SEA LEVEL · SOUTH COAST
Bentota
A resort beach town built around a river, water sports, and easy reach from Colombo
OVERVIEW
Bentota sits where the Bentota River meets the sea, giving it a mix of calm river activities and open-ocean beach in one place. It's one of the most developed resort areas on the south coast, popular for water sports and honeymoon-style beach stays.
HISTORY
Bentota has been developed as a beach resort destination since the 1960s and 70s, among the earliest coastal areas in Sri Lanka to grow around organized tourism infrastructure.
THINGS TO DO
- River safari on the Bentota River through mangroves
- Jet skiing, windsurfing, and other water sports
- Visit a sea turtle hatchery nearby
TRAVEL TIPS
- About 90 minutes from Colombo, making it an easy first or last stop on a coastal route
WHERE TO STAY
We suggest these as a starting point — we'll confirm the right fit for your budget and dates when we plan your trip.