Bentota has been a tourist attraction since 19th century, when Galle was the island’s main port. Visitors proceeding to Colombo in stagecoaches stopped at Bentota at the rest-house (long gone) for a treat of local oysters. Today, Bentota has a number of package resorts and a wide selection of hotels as well as the National Tourist Resort, which comprises a shopping centre, post office and a market.
Bentota is the famous water-sports centre in Sri Lanka. Surprisingly, although Bentota is one of the island’s most popular resorts, the beach is relatively quiet and it is an excellent diving location.
The beach can be divided into two, the north end comprising a spit of land – dubbed “Paradise Island” - dividing the waves of the Indian Ocean from the still waters of the Bentota Lagoon. The more pleasing southern end of the sandy beach comprises some of the island’s best upmarket hotels, restaurants and inns.
You can enjoy in a wide range of water-sports available in the Bentota lagoon, such as wind-surfing, water-skiing, canoeing, banana-boating and deep-sea fishing. In addition, boat safaris up the beautiful Bentota Ganga (river) will provide you an ideal opportunity to observe a variety of fauna in this wetland environment – from herons to crocodiles.
Also, explore the remains of the historical Galapata Vihara (built in the 12th century)which has interesting wall paintings, Buddha statues, and a large rock that has an extract from the chronicle, the Mahavamsa, carved on it.
There is a turtle hatchery about 3km south of Bentota. The turtle eggs are bought from fishermen are buried there and when they hatch, the baby turtles are kept in tanks for a few days before being released into the sea.
