TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BENTOTA
Whether you’re here for a few days or longer, Bentota has something for every kind of traveller — beach lovers, wildlife seekers, culture explorers, or curious foodies. To help you make the most of your time here, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best things to see and do in and around Bentota.
Click below to jump to the experience that interests you most:
1. Bentota Beach
Relax, surf, build a sand castle or enjoy the sunset
Bentota Beach is one of the main beaches on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast an must do during your visit to Bentota. The beach stretches for several kilometers with soft, golden sand and easy access from most hotels and resorts in the area. The northern end near the Bentota River mouth is popular for water sports, while the southern stretches are quieter and better for swimming or simply relaxing.
The sea conditions vary depending on the season — from calm and swimmable during the dry months (typically November to April) to stronger currents in the monsoon season (May to October), when caution is advised.
You’ll find both public access areas and beach zones in front of resorts, with sunbeds, local snack stalls, and water sports rentals available in busier spots. It’s a good place for beginner surfing lessons, morning walks, and sunset views. In the evenings, it’s common to see locals playing beach cricket or families gathering by the shore. End your day with a magical Bentota sunset — best enjoyed with your feet in the sand and a fresh seafood dinner nearby. Simple, peaceful, unforgettable.
Whether you’re here for a swim, a surf lesson, or to just watch the waves roll in, Bentota Beach is a must-visit during your stay — an easy and rewarding way to soak in the rhythm of coastal Sri Lanka.
2. Water Sports on the Bentota River
Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Windsurf and more...
Bentota is the unofficial water sports capital of Sri Lanka. The Bentota River is the heart of adventure in this coastal town. Whether you're zipping across the water on a jet ski, holding on tight during a banana boat ride, or catching the wind on a windsurf board, there’s something here for every kind of thrill-seeker.
Calmer sections of the river make it suitable even for beginners, and there are plenty of licensed operators offering safety gear and guidance. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for beating the crowds and enjoying smoother waters.
This is a must-do for anyone wanting to inject a little adrenaline into their holiday — or simply cool off in style under the Sri Lankan sun.
📍 Bentota River, near the bridge connecting Aluthgama and Bentota.
3. River Safari on the Bentota River or Madu Ganga
Glide through mangroves, meet river creatures, and dip your toes into something unexpected
A river safari through Bentota’s waterways or the nearby Madu Ganga estuary is a peaceful yet fascinating way to explore the region’s biodiversity. As your boat weaves through tangled mangroves and narrow canals, keep an eye out for water monitors, kingfishers, and — if you're lucky — a glimpse of a mini crocodile basking in the sun.
One of the highlights along the way is a visit to a traditional cinnamon garden. Here, you’ll get a quick demonstration of how cinnamon is harvested, peeled, and distilled into fragrant oil — a process that’s deeply rooted in Sri Lankan heritage. It’s a sensory experience and a great way to understand the country’s long-standing spice trade.
Many safaris also include a quirky stop at a “fish spa” — a floating hut where tiny fish nibble at your feet in what locals call natural foot therapy. It's a fun, ticklish experience and a good laugh with friends or family.
This is a laid-back, must-try activity for anyone curious about Sri Lanka’s inland ecosystems. It’s family-friendly, camera-worthy, and offers a different kind of adventure than the beach or surf.
📍 Tours typically start near the Bentota Bridge or in Balapitiya (for Madu Ganga).
4. Visit Kande Viharaya Temple
Home to one of the tallest seated Buddha statues in Asia
Kande Viharaya, located just inland from Bentota in Aluthgama, is a major cultural and spiritual landmark in southern Sri Lanka. Its most iconic feature is the towering seated Buddha statue — standing at approximately 48 meters (157 feet) tall, it ranks among the tallest seated Buddha statues in Asia. Built in 2006, the statue sits atop a hill and can be seen from the surrounding area, making it a striking symbol of the region.
The temple itself dates back to the 18th century and is a living site of Buddhist worship. Visitors will find a sacred Bodhi tree, historical image houses with vivid murals, and a stupa that attracts steady streams of devotees. Entry is free of charge, though donations are welcome.
On Poya (full moon) days, the temple comes to life with traditional rituals — devotees dressed in white offer lotus flowers, chant gathas, and light hundreds of clay oil lamps that bathe the temple grounds in a soft golden glow as night falls. Even outside of Poya, the temple is beautifully lit in the evenings, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Kande Viharaya is more than just a photo stop — it's a chance to observe authentic Buddhist rituals, reflect quietly, and gain insight into Sri Lankan religious traditions. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected, and visitors are asked to remove shoes when entering sacred spaces.
📍 Approx. 10–15 minutes from Bentota by tuk tuk or taxi.
5. Turtle Hatchery Visit
Up close with Sri Lanka’s gentle sea turtles and their conservation project
Located just a short drive from Bentota, the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is one of several conservation centres along the island’s southwest coast dedicated to protecting Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles. Operated by local NGOs and volunteers, the hatchery works to rescue injured turtles, protect nesting sites, and safely release baby turtles into the ocean.
Sri Lanka is home to five of the seven species of sea turtles found globally — including the Green Turtle, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and the critically endangered Leatherback. At the hatchery, visitors can see rescued adult turtles recovering in tanks, learn about their threats (such as plastic pollution and poaching), and observe baby hatchlings in sandy enclosures.
If your timing is right, you may even have the chance to release baby turtles into the ocean at sunset — a quiet, memorable moment for many travellers.
Entry typically costs LKR 1,000–1,500 per person (approx. USD $3–5), and all proceeds support the centre’s conservation work. The hatchery is open daily from morning to early evening, and visits usually take 30–45 minutes.
This experience is ideal for families, nature lovers, or anyone keen to support meaningful conservation efforts while travelling. It’s both educational and heartwarming — and a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect ocean life.
📍 Roughly 15–20 minutes south of Bentota by tuk tuk or car.
6. Lunuganga Estate
Stroll through the garden dreamscape of Geoffrey Bawa
Tucked away just inland from Bentota lies one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic design landmarks — Lunuganga Estate, the former country home of legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa. Often called the father of “tropical modernism,” Bawa spent over four decades transforming this former rubber estate into a living work of art.
The estate’s gardens are a serene blend of Italian Renaissance style, tropical flora, water features, and open pavilions, laid out with a masterful eye for form and space. It’s not just a garden — it’s a visual narrative, revealing Bawa’s lifelong passion for architecture, art, and nature.
Visitors can take guided tours of both the grounds and the villa itself, which has been carefully preserved to reflect Bawa’s unique vision. The guided tour offers insight into Bawa’s philosophy of “tropical modernism” and how this tranquil estate became a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s design heritage. You’ll find framed sketches, antique furniture, and wide-open verandas overlooking the lake — all exuding timeless elegance.
Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with guided tours available for 20 USD for foreigners and 3,500 LKR for locals. Lunuganga is a peaceful and inspiring retreat — ideal for anyone seeking a different side of Bentota beyond the beach.
📍 Located about 15–20 minutes from Bentota town
7. Brief Garden
Step into the eccentric, artful world of Bevis Bawa
Tucked away in the lush inland hills near Bentota, Brief Garden is the former estate of Bevis Bawa — renowned artist and brother of architect Geoffrey Bawa. What began as a rubber plantation was gradually transformed over 40 years into a whimsical, sculpture-filled garden that reflects Bevis’s bold personality and love for art, design, and tropical nature.
Wander through a series of garden rooms, exotic plantings, and winding pathways, all dotted with quirky sculptures, water features, and unexpected views. The estate house itself, still standing much as it was in Bevis's time, contains murals, photographs, and curious memorabilia that paint a picture of a truly colourful life.
Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, with an entry fee of 10 USD for foreigners and 2,000LKR for locals, Brief Garden is a wonderfully offbeat and inspiring experience — a must-visit for art lovers, garden enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Sri Lanka’s creative legacy.
📍 Kalawila Village, approx. 30 minutes inland from Bentota town
8. Taste Bentota's Seafood treats
Fresh from the ocean to your plate — a big range of seafood restaurants
Bentota’s location on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast means fresh seafood is a way of life here, making it a must-try for any visitor. Local fishermen bring in daily catches including prawns, crabs, lobster, cuttlefish (squid) and a variety of fish, all prepared with traditional Sri Lankan spices and cooking styles.
Seafood dishes range from fiery crab curries to grilled fish and prawn devilled — each bursting with rich, aromatic flavors. Alongside these oceanic treats, don’t miss out on local favorites like Kotthu, a popular street food made from chopped roti mixed with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood, stir-fried on a hot griddle.
Recommended dining spots in Bentota include Malli's Seafood Restaurant Riverside, famed for its seafood platters and riverside views; Vintage Restaurant, a cozy spot serving up authentic local flavors and Secret Harbour, hidden gem with fresh seafood and a relaxed vibe.
Seafood has been a cornerstone of Sri Lankan coastal culture for centuries, reflecting the island’s deep connection to the sea and its rich culinary heritage. Sampling these dishes offers a delicious glimpse into that tradition.
📍 Found throughout Bentota, especially near the beach or riverbank
9. Get an Ayurvedic Spa Treatment
Unwind the ancient way — with herbal oils, massages and healing rituals
Ayurveda, Sri Lanka’s ancient system of natural healing, has been practiced for over 2,000 years and continues to be a rejuvenating highlight for many visitors. In and around Bentota, Ayurvedic spa treatments are widely available — from luxury hotel spas to small local wellness centres offering authentic, personalized care.
Treatments range from full-body massages using warm herbal oils to steam baths, head therapies, and natural scrubs designed to detox, heal, and balance your body and mind. Some spas also offer doctor consultations and longer wellness programs if you're after a deeper healing experience.
You’ll find these treatments available at most mid to high-end hotels and villas in Bentota, as well as reputable standalone centres like The Bentota Ayurveda Center, Prince Lanka Ayurveda, and Triveda Ayurveda Center Bentota. Prices vary depending on the treatment, typically starting from around LKR 8,000 onwards.
Whether you're easing into holiday mode or recovering after a day of adventure, an Ayurvedic massage is a gentle, blissful way to connect with Sri Lanka’s ancient wisdom.
📍 Widely available across Bentota and nearby Aluthgama
10. Backyard Cricket at Gamini School Ground
Where cricket meets culture and friendships are born
As the sun begins to dip and the heat softens, locals gather at Gamini School Ground for an iconic Sri Lankan pastime — backyard cricket. Often played on weekends around 5pm, it’s casual, lively, and open to anyone keen to join in.
Don’t worry if you don’t know all the rules — the beauty of backyard cricket is that it bends them! Locals will happily show you the ropes, and before you know it, you’ll be swinging a bat, cheering on teammates, and having a laugh with new friends.
It’s free to join, full of character, and one of the most authentic ways to connect with the spirit of Bentota. Who knows — a spontaneous game might turn into your most cherished memory.
📍 Gamini School Ground, Bentota
Bentota, Beyond the Beach
From sun-drenched shores and lazy river cruises to ancient temples, turtle hatcheries, and local cricket games — Bentota isn’t just a beach town, it’s a beautiful blend of nature, culture, adventure, and everyday Sri Lankan life.
Whether you're chasing sunsets, feeding baby turtles, sipping cinnamon tea in a colonial garden, or sharing a laugh with locals over a game of backyard cricket, Bentota invites you to slow down, breathe in, and truly connect.
There’s no one way to experience this coastal gem — only your way. So go explore, try something new, and take home more than just souvenirs: take home memories that feel like yours and stories you’ll want to tell.
See you out there in Bentota 🌴