project and a haven for injured sea turtles, the chief function of the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is protecting sea turtle eggs from their natural predators long enough for the hatchlings to make their way back to the ocean in due time. Travellers can also volunteer at the venue by helping conservationists collect turtle eggs from the beach or taking in hatchling-releasing initiatives.
Like most beach destinations on the southern coastline, Bentota is a dream come true for biking enthusiasts. In addition to allowing travellers to discover its main points of interest at their own pace, biking also offers tourists the chance to explore Bentota beyond the tourist hotels and the continental restaurants dotting the beach. Visitors can easily bike to Dedduwa Lake for an afternoon picnic or swing by the Mullegoda Temple or Katukoliha Temple as a part of a cultural tour of the area.
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.
