Bentota Holidays

Bentota can be found on Sri Lanka’s west coast, around 80 kilometres south of the capital, Colombo. It nestles itself between the Laccadive Sea and the sweeping, sleepy lagoon of the Bentota Ganga. Its trump card is its beach – something that’s becoming less and less of a secret among western tourists. But while a handful of high-end hotels line the shores, the town remains refreshingly low-key.

Bentota is blessed with one of Sri Lanka’s more impressive beach offerings. A long, broad belt of pristine sand is set against a gorgeous green backdrop, dotted with coconut trees. Waves can climb high here, too, making it the perfect spot for surfers. The lack of souvenir shops and hawkers you might find elsewhere only adds to its appeal.

Bentota is home to some stunning natural beauty. You’ll find acres of exotic forestry and beautiful landscaped gardens to get lost in. It’s hardly surprising, then, that such a diverse collection of wildlife has chosen to make the surroundings home. White-bellied sea eagles, tree frogs and crocodiles can all be found here. And the nearby Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery gives you the chance to release adorable new-born baby turtles into the sea.