Located just over an hour to the south of Colombo, Bentota is the very picture of paradise. A spectacular shoreline, golden sands, range of water sports and much more, set the stage for an island holiday like you’ve never experienced before. Due to its immense popularity as a tourist hotspot, in Bentota, resort and hotel options are aplenty. The likes of AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa place you right on the beach, close to all the action that makes up the concept of “island life”.
One of the key highlights of Bentota, besides basking in the sun being pampered by your hotel’s staff, is the range of water sporting opportunities it offers. Windsurfing, jet skiing, surfing and speed boating are very popular among tourists. Most hotels on the beach work with organisations that offer the necessary equipment for you to get the maximum out of your adventure. Bentota also features fantastic dive spots such as Canoe Rock, Hundriangala and South Reef.
The Kande Viharaya Temple is an import Buddhist place of worship in the region and a must-see. Built in 1734, this temple features the world’s tallest seated Buddha statue, which stands at a whopping 160 feet. You may also indulge in a cycling tour of the region and visit the Katukoliha Temple. The temple’s dagoba was built on the highest elevation in Bentota. The temple also showcases ancient local architecture, statues and terracotta carvings. Plan your visit in the evening if you wish to catch sight of a spectacular sunset.
Sign up for a boat cruise through the Bentota River, the country’s third longest. You’ll cruise through fascinating mangrove swamps checking out an array of birds and reptiles. A key highlight on your cruise will be the visit to the 800 year old Wanawasala Buddhist Temple.
Another experience you’ll remember forever is a visit to a turtle hatchery, located just 3km from the Bentota Bridge. Turtle hatcheries play an integral role by protecting marine turtles which are under threat of extinction. If you visit the hatchery by night, you can accompany the staff to release baby turtles into the ocean.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
