The cadenced crashing of waves can be heard not so far away, the warm sunny rays fall unperturbed by the gushing wind and perspiration forms at the temples before cascading down either side of one’s head as the drive towards Bentota hotels comes to an end and one alights from the vehicle. The gateway to the south of Sri Lanka is as good as any part of the south and offers the added advantage of a tour of the Bentota lagoon and the estuary. As one exits the city of Aluthgama the road gives way to a bridge which stretches over the Bentota River; this is the border that splits the Western Province from the Southern Province and as one returns to the main road from the bridge, he or she would enter the city of Bentota with Bentota Beach by Cinnamon on the right.
As the river flows into the sea and creates a lagoon there are many freshwater experiences that should be enjoyed. The mangroves, the boat rides upstream, visits to the tiny lakes in the river and sitting down to a delicious freshly prepared seafood meal at one of the restaurants along the river bank or even aboard one of the boats.
The water sports available in the River Bentota are not offered so widely and wonderfully anywhere else in the country. Water skiing, diving, snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing are some of the most sought after activities in the waters where even PADI instructors can be found at reasonable rates. There are a few coral reefs to be seen while diving and this is one of the safest places for marine action as it is technically a lagoon granting automatic shelter from the rough sea. In fact, the locals confirm the waters are even safe for late night diving; an adventure reserved for the not so faint hearted.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
