Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical paradise where you can enjoy the sun, the sand, and the surf? Where you can explore the beauty and diversity of nature, culture, and art? Where you can experience the thrill and excitement of adventure sports and wildlife safaris? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Bentota is the perfect destination for you.
Bentota is a charming town located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, about 65 km south of Colombo. It is one of the most popular and attractive tourist destinations in the country, thanks to its stunning beaches, serene gardens, and rich history. Bentota is also a hub for water sports and adventure activities, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana boat rides, river safaris, and more.
In this article, we will guide you through the best places to visit, the best time to go, and the best things to do in Bentota. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adrenaline rush, Bentota has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the paradise of Bentota.
Getting There
There are several ways to get to Bentota from Colombo, depending on your budget, time, and preference. You can take a train, a bus, a taxi, or a car. Here is a summary of the options:
Train:
This is the cheapest and fastest option, as it costs Rs. 220 - Rs. 340 and takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes. You can take the train from Fort Station to Bentota Station, which runs twice daily. You can enjoy the scenic views of the coast and the countryside along the way.
Bus:
This is another cheap option, but it takes longer, as it costs Rs. 95 - Rs. 130 and takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes. You can take the bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Aluthgama, which runs every 15 minutes. Aluthgama is a nearby town to Bentota, and you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi from there to Bentota.
Taxi:
This is the most convenient and comfortable option, but it is also the most expensive, as it costs Rs. 12000 - Rs. 15000 and takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. You can book a taxi from Colombo to Bentota online or by phone.
Car:
This is another convenient and comfortable option, but it is also expensive, as it costs Rs. 3500 - Rs. 5500 for fuel and tolls and takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. You can rent a car from Colombo to Bentota or drive your own car if you have one.
Bentota Beach: The Ultimate Destination for Sun, Sand, and Surf
The first and foremost attraction of Bentota is its magnificent beach, which stretches for several kilometers along the Indian Ocean. Bentota Beach is one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Sri Lanka, with golden sand, turquoise water, and palm trees. It is also one of the safest and most convenient beaches, as it has lifeguards, changing rooms, showers, and restaurants nearby.
Bentota Beach is not only a place to relax and soak up the sun, but also a place to have fun and enjoy the water. Bentota Beach is famous for its water sports and adventure activities, which cater to all levels of skills and preferences. You can choose from jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and more. You can also take a boat ride to the nearby islands, such as Beruwala and Galapota, where you can snorkel, dive, or fish.
Bentota Beach is a great place to visit all year round, but the best time to go is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear. Bentota Beach is also a great place to visit for different types of travelers, such as families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. There are plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury, and there are many events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Bentota Beach Festival, the International Kite Festival, and the Vesak Festival.
Brief Garden: A Hidden Gem of Art and Nature
If you are looking for a break from the beach and want to explore the inland beauty of Bentota, then you should visit the Brief Garden, a stunning and serene garden created by the famous Sri Lankan artist Bevis Bawa. The Brief Garden is located about 10 km from Bentota, in a small village called Kalawila. It is a hidden gem that not many tourists know about, but it is definitely worth a visit.
The Brief Garden is a masterpiece of art and nature, as it showcases the talent and vision of Bevis Bawa, who was the brother of the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Bevis Bawa transformed a former rubber plantation into a lush and lovely garden, filled with exotic plants, flowers, trees, and ponds. He also decorated the garden with his own sculptures, paintings, and architecture, which reflect his eclectic and eccentric style.
The Brief Garden is a place to admire the beauty and diversity of nature, as well as the creativity and personality of Bevis Bawa. You can wander around the garden and discover its hidden corners and surprises, or you can sit and relax in one of the many pavilions and enjoy the tranquility and harmony. You can also visit the house of Bevis Bawa, which is now a museum that displays his artworks and memorabilia.
The Brief Garden is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is 1,000 LKR per person. You can also hire a guide who can explain the history and significance of the garden and its creator. The Brief Garden is a place that will inspire and delight you, and it is a must-see for anyone who loves art and nature.
Bentota River: A Gateway to Wildlife and Culture
Another attraction of Bentota that you should not miss is the Bentota River, a scenic and biodiverse river that flows through the town of Bentota. The Bentota River is a natural wonder that offers a variety of wildlife and cultural attractions, as well as a range of activities and experiences for travelers.
One of the best ways to explore the Bentota River and its surroundings is to take a river safari, which is a boat ride that takes you along the river and its tributaries. You can see the amazing flora and fauna of the river, such as crocodiles, water monitors, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and more. You can also visit the mangrove forests, which are home to many species of plants and animals, and play an important role in the ecosystem.
The Bentota River also offers a glimpse into the culture and history of Bentota, as you can visit some of the ancient temples and islands that are located along the river. You can visit the Galapata Vihara, a 12th-century Buddhist temple that has a beautiful stupa and a cave with paintings and statues. You can also visit the Cinnamon Island, where you can learn about the cultivation and production of cinnamon, which is one of the main exports of Sri Lanka. You can also visit the Madu Ganga River Safari, which is a similar river safari that takes you to the Madu Ganga River, which is a Ramsar Wetland of international importance.
The Bentota River is a place to experience the wildlife and culture of Bentota, as well as to have fun and adventure. You can enjoy the river safari, which is suitable for all ages and interests, or you can try some of the other activities that the river offers, such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or jet skiing. You can also enjoy the sunset and the views of the river from one of the many restaurants or bars that are located along the riverbank.
Bentota is a paradise of beaches, gardens, and adventures, that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers. You can enjoy the sun, the sand, and the surf at the Bentota Beach, where you can also try some of the water sports and adventure activities. You can explore the beauty and diversity of nature and art at the Brief Garden, where you can also admire the works and legacy of Bevis Bawa. You can experience the wildlife and culture of Bentota at the Bentota River, where you can also have fun and adventure with the river safari and other activities.
Bentota is a place that will satisfy your wanderlust and make you fall in love with Sri Lanka. It is a place that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adrenaline rush. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bentota today and discover the paradise of Bentota.
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