Bentota, Sri Lanka: travel guide
River-and-sea resort town with mangrove safaris and turtle hatcheries
A south-coast resort town where the Bentota Ganga meets the Indian Ocean — golden beaches, the Madu River mangrove safari, a sea-turtle hatchery and Geoffrey Bawa-era luxury hotels.
About Bentota
Bentota is a south-west coast resort town where the Bentota river meets the Indian Ocean, creating a mix of calm river water and open sea. It has long been a destination for a polished beach holiday, with several well-known architect-designed hotels.
On the water, you can take a boat safari through the Madu River mangroves, stop at Cinnamon Island, or try water sports on the river. Further along, the Kosgoda sea turtle hatchery is a popular stop, and Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara adds a cultural visit. The beach is wide and golden.
It suits couples and families looking for a relaxed beach holiday. December to April is generally the best period on this coast.
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Currency
- LKR
- Time zone
- Asia/Colombo
- Typical trip
- 2-3 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Bentota
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery
Wildlife · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Conservation hatchery protecting endangered sea turtle eggs, with tanks of hatchlings and information on nightly beach releases.
Bentota River Boat Safari & Cinnamon Island
Activity · 4.9 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Short river cruise stopping at a small island where cinnamon peeling and other spices are demonstrated.
Bentota Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Wide golden-sand beach with calm waters, a hub for jet-skiing, banana boats, parasailing and windsurfing.
Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara
Temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
A 12th-century Buddhist temple close to Bentota with an old stone inscription and reclining Buddha, believed founded by King Parakramabahu.
Madu Ganga (Madu River)
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
915-hectare estuarine wetland of mangrove islands near Balapitiya, explored by boat safari with kraal fishing and birdlife.
Things to do
- Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery Visit Nature · 5 h · from LKR 19,000 per person
- Bentota Beach Water Sports Package Activity · 2 h · from LKR 8,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Bentota Madu River & Turtle Hatchery Day Tour 6 h · from LKR 22,000
Where to stay in Bentota
- Bentota Beach
Resort strip with Sri Lanka's best-known luxury properties, right on the ocean.
- Bentota River / Aluthgama
Riverside stay for boat safaris, slightly quieter and better value.
Hotels
- Cinnamon Bentota Beach
- Taj Bentota Resort & Spa
- Ranweli Holiday Village
Where to eat
- Malli's sri_lankan, seafood · about LKR 4,750 per person
- Pier 88 River Bar & Restaurant sri_lankan, international · about LKR 2,800 per person
- The Boat Restaurant seafood, sri_lankan · about LKR 3,750 per person
Getting to Bentota
Nearest airport: Colombo (CMB), about 84 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in Bentota
- Coast-line train from Colombo Fort By train from Colombo · common · unconfirmed
Bentota lies on the west coast line between Colombo and Galle, served by trains from Colombo Fort. Source: roughguides.com
- Bus or Southern Expressway from Colombo By road from Colombo · common · unconfirmed
Buses and cars use the coast road and Southern Expressway south from Colombo. Source: roughguides.com
Getting around
- Car With Driver
- Tuktuk
- Walking
Best time to visit Bentota
- Jan 29°C
- Feb 30°C
- Mar 31°C
- Apr 30°C
- May rough · Bentota: SW monsoon, Yala. Water sports centre — closed season.
- Jun rough · Bentota: SW monsoon, Yala. Water sports centre — closed season.
- Jul rough · Bentota: SW monsoon, Yala. Water sports centre — closed season.
- Aug rough · Bentota: SW monsoon, Yala. Water sports centre — closed season.
- Sep rough · Bentota: SW monsoon, Yala. Water sports centre — closed season.
- Oct 28°C
- Nov 28°C
- Dec 29°C
More in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions about Bentota
- How many days do you need in Bentota?
- A typical trip to Bentota is 2-3 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Bentota?
- The highest-rated places in our Bentota guide are Bentota River Boat Safari & Cinnamon Island, Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara, Bentota Beach, Madu Ganga (Madu River), Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery.
- Where should I stay in Bentota?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Bentota: Bentota Beach, Bentota River / Aluthgama.
- How do I get around Bentota?
- Ways to get around Bentota covered in our guide: Car with driver, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- What is the weather like in Bentota?
- Average daytime highs in Bentota run from 28°C in Oct to 31°C in Mar.