Why Bentota is a Hidden Gem in Southern Sri Lanka

Ranked among the most accessible beach hotspots in Sri Lanka, Bentota is a little piece of paradise within easy driving distance of the island’s capital, Colombo. While there are a great many coastal towns tourists will come across on their way to this blissful beach holiday hub, what makes Bentota a standout holiday destination are its unique attributes and equally captivating attractions. Here’s why Bentota is southern Sri Lanka’s best-kept secret.

Gardens Galore

While most travellers head to Bentota to experience its stunning coastlines and white, sandy beaches, some of the seaside hamlet’s finest natural attributes are found within its lush interiors. Having served as the holiday home of iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Lunuganga Estate is one such enclave that makes Bentota a must-visit hotspot for design enthusiasts and horticulturists. Featuring outdoor ponds, sculptures and green lawns lined with Frangipani trees, Lunuganga Estate is the life’s work of the man that designed the Sri Lankan Parliament building and other monumental structures. His philanthropic brother, Bevis Bawa’s home and garden are also open to visitors and lie 8km away from the heart of Bentota. While smaller in size and scale, Brief Gardens by Bevis Bawa is no less impressive with its outdoor showers and unique architectural features.

Water Sports Activities

Travellers with a passion for water sports and water-based excursions can also have their fill of adrenaline-pumping activities in Bentota. Whether you’re based at NH Bentota Ceysands Resort or any other Bentota beach hotel, a stopover at the Diyakawa Water Sports Centre is a must for first-time visitors. Offering some of the most exhilarating water-bound activity packages in the area, tourists can embark on canoeing excursions, wakeboarding tours, banana boat rides and jet ski cruises at the venue.

The Sea Turtle Conservation Centres

Bentota’s proximity to the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery and other local turtle conservation projects is another reason why tourists should choose to vacation in this beach paradise. As an endangered species, sea turtles are known to lay eggs on Bentota Beach during particular times of the year. Facing multiple threats from natural predators and human activities, these eggs are collected and safeguarded until hatchlings can safely be released back into the ocean by conservationists in Bentota.

Cinnamon Island

While it may be a point of interest that’s largely unknown to the travelling masses, Cinnamon Island and its cinnamon plantations are another reason why Bentota is an underrated holiday destination on the southern shoreline. Cultivating the highest quality cinnamon in the world, Sri Lanka is globally renowned for its endemic variety that has a unique flavour and healing properties. Local families have been growing cinnamon on the island for decades, and travellers can sign up for a day tour to learn more about the complex processes of harvesting cinnamon husks from the bark and using them in local curries and dishes.

Boating Excursions 

Nature lovers and travellers in search of uncharted ecological territories near Bentota will also find that a river safari in the Madu Ganga is one of the most enchanting ways to spend an afternoon in the beach hub. Occupied by flora and fauna that are endemic to this part of the island, the relaxing boat ride across this scenic body of water is an experience holidaymakers can’t afford to miss during a stay in Bentota.

Cultural Highlights

Although the city’s cultural heritage is an often-ignored aspect of Bentota, the historic Buddhist temples located in the area make it a must-visit destination for the spiritually inclined. The Galapata Viharaya, which was built during the 12th century, is one of the south coast’s most revered shrines. The Kande Viharaya, which dates back to 1734, is another pilgrimage site of ancient splendour that towers above the beach town on its ancient hill.