Best of Bentota

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Bentota
One of Sri Lanka’s top coastal towns for an adventure-filled getaway, Bentota offers a wide range of activities. You can spend the day surfing, diving, parasailing, kayaking or even deep-sea fishing. Bentota is also a great place to enjoy some downtime, while lounging on scenic beaches or treating yourself to a stay in an oceanfront resort. Away from the shoreline, Bentota makes for memorable exploring, with a bustling market, Buddhist temples, and a small but eclectic dining scene. 

The city’s prime location on the serpentine Bentota River offers other types of aquatic adventures. You can go on a river safari, winding past mangrove forests and spotting crocodiles, black-faced monkeys, water monitors, and other wildlife. Along the beaches, several different species of sea turtles nest here. You can learn all about them at the Bentota turtle hatchery, where hatchlings are protected before being released into the wild.
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Mirissa Beach
Map of Beaches of Sri Lanka: Mirissa & Bentota - 7 Days
Beaches of Sri Lanka: Mirissa & Bentota - 7 Days

Sri Lanka's magnificent coastline has plenty to offer, whether you're in the mood to relax under a palm tree or engage in active pursuits. This 7-day Mirissa and Bentota beach tour provides both. You'll spot blue whales on a whale-watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa and spend a whole day cycling around Galle, exploring a 17th-century Dutch fort, and learning how tea is produced at a tea factory. But the itinerary also features several days to relax on the sandy shores of Bentota and Mirissa, trying water sports, or dozing on a beach blanket.

Sunset over the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Map of Highlights of Sri Lanka - 5 Days
Highlights of Sri Lanka - 5 Days

This exciting five-day itinerary introduces you to some of Sri Lanka's most beloved cultural monuments and natural wonders. Starting at the sacred cave temples of Dambulla, you'll climb the great rock fortress of Sigiriya, observe elephant herds in Minneriya National Park, and relax on the golden beaches of Bentota. The journey ends up in the beautifully preserved fortified port city of Galle, home to a 17th-century Dutch port.

A leopard in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Map of Wildlife & Beaches of Sri Lanka - 5 Days
Wildlife & Beaches of Sri Lanka - 5 Days

This five-day tour highlights the remarkable wildlife and pristine beaches of Sri Lanka's central and southern provinces. Start your adventure with safari tours in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks, where you'll spot elephants and leopards in the wild. Next, you'll head down the coast to the golden sands and turquoise waters of Mirissa and Bentota before spending your final day in the vibrant capital city of Colombo. 

Search for the rare Sri Lankan leopard in Yala National Park
Map of Active Sri Lanka: Rivers, Mountains, Wildlife & Beaches - 9 Days
Active Sri Lanka: Rivers, Mountains, Wildlife & Beaches - 9 Days

Raft, hike, abseil, and snorkel your way around Sri Lanka on this nine-day outdoor adventure. Winding through the island's central and southern regions, you'll start with a week of adrenaline-fueled fun—paddling through whitewater rapids, rappelling down waterfalls, and hiking to dramatic mountain peaks. After heading into the wild to search for leopards and elephants on safari, wind down with snorkeling and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Sunrise across the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Treasures of Sri Lanka - 20 Days

Discover the magic of central and southern Sri Lanka on this immersive 20-day itinerary. Setting out from Colombo, you'll wind your way through a land rich with culture, history, and natural beauty—visiting countless highlights and hidden gems along the way. Spot elephants and leopards on safari, hike to towering waterfalls, explore ancient ruins and sacred temples, and savor some downtime on idyllic Indian Ocean beaches.

Kelani River in Sri Lanka
Outdoor Adventure in Sri Lanka - 10 Days

From mountainous national parks to rushing rivers to the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the landscapes featured on this tour around Sri Lanka are paradise for travelers who love the outdoors. On this action-packed itinerary, you'll hike and cycle, try whitewater rafting, and spot elephants in the wild. You'll end up at the beach for a free day of water sports, swimming, and sunbathing before the trip comes to an end.

Elephants grazing at Yala National Park
Map of Honeymoon in Sri Lanka - 12 Days
Honeymoon in Sri Lanka - 12 Days

This 12-day honeymoon is perfect for couples who love exotic wildlife and natural scenery. Starting from the capital, you'll circle the island-nation exploring a boggling array of national parks, rainforests, ancient villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Buddhist relics. After each day of sightseeing with your private guide, you'll have quality time (alone) at your accommodations—a fun mix of resorts, beach hotels, and safari camps—for the ultimate romantic adventure.

Other popular travel destinations in Sri Lanka
Kandy · Sigiriya · Colombo · Negombo · Ella · Nuwara Eliya · Yala National Park · Galle · Udawalawe · Tangalle · Wilpattu · Anuradhapura · Dambulla · Pasikudah · Mirissa · Habarana