Bentota is the most famous coastal town of 37,000 people in Southern Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District and is approximately 65 kms (41 Miles) away from
Colombo. The name Bentota of the town is derived from a mythical story which
claims a demon named ‘Bem’ ruled the “Tota” or river bank. Bentota is a world renowned tourist destination for variety of water sports
possibilities (water‐skiing, jet‐skiing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, deep‐sea
fishing and wreck or reef diving) that are nowhere else to be found on the island. Safe swimming conditions combined with fun water sport and exciting
excursions provide a marvelous background for a relaxed holiday in Sri Lanka. Bentota is also famous for the Sri Lankan art of healing called, Ayurveda. Further, “Toddy” production and “Arrack” a distilled alcoholic drink made out of coconut
nectar which is famous among the Sri Lankans. Bentota is an excellent starting point for day excursions and round trips. Bentota is a tourist town, with a local airport (Bentota River Airport) and a
handful of world‐class hotels. It is a destination for watersports and is famous for
its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar. It also
has a turtle hatchery on Induruwa beach.

•  BENTOTA BEACH

One of Sri Lanka’s most popular beaches
Arguably one of the most famous seashores of Sri Lanka, the Bentota Beach has
long been a favourite of travellers from around the world. Notable for its long
stretch of white sand and several safe pockets for wading in the ocean, Bentota
Beach is best visited during its season between the months of October and April. The popular coast is also famed for its availability of water sports, ranging from
wind‐surfing to jet‐skiing, and even waterboarding from the waters of the
Bentara River. From Yathra by Jetwing, a 10‐minute drive towards the southern coastline of the
island leads to the sandy shores of Bentota Beach, where our homely waters of
the Bentara River flow into the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. With little to no
shade provided by the palm trees characteristic of our island, we recommend
using an appropriate amount of sunscreen to enjoy the tropical weather by the
sea.

•  Bentota Perahera

Buddhism festival which happens once a year at the end of December. It is
similar but smaller than the Esala Perahera in Kandy. Elephants, dancers, fire
jugglers and musicians parade from 11PM to 1AM.

•  Turtle hatcheries

(Induruwa beach). Place where turtle eggs and babies are protected until their
release. Open to tourists. Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is 11 km (6.8 mi) south of
Bentota. It is a community based turtle hatchery and turtle watching project set
up by the Turtle Conservation Project in association with the Wildlife
Department of Sri Lanka.

• Brief Garden

11 km (6.8 mi) inland from Bentota, is the house and garden of renowned Sri
Lankan landscape architect, Bevis Bawa, the older brother of architect Geoffrey
Bawa. Established in 1929 on the grounds of a former rubber plantation Bawa
continued to develop the property until his death in 1992. Galapatha Raja Maha Vihare Buddhist temple
in Bentota, contains stone inscriptions, stone carvings, pillars, ponds and troughs
from the medieval period.