Bentota

About Bentota

Where the Bentota river meets the Indian Ocean, this resort town pairs long golden beaches with mangrove lagoons. Take a Madu River boat safari, try jet-skiing and banana boats, then retreat to a riverside Ayurveda spa.

Top experiences

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  Madu River boat safari

  Glide through mangrove tunnels on Sri Lanka's most biodiverse estuary.

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  Water sports lagoon

  The calm Bentota lagoon hosts every water sport — jet ski, banana boat, wakeboard, kayak.

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  Bentota Beach

  A 5 km arc of pristine golden sand backed by coconut palms and luxury resorts.

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  Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa

  The eclectic tropical garden estate of artist and landscape designer Bevis Bawa.

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  Turtle hatchery visit

  Conservation centre nurturing endangered sea turtles before release into the ocean.

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  Blue whale watching cruise

  Half-day boat trip in search of blue and sperm whales.

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  Surf lesson at Weligama Bay

  ISA-certified coaches, gentle beach breaks, all gear included.

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  Madu River mangrove safari

  Boat glide through mangroves, temple islands and cinnamon farms.

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  Coconut Tree Hill sunset

  The iconic Mirissa headland framed by leaning palms.

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  Galle Fort

  17th-century Dutch fort city — a walkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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  Mirissa Beach

  Crescent bay with palm-fringed sand and the Coconut Tree Hill headland.

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  Unawatuna Beach & Japanese Peace Pagoda

  Sheltered swimming bay with a hilltop pagoda and jungle views.

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  Weligama Bay

  Sri Lanka's surf-school capital with fishing stilts and calm waters.