The water sports capital of Sri Lanka with golden sandy spit beaches, luxury resorts, and calm river lagoon excursions.
Southern Province
Sri Lanka / Field journal
About Bentota
Bentota is located 65 kilometers south of Colombo where the tranquil waters of the Bentota Ganga river meet the Indian Ocean. Its sheltered lagoon makes it the premier hub for water sports in Sri Lanka, including water skiing, jet skiing, banana boating, and windsurfing. The surrounding coastal stretch is famous for luxury beach resorts, Geoffrey Bawa architecture at Lunuganga, and nearby turtle hatcheries.
Must-Experience Highlights
01Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and speed-boating on the calm Bentota River lagoon
02Visiting Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project and releasing hatchlings
03Touring Lunuganga, the country estate of legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa
04Relaxing on expansive golden beaches lined with coconut groves
Local Chauffeur Advice & Travel Tips
•Ideal first or last beach stop on a round tour due to proximity to the Southern Expressway.
Tours Visiting Bentota
These curated packages feature Bentotaas a major itinerary stop.
An action-packed 8-day circuit across Sri Lanka's cultural peaks, central highlands, scenic Ella railway, and Yala wildlife safari with coastal relaxation.
—Climb 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire mirror wall frescoes
—Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in historic Kandy
The timeless classical Sri Lanka circuit: Dutch canals in Negombo, Sigiriya rock fortress, medieval Polonnaruwa, Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and Bentota beach.
—Ascend 5th-century Sigiriya Lion Rock citadel at morning light
—Wander stone palace ruins and colossal Buddha statues in Polonnaruwa