Bentota, Sri Lanka

Bentota is one of the major beach resorts and a popular destination for Sri Lanka holidays. There is a wide range of accommodation from five-star hotels in magnificent locations to guest houses tucked away in quieter areas.

After exploring the rich culture of Sri Lanka, Bentota Beach is a great place to wind down. There are many excursions available including the turtle hatcheries in nearby Kosgoda, or the elephant orphanage in Pinawella.

There are plenty of water sports for all ages and skills, and for those who prefer something a little more leisurely, river excursions are available. Many of the hotels have spas offering ayurvedic massage for a complete relaxation experience.

There are also some good shopping opportunities in the hotel complexes in which handicrafts, jewellery and clothing are available. There are lots of small shops in Bentota selling similar souvenirs, and local markets which are a tourist attraction on their own. Brightly coloured saris are a popular buy for tourists, and clothes can be made to measure quite cheaply.

Bentota has ATMs which accept all major international cards, as well as banks, but it is worth remembering that Sri Lankan banks are closed on `Poya' days - the monthly day of the full moon.

There are buses and trains to take tourists to the capital, Colombo, which is only 64 kilometres away from Bentota. Local tuk-tuks are a good form of transport for shorter journeys.

Click for more...