A resort-lined stretch of coast known for water sports, river safaris and calm swimming beaches.
Bentota is built around its beach resorts and calm, swimmable sea, making it a popular choice for families and travelers who want an easy beach base rather than a backpacker scene.
The Bentota River, which meets the sea here, opens up a different side of the destination — mangrove channels, water monitors, and a turtle hatchery a short drive along the coast.
Calm, swimmable beaches suited to families
A wide range of water sports, from jet-skiing to banana boats
Mangrove river safaris on the Bentota Ganga
Geoffrey Bawa's Lunuganga garden estate nearby
Cruise the mangrove-lined river in search of water monitors and birdlife.
Try jet-skiing, banana boating or windsurfing along the beach.
See conservation efforts for sea turtles at a nearby hatchery.
Tour Geoffrey Bawa's celebrated garden estate a short drive away.
Visit this hilltop temple with a large standing Buddha statue.
Bentota Beach
Bentota Ganga
Lunuganga
Kande Vihara Temple
Getting there
About 1.5–2 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway.
Best time to visit
November to April for the calmest seas.
Good to know
One of the safer south-coast beaches for swimming, thanks to a natural reef break.
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Lanka