Overview
Bentota is a coastal tourist town of 37,000 people in Southern Sri Lanka, sitting on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth. It draws visitors with long sandy beaches, watersports including boat trips and jet skiing, and a local toddy production industry making alcoholic beverages from coconut nectar.
Beach · Day Trips · Nature
Before you go
Activities
Watersports (boat trips, jet skiing) available on Bentota Beach. Turtle hatchery visits at Induruwa beach, 11 km south. Helicopter rides available via Skylark Aviation.
Money
Prices in hotels are often quoted in USD; local expenses paid in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). ATMs available in town for LKR withdrawals.
Safety
Standard beach safety applies; heed local swimming flags and advice. Use registered tour operators for watersports and helicopter rides.
Transport
Nearest railway station is Aluthgama, with trains to Colombo northbound and south toward Galle and Matara. Local tuk-tuks and buses run along Galle Road.