Out of the many beach destinations in Sri Lanka, the beaches in Bentota are exceptional for their vibrant tropical atmosphere. Bentota is a place that you mustn’t miss out on as an enthusiastic traveler who loves the great sun and waves.
Several beaches in Bentota include the Main Beach of Bentota (Ventura Beach), Cinnamon Island Beach, and Moragalla Beach. All these beaches will offer an unmissable experience where you can enjoy some great waves, golden sandy shores and even engage in exciting water sports. The area is nothing short of an adventure with many things to explore.
So, let’s take on this wonderful venture to show what you can enjoy in Bentota and its beaches!
What Is Bentota and Where Is It Located?
Bentota is one of the most popular coastal resort towns in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Galle district which belongs to the southern province of the country.
Situated about 40 miles south of Colombo and 35 miles north of Galle, Bentota has gained so much tourist attraction mainly due to its mesmerizing beaches. The entire area is a plentitude of world-class hotels and restaurants that provide upscale service.
While the tourists have made this a mandatory stop, people from around the country also visit Bentota for its exceptional atmosphere. You will have various beaches to explore in this area which has become famous as a “beach destination” in Sri Lanka.
A Glimpse From The History Of Bentota…
The ancient records reveal that Bentota has been identified as the ancient “Bhimatittha”. The area is also represented in ancient messenger poems (sandesa kavya). In the 17th century, the Portuguese constructed a small fort at the mouth of the Bentota River (which is popular as Bentara Ganga).
The Dutch henceforth permitted the fort to fall into wreckage, transforming one of the enormous buildings within the fort into a colonial rest house. The British oriented the railway in the early 19th century, mainly to transport the coconut produce from the south to the capital, building a permanent bridge.
This is the famous “Bentota Palama” that crosses the river. Bentota was affected by the Tsunami tidal wave in 2004. Fortunately, this did not cause much damage since the river protected the area and the bay was covered with mangrove vegetation.
Beaches In Bentota
1- Bentota Main Beach (Ventura Beach)
This is arguably the most famous beach in Bentota. Bentota Beach, also known as Ventura Beach, has calm, quiet, and clean surroundings that simultaneously capture your body and soul. Marked as one of the most captivating beaches on the southern coast, Bentota Beach showcases its superiority as a family-friendly spot.
The stretches of soft, golden sands lined by tall palm trees will exhibit nothing but the island’s tropical charm. The crystal clear water of the ocean makes a blissful seaside getaway making it ideal for a swim. The peak season in Bentota has moderate currents, which is excellent for gentle swimming and water sports such as water skiing and boogie boarding.
2- Moragalla Beach
Situated between Bentota Beach and Beruwala Beach, Moragalla Beach is another perfect place to unwind and relieve your stress. This beach has a distinctive, tranquil shore with clear blue waters and golden pearl sand.
Moragalla Beach can brag of its serene environment. This is one of the main reasons it has become a retreat for beach lovers. Moragalla Beach is also a heaven for many water sports fanatics! The beach has shallow waters, making it ideal for water sports such as snorkeling, windsurfing, etc.
More Experiences At Moragalla Beach…
The beach also has a mysterious island the “Moragalla Dharmadhveepa” located a few miles from the coast. The line-up of greenery builds an illusion of an island and a phantom for the people who visit the beach.
In addition, there is also a temple on top of the mystical island. You could easily get a boat and ride to the temple, an excellent site for yoga retreats. It is not at all challenging to hike to the temple. It merely requires you to ascend the cement-made stairs on the island which guide you directly to the temple.
The southern portion of the beach (which is connected to the Bentota River), is also a delightful and undisturbed area. The river is covered with mangroves and is a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
The visitors get the facility to catch a boat and take a tour to explore these thick mangroves. If nothing excites you, you can simply sit peacefully on the warm sand or dip in the cool, blue waters to escape the exhaustion from your hectic urban lifestyle.
3- The Unmissable Spot- Cinnamon Island Beach!
Cinnamon Island, including the charming Cinnamon Island beach, is located a few miles from Bentota town. It will take about a 30-minute ride to reach this place from the main beach of Bentota. The beach and waters of this place are quite similar to what you experienced in Bentota main beach and Moragalla beach.
But the most extraordinary experience here is that you enjoy the entire process of cinnamon-making. Here, you will witness cinnamon harvesting, peeling, oiling, and rolling. It offers a different dimension and a way to get acquainted with this fragrant spice in its purest form.
The Unique Experience In Cinnamon Island…
Cinnamon Island has cinnamon trees stretching out over acres of land, and the plantations run back to the 1900s. Stunning architecture and villas make the island a must-visit location for anyone who loves the sea and nature.
You can engage in water sports and activities such as scuba diving and surfing. Enjoy the scent of the spice in the air and a cup of the freshest, wholesome cinnamon tea. You can also buy cinnamon sticks, cinnamon powder, cinnamon oil, and other souvenirs. Moreover, the water around the island has hundreds of exquisite fish.
One of the greatest activities the island offers is to plunge your feet into a shallow water cavity filled to the brim with fish that gently nibble on your feet. We are sure this experience will be one of the most exciting and amusing activities in Bentota!
More Fun-filled Things To Enjoy At Bentota!
Apart from visiting the beaches in Bentota, there are many other essential activities you should experience here.
1- More About Water Sports and Activities
If we have to exaggerate something special about Bentota, it would be the variety of watersports and activities this place offers visitors. Interestingly, you get to engage in watersports and beach activities in every beach location you find in this area.
The most popular water sports are snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. In addition to this, you may also enjoy:
- Water skiing
- Diving
- Banana boat and tube rides
- Jet skiing
- Water polo
- Canoeing
- Paddleboarding
The great waves of the sea are perfect for beginners who love learning to surf. You can learn your basics of surfing from Bentota as there are professionals who are always ready to provide you with the lessons. Equipment can be rented from the beach and guidance will always be delivered for your safety.
The beach area is large enough for the kids to engage in various activities with the soft sand. Volleyball nets are placed on the beach so that anyone can play beach volleyball under the sun. You can bring your stuff around and have a wonderful beach picnic while watching the fascinating sunset!
2- Explore The Area On A Push Bike
Exploring this beautiful fishing town on a cycle will bring you an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. You can access a push bike from the many places that rent motorbikes, push bikes, and even tuk-tuks.
Or else, most hotels also offer cycles to their guests. By exploring Bentota in a cycle, you will be able to learn the rich history of this area, enjoy the culture, and dive into the local lifestyle. This is indeed the perfect way to go sightseeing in this area. Do not miss out on any landmarks that feel interesting to you
So that you can fill your social media feed with lovely memories you collected on your trip. Also, you shouldn’t forget to stop by small eateries along the shore and enjoy the snacks and Ceylon tea they offer. This way, you can get more connected with the traditional food in the country.
3- Experience The Nightlife
The nightlife in Bentota is not as much as in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, or Arugam Bay. But still, this place will not disappoint you either. Bentota is the ideal spot for those who seek a laid-back nightlife. The beach bars on the shore are something that you shouldn’t dodge if you love to chill out with a bit of dancing and excitement.
Bar-hopping is not difficult here since you get the most upscale items and the ones that are more affordable and casual. You can enjoy various exceptional drinks, cocktails, and snacks made with fresh seafood and meet other people to connect with.
Regarding meeting people, the beach parties in Bentota should be mentioned. Enjoy fantastic beach parties here with awesome music, dancing, and food. Parties usually start at sunset and go on until the following day so you can dance till you drop!
Nearby Attractions To Bentota
When you finish wandering beautiful Bentota, there are plenty of other nearby attractions that you can explore in the south of Sri Lanka. Here are some places that you shouldn’t miss:
- Turtle hatcheries and conservation centers
- Kande Vihara Temple
- Madu River Safari
- Witness traditional artistry at Ambalangoda
- Go lagoon fishing
- Visit the historical city of Galle
Places For Accommodation And Eat In Bentota
Bentota simply boasts an array of top-notch hotels, restaurants, villas, cafes, and bars exhibiting its ultimate touristy nature. This area is also well-known as a resort town due to the abundance of restaurants and hotels.
No matter what your budget is, Bentota can serve any of you effectively and conveniently. You should never leave this beautiful coastal town without having the fresh and delicious seafood offered by the eateries.
The beach is lined with fascinating seaside restaurants while the hotels also offer super delicious food including traditional Sri Lankan dishes and international cuisine. If you’re planning your next trip and wondering where to stay in Bentota, here are some of our suggestions that you might want to consider:
- Cinnamon Bentota Beach
- EKHO Surf Bentota
- Taj Bentota Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
- Club Bentota
- The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
In addition to food accommodations, these hotels also offer luxury spas. So, do not forget to have a relaxing and comforting ayurvedic spa from the skilled spa attendants. Restorative aromatherapy is a much-needed treatment to calm your body, mind, and soul!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Bentota?
Bentota is an area that can be visited throughout the year. Yet, October to April is the best time to visit here as the temperature is perfect for water sports and other adventurous activities.
You may take full advantage of the journey there if you visit during these months. However, May to September receives heavy rainfall so the weather is unsuitable for outdoor activities.
How Can You Reach Bentota?
You can use both public and private transport to get to Bentota. Reaching this place from Galle will be much easier as it only takes a 1-hour ride. But, if you’re traveling from Colombo, it will take almost two hours.
If you are on a budget, the best way is to use public transport: the bus or the train. Plenty of buses run up and down from Colombo Fort to Bentota. A train ride to Bentota will be a pleasing experience as you will enjoy the beautiful seaside scenery from the train.
The closest railway station to Bentoa is Aluthgama, where you will have to take a tuk-tuk to reach Bentota from the railway station at Aluthgama. However, the most convenient way is to use private transportation.
You can either hire a vehicle from a rent-a-car service or get a cab from a local taxi service such as Uber or Pick Me. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, domestic flights are also operational to Bentota. You can contact relevant service providers and book your flight in advance as there are direct flights to Bentota from Colombo or Galle.
Collect Amazing Memories For Life Time With The Blissful Experience At Bentota and Its Breathtaking Beaches!
Bentota is one of the most amazing places that should be included in your down-south trip during your journey to Sri Lanka. With fantastic seafood restaurants, luxury hotels, and villas, this place is nothing but full of bliss that gives you the best experience of sea, sand, and water sports. So, make sure you read this article and get knowledgeable about everything you can enjoy in this wonderful place!
