Bentota, Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Discover Bentota, a serene coastal paradise in Sri Lanka, where golden sands, tranquil waters, and rich cultural experiences await you.

Bentota, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful beach town known for its golden sands and tranquil waters. This charming destination is perfect for those seeking relaxation and a touch of adventure, with a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The Bentota River, which flows into the Indian Ocean, offers a unique landscape where the river meets the sea. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris, explore mangroves, and spot wildlife such as monitor lizards and exotic birds. The river is also a popular spot for water sports like jet-skiing and windsurfing. Bentota is home to some of Sri Lanka's most luxurious resorts, offering world-class amenities and breathtaking views. The town's beaches are pristine and less crowded than other tourist hotspots, providing a perfect setting for sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming. The nearby Brief Garden, designed by Bevis Bawa, and the Lunuganga estate, the country home of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, offer fascinating insights into the island's artistic heritage. One of the highlights of Bentota is the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where visitors can learn about the conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. You can even participate in releasing baby turtles into the ocean, a truly memorable experience. Bentota's local cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, with fresh seafood being a staple. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Sri Lankan dishes at local eateries, where you can enjoy the rich and aromatic spices that the island is famous for. Whether you are looking to unwind on a quiet beach, explore lush gardens, or engage in thrilling water activities, Bentota offers a little something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bentota.

Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best beach weather.
Book a river safari to explore the unique flora and fauna along the Bentota River.
Try local seafood dishes at beachside restaurants for a true taste of Bentota.
Bring insect repellent, especially if you plan to visit the mangroves.
Don't miss the chance to release baby turtles at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

Explore Bentota: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Bentota

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Galle Dutch Fort

Explore the captivating Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking coastal views in Sri Lanka.

4.7

Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya

Discover the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, a must-visit Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.

4.8

Kalutara Bodhiya

Explore the tranquility and spiritual depth of Kalutara Bodhiya, a stunning Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, and immerse yourself in its rich heritage.

4.8

Galle Lighthouse

Discover the stunning Galle Lighthouse, a historical landmark that offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's maritime heritage.

4.6

Best landmarks in Bentota

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Kande Vihara Temple

Explore the tranquility and rich heritage of Kande Vihara Temple, a must-visit Buddhist temple in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

4.7

Thaala Bentota

Experience the ultimate tropical getaway at Thaala Bentota, where luxury meets nature along Sri Lanka's stunning coastline.

4.6

Cinnamon Bentota Beach

Discover the ultimate beachfront luxury at Cinnamon Bentota Beach, where tropical beauty meets exceptional service for an unforgettable getaway.

4.7

Galle Fort Clock Tower

Discover the Galle Fort Clock Tower, an emblem of history and beauty in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, where colonial charm meets breathtaking views.

4.6

Best restaurants in Bentota

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Pier88 River Bar/cafe/Restaurant/pizzeria

Experience exquisite dining at Pier88 River Bar – where delicious cuisine meets breathtaking riverside views in Aluthgama.

4.4

Amal Restaurant & Cocktail Bar and Shisha Bar Bentota

Discover Amal Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: A Culinary Paradise Offering Italian, Seafood & Sri Lankan Delights in Beautiful Bentota.

4.0

Rana Seafood Restaurant

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Rana Seafood Restaurant in Bentota – where fresh flavors meet stunning coastal views.

4.4

P&S (Perera & Sons) - Bentota

Discover authentic Sri Lankan flavors at P&S (Perera & Sons) in Bentota—where every meal tells a story.

3.9

Best bars in Bentota

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Pier88 River Bar/cafe/Restaurant/pizzeria

Pier88 River Bar: Experience a culinary delight with riverside dining, diverse cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for tourists.

4.4

Amal Restaurant & Cocktail Bar and Shisha Bar Bentota

Experience the best of Sri Lankan and Italian cuisine at Amal Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, a vibrant beach club in Bentota, perfect for food lovers.

4.0

Vintage Restaurant

Experience the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine at Vintage Restaurant in Bentota, where tradition meets culinary excellence.

4.6

Golden Grill Restaurant

Experience the perfect blend of Sri Lankan and Indian cuisine at Golden Grill Restaurant in beautiful Bentota.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Bentota

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Amal Restaurant & Cocktail Bar and Shisha Bar Bentota

Discover culinary delights at Amal Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Bentota, where Italian, Sri Lankan, and seafood cuisines meet stunning ocean views.

4.0

Club Bentota

Experience the tranquility of Club Bentota, a premier holiday park in Paradise Island, Aluthgama, offering relaxation and adventure amidst stunning natural beauty.

4.1

Golden Grill Restaurant

Discover the culinary delights of Golden Grill Restaurant in Bentota, where local flavors meet vibrant hospitality in a charming atmosphere.

4.1

Club Villa Bentota

Experience luxury and tranquility at Club Villa Bentota, your perfect getaway along Sri Lanka's stunning coast with fine dining and breathtaking views.

4.4

Best shops in Bentota

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The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Discover the charm of The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct in Galle, a historical site blending shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

4.5

Natural Silk Factory

Explore the exquisite craftsmanship of silk at Natural Silk Factory in Galle, a unique destination for silk lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

4.2

New Bentota Wine Stores

Explore a treasure trove of wines at New Bentota Wine Stores, where every bottle tells a story of flavor and tradition.

4.0

Aida Gems & Jewellery

Discover the brilliance of Sri Lankan gems at Aida Gems & Jewellery, where tradition meets elegance in every exquisite piece.

3.9

Explore Bentota on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Bentota, mapped for you.

Bentota Essentials

Bentota is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, about 65 kilometers south of Colombo. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a private car to Bentota, which typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Bentota Railway Station, which offers a scenic coastal route and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Bentota is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) are readily available and provide an affordable mode of transport. Public buses also operate within the town and connect to nearby areas. Renting a bicycle or scooter can be a fun and convenient way to explore Bentota at your own pace.
The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Bentota, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Bentota, and currency exchange services can be found in banks and certain hotels.
Bentota is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Bentota does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 110 for medical emergencies. Bentota has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ayubowan' (traditional Sri Lankan greeting) or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Bentota like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Brief Garden, designed by Bevis Bawa, and the Kande Vihara Temple. For a unique experience, take a boat ride along the Bentota River to explore the mangroves and spot wildlife.

When is the best time to visit Bentota?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Bentota

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Bentota. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [ayubowan]
- Goodbyeසුභම හරි
  [suba harē]
- Yesඔව්
  [ōv]
- Noනෑ
  [nē]
- Please/You're welcomeකරද්දෙයි
  [karaddeyi]
- Thank youස්තූතියි
  [sthūtiyi]
- Excuse me/Sorryකියන්නේ
  [kiyannē]
- How are you?ඔයා කොහොමද?
  [ōyā kohomada?]
- Fine. And you?හදාගෙන ඇත්තෙයි. ඔයා?
  [hadāgen ēttēyi. ōyā?]
- Do you speak English?ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරයිද?
  [ōyā iṁgrīsi kathā karayida?]
- I don't understandමට දන්හලවියයි
  [mata danahalaviyai]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකර මෙනු බලන්න
  [karunakara menu balanna]
- I don't eat meatමම මස් කෑම නැත
  [mama mas kāma nātha]
- Cheers!සුභප්පා
  [subappā]
- I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකර ගෙවන්නට ඇති
  [karunakara gēvannata ēti]
- Help!උක්කලවූ
  [ukkalavū]
- Go away!යන්නහොත්
  [yannahōt]
- Call the Police!පොලිස් ගෙනානවා
  [polis gēnawā]
- Call a doctor!වෛර ගෙනානවා
  [varā gēnawā]
- I'm lostමම අව්යාපාලයා
  [mama avyāpālayā]
- I'm illමම අව්යාපාලයා
  [mama avyāpālayā]
- I'd like to buy...මම ... මිල ගත්තා හොඳේ
  [mama ... mila gattha hōdē]
- I'm just lookingමම පදිනව
  [mama padinava]
- How much is it?එය කොහෙද?
  [ēya koheda?]
- That's too expensiveඑය ඉතා ගාළු
  [ēya ita gālu]
- Can you lower the price?මිල අඩු කරනවාද?
  [mila adu karanavāda?]
- What time is it?කොහෙද?
  [koheda?]
- It's one o'clockඑකට
  [ēkata]
- Half past (10)(දහයට සාප්පා)
  [(dahayata sappā)]
- Morningඋදේ
  [udē]
- Afternoonපැය
  [pāya]
- Eveningසවුන
  [savuna]
- Yesterdayඊළෙලෙල්
  [ēlēlel]
- Todayඅද
  [ada]
- Tomorrowහෙට
  [hēda]
- 1එක
  [ēka]
- 2දෙක
  [dēka]
- 3තුන
  [thuna]
- 4හතලි
  [hathali]
- 5පහ
  [paha]
- 6හය
  [haya]
- 7හත
  [hatha]
- 8අට
  [ata]
- 9නම
  [nama]
- 10දහ
  [daha]
- Where's a/the...?...වෙත?
  [...wētha?]
- What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්ද?
  [lipinaya kumakda?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?මගෙයි පිටකල් හෙයියාද?
  [magēyi pitakal hēyiyada?]
- When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟට කොහෙද?
  [ēlagata koheda?]
- A ticket (to ....)ගෙනාද්දට පිටකල් එකත්
  [gēnaddata pitakal ēkath]

History of Bentota

Bentota, a coastal town in Sri Lanka, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area was known to early travelers and traders, including the Greeks and Romans, who referred to the island as Taprobane. Bentota's natural harbor made it a significant point of interest for these early explorers.
During the medieval period, Bentota was part of the Kingdom of Kotte, a significant Sinhalese kingdom that controlled much of the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The town was strategically important for trade and defense, playing a critical role in the kingdom's maritime activities.
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and established control over coastal areas, including Bentota. They constructed forts and other infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on the region's architecture and culture. The influence of Portuguese colonization is still evident in some of the local customs and traditions.
By the mid-17th century, the Dutch East India Company had taken control of Bentota from the Portuguese. The Dutch fortified the town further and developed it as a key trading post. Many of the colonial buildings and the canal system in Bentota were constructed during this period, contributing to the town's historical landscape.
In 1796, the British took control of Sri Lanka from the Dutch, marking the beginning of the British colonial period. Bentota continued to be an important coastal town under British rule. The British influence is visible in the town's infrastructure, including roads, railways, and colonial-era buildings.
After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, Bentota evolved into a popular tourist destination. The development of luxury hotels, resorts, and other tourist amenities transformed the town into a hub for both local and international visitors. Bentota's rich history and cultural heritage continue to attract tourists from around the world.
Bentota is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, including traditional dance, music, and festivals. The town is home to several temples and religious sites, which play a significant role in the local community. The Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple, is one of Bentota's most important cultural landmarks.