Bentota

Southern Province

Bentota, situated on the south-west coast of the island halfway between Galle and Colombo, is known for its wide golden beach and the river estuary, both of which are ideal for water-sports such as wakeboarding, jet-skiing, doughnut-ing and windsurfing. You can also take a boat ride up the river which is shrouded by mysterious mangroves that are home to an array of Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

For those of you who would like to try something different out on the water, why not consider a sailing trip on a catamaran? Head out to sea with an experienced crew and sail to an isolated lighthouse, trying snorkeling and paddle-boarding en route, and be back on the beach in time for lunch. A more relaxed experience is taking a boat ride to an estate which ends with a traditional Sri Lankan high tea featuring local sweets made from ingredients grown on the estate.

Things to do in Bentota

Bawa’s Lunuganga Gardens

Geoffrey Bawa is one of Sri Lanka’s most prolific and influential architects. His work has had a tremendous impact upon architecture throughout Asia and is unanimously acclaimed by specialists of architecture worldwide. Every turn and every bend in Bawa’s country home is an interesting experience – with so many exotic plants and trees and views to take in throughout the distinct homes and garden. The house itself is sparse but beautiful, full of impressive paintings and photographs of a bygone age.

Note:
This needs to be pre-booked and has fixed guided tour times. (11:00am, 2:00pm and 3:00pm)
Wearing a pair of trainers recommended as the grounds are slippery and may include the occasional serpent or crocodile visitor!

Brief Garden by Bevis

Located ten kilometers inland from Bentota, Brief Garden is the legendary garden and country home of Bevis Bawa and was the garden which inspired his brother, renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa to create Lunuganga. The garden, which has been open to the public since 1970, resembles a magical place from a fantasy novel and presents a wonderful space in which to lose yourself for a few hours. With over 106 different kinds of trees recorded on this 20 acre property and hundreds of other fauna still being counted today, the garden is a must-see for those with a keen interest in landscape design.
The ‘araliya’ tree, or Frangipani tree at the entrance near the main house is the first tree Bevis planted on the property, and it’s said that Bevis fashioned the house and garden around it. Once you’re done with the walk around the garden, come up to the main house.

Note:
The garden is open from 8am to 5pm.

Experiences & Activities

Puppetry visit

The theatrical puppet performances that captivate the audience with fascinating plots used to be a form of traditional entertainment in Sri Lanka. However, traditional puppetry now clings to their last refuge in the island’s south coast. With almost life-sized marionettes dressed in vibrant clothing, local puppetry performances are a fascinating spectacle to behold. You may also get a chance to pull some strings and learn the art of manipulating a puppet from a professional puppeteer.

Water sports and boat rides

Bentota, is known for its wide golden beach and the river estuary, both of which are ideal for water-sports such as wakeboarding, jet-skiing, doughnut-ing and windsurfing. You can also take a boat ride up the river which is shrouded by mysterious mangroves that are home to an array of Sri Lanka’s wildlife.