Popular tourist destination located in Galle District Sri Lanka ‘ Bentota ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka
Kande Vihara Temple benthota
Bentota is a popular tourist destination located in the southwestern coastal region of Sri Lanka. It is a coastal town situated in the Galle District of the Southern Province. Bentota is known for its stunning beaches, water sports activities, and scenic beauty.
The main attraction of Bentota is its pristine golden sandy beach, which stretches for several kilometers along the coastline. The beach offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. The calm waters of the Bentota River, which flows into the sea, also provide options for various water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and boat rides.
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One of the key attractions in Bentota is the Bentota River safari. Travelers can take a boat ride along the river, passing through mangrove forests, and explore the rich biodiversity of the area. The river safari allows visitors to spot different species of birds, monitor lizards, and even crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Bentota is also home to several luxury resorts and hotels, making it an ideal destination for a beach holiday or a romantic getaway. Many of these resorts offer spa facilities, Ayurvedic treatments, and wellness programs for relaxation and rejuvenation.
In addition to its natural beauty, Bentota is known for its cultural and historical attractions. The Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple with intricate stone carvings, is worth a visit. The Brief Garden, the former home and garden of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, is another popular attraction in the area.
For those interested in exploring beyond Bentota, the nearby city of Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and the iconic Galle Fort. The Madu River estuary, located close to Bentota, is another popular tourist spot where visitors can take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and visit small islands.
Overall, Bentota offers a mix of natural beauty, adventure activities, cultural attractions, and luxury accommodations, making it a favored destination for travelers visiting Sri Lanka.
Bentota Beach
Bentota is famous for several reasons:
- Pristine Beaches: Bentota is renowned for its beautiful golden sandy beaches that stretch for kilometers along the coastline. The beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. The calm and clear waters make it a popular destination for water sports activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and boat rides.
- Water Sports: Bentota is a hub for various water sports activities. Travelers can indulge in thrilling adventures such as jet skiing, water skiing, banana boat rides, and deep-sea fishing. The Bentota River, which flows into the sea, provides additional options for boat rides and water-based excursions.
- Bentota River Safari: The Bentota River safari is a popular attraction in the area. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river, passing through scenic mangrove forests and observing the diverse wildlife. The river safari offers opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, monitor lizards, and even crocodiles in their natural habitat.
- Luxury Resorts: Bentota is home to several luxury resorts and hotels that provide world-class accommodation and amenities. These resorts offer stunning beachfront locations, spa facilities, Ayurvedic treatments, and wellness programs, providing a perfect setting for a relaxing and indulgent vacation.
- Cultural and Historical Attractions: Bentota boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple with intricate stone carvings, attracts visitors seeking a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s religious heritage. The Brief Garden, once the home and garden of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, is another famous attraction in Bentota.
- Proximity to Galle: Bentota is located in close proximity to the city of Galle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and the iconic Galle Fort. Many visitors to Bentota also explore Galle and its attractions, including the Dutch Reformed Church, the Maritime Museum, and the charming streets within the fort.
Overall, the combination of stunning beaches, water sports activities, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and luxury accommodations has made Bentota a renowned and favored destination among travelers visiting Sri Lanka.
Bentota is a coastal town located in the Galle District of the Southern Province in Sri Lanka. It is situated on the southwestern coast of the country, approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
Bentota is positioned at the mouth of the Bentota River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with the river, lush mangrove forests, and beautiful golden sandy beaches contributing to its appeal.
The Bentota River runs through the town, creating a picturesque landscape. It offers opportunities for boat rides, river safaris, and exploring the surrounding mangrove forests. The river is an important waterway in the area and also adds to the natural beauty of Bentota.
The town is blessed with a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature in Bentota ranges from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F) during the day, with a slight drop at night. The region experiences two distinct monsoon seasons—the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from December to February.
Bentota’s geography is defined by its coastal features, including long stretches of sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean. The beaches are relatively calm and protected, making them suitable for swimming and water sports activities. The golden sands and clear waters attract tourists seeking relaxation and recreation.
Inland from the coast, the landscape is characterized by lush greenery, palm trees, and coconut groves. The region’s fertile soil supports the growth of vegetation, including mangrove forests that line the Bentota River.
Overall, Bentota’s geography encompasses a combination of coastal beauty, a meandering river, mangrove forests, and tropical vegetation, making it an enchanting destination for travelers seeking natural splendor and outdoor activities.
Bentota River
Bentota offers a range of popular attractions and places to visit. Here are some of the top places to explore in Bentota:
- Bentota Beach: The main attraction of Bentota is its beautiful sandy beach. Stretching for kilometers along the coastline, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking long walks. The calm and clear waters make it a great spot for water sports activities as well.
- Bentota River: The Bentota River is a scenic waterway that flows into the Indian Ocean. Taking a boat ride along the river allows you to explore the mangrove forests, spot wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. River safaris are popular, providing opportunities to see birds, monitor lizards, and even crocodiles.
- Brief Garden: The Brief Garden is the former home and garden of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The garden is beautifully landscaped and features a variety of plants, sculptures, and art pieces. It’s a serene and artistic place to visit, showcasing Bawa’s unique design concepts.
- Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara: This ancient Buddhist temple is known for its intricate stone carvings and historical significance. It provides a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich religious heritage and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration.
- Lunuganga Estate: Located nearby in Dedduwa, Lunuganga Estate was another property owned by Geoffrey Bawa. It showcases his architectural brilliance and creativity, with meticulously designed gardens, terraces, and buildings. The estate is open to the public and offers guided tours.
- Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery: Just a short drive away from Bentota, the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a conservation project aimed at protecting sea turtles. Visitors can learn about different turtle species, witness the process of nesting and hatching, and even release baby turtles into the ocean.
- Kande Vihara Temple: Situated in Aluthgama, near Bentota, the Kande Vihara Temple is a Buddhist temple known for its large seated Buddha statue. The temple offers a peaceful ambiance and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Madu River Estuary: Located close to Bentota, the Madu River estuary is a scenic area consisting of mangrove forests, small islands, and a diverse ecosystem. Taking a boat ride through the river allows you to explore the mangroves, visit cinnamon plantations, and witness the local way of life.
These are just a few of the popular places to visit in and around Bentota. The town and its surroundings offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and opportunities for outdoor adventures, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
