Listly by Roland Lefevre
It looks as if the city of Bentota knows exactly what a western tourist really requires. Relaxed fishermen walking in the elegant sunset dwelling is a signatory sight as you take a walk in the city. And a little deeper, you will be able to explore more affairs such as cinnamon trade.
Cycling around Bentota is really a rewarding thing. Elsewhere you won't get an opportunity to cycle along the magnificent paddy fields. You will also be passing the Katukoliha temple, which is about 125 years old. Among the landmarks you will be passing, the Dagaba located at the highest point, houses with Dutch architecture, Mullegoda temple and Dedduwa lake are signatory. In Mullegoda temple you can see beautiful murals. If you are so much into nature, cycling is the best thing you can do in Bentota. And the track is amazing.
If you stay at a place like Avani Bentota Resort &Spa, you will simply discover more Things to do in Bentota. The Walking Trail is in parallel to the cycle track lets you enjoy the magnificent paddy fields and streams in the village. You will be slowly passing the Katukoliha temple with its Dagaba standing aloof. There is something special about the temple. You can see wooden and terracotta carvings and statues. These carvings and statues silently narrate the ancient Sri Lankan architectural style. At the site, you are in for a panoramic view of beautiful sunset evening. In such a backdrop it looks like an artwork to see houses built according to Dutch architectural styles. And the path is full of birds as well.
Located in Kalawila, the Brief Garden was built by Bevis Bawa. Bevis Bawa, in case you have no idea who he is, is the elder brother of Geoffrey Bawa, a prominent architect. Stretched across five acres, the Garden will catch your attention with its rich greenery. You will be able to see a wide range of tropical trees, plants and scluptures that cover the garden. It all speaks for what Bawa had done to make the garden perfect. Here again is the place for you, if you are into nature.
Located in Aluthgama, Kande Viharaya narrates a long history. It is said to be built in 1734 and continues to be an important hub in Buddhism. You can see devotees clad in white roaming in the temple.
Due to its historical significance, Dutch Fort has been declared as a World Heritage site. It was the Portuguese that first built this, in 1640, but later Dutch captured it for their use. The fort occupies about 87 acres of the land. It is fully worth to visit this colonial legacy now.
If you want to see how a fish market operates, visit Beruwala in the wee hours of the day. You will find how the previous night's catch is auctioned to the retailers. The fishermen and the retailers transact from 5.30 am to 8 am. But they take poya days off. Though sometimes you can experience a peaceful environment, sometimes the noise can be too much for you.