Bentota,Sri Lanka

• Bentota Beach — long golden sands and calm surf areas ideal for sunbathing and water sports
• Bentota River (Bentota Ganga) — boat safaris through mangroves and birdwatching
• Lunuganga Estate (Geoffrey Bawa's country garden) — renowned landscape architecture
• Brief Garden — artistic garden and historical estate (Bevis Bawa)
• Kosgoda/Bentota Turtle Hatcheries — turtle conservation and release programs
• Madu Ganga (nearby) — mangrove boat safaris and cinnamon island visits
• Water-sports centres offering jet-skiing, windsurfing, kite-surfing and glass-bottom boat trips

• Extensive mangrove and estuary habitats supporting rich birdlife
• Healthy population of sea turtles and active hatchery conservation projects
• A cluster of high-quality Ayurvedic spas and wellness centres
• Proximity to colonial-era and Dutch-influenced architecture along the southwest coast
• Easy access to cultural day-trips (Galle Fort, Ambalangoda mask makers, local temples)

• Water sports: jet-skiing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, scuba and snorkelling
• River safari: boat trips on Bentota River and Madu Ganga to see mangroves and birds
• Turtle watching and releases: visit hatcheries and participate in release events
• Wellness: Ayurvedic treatments, massages, yoga retreats
• Sightseeing: Lunuganga, Brief Garden, local temples, mask workshops (Ambalangoda)
• Day trips: Galle Fort, whale/ dolphin watching tours (from nearby ports in season)

• Sinhala & Tamil New Year (Avurudu) — mid-April celebrations across the region
• Vesak — full-moon Buddhist observances (May) with temple events and lanterns
• Local temple peraheras and Poya-day ceremonies (dates vary with lunar calendar)
• Conservation-led events: turtle-release programs (seasonal, community-run)

December to April — generally the driest and sunniest months for beach and water activities. (Southwest monsoon roughly May–September brings more rain.)

Tropical coastal climate: warm and humid year-round. Average daytime temperatures typically 27–32°C (80–90°F). Expect short heavy showers during monsoon periods; humidity can be high.

Nearest major airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) ~90–120 km north (approx 1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on traffic).Road: Accessible via the A2 coastal road and Southern Expressway (E01) with good car/taxi connections.Rail: Bentota has a station on the coastal railway line (regular trains from Colombo and Galle).Local transport: tuk-tuks, taxis, rental cars and hotel transfers are readily available.

2–4 days to relax on the beach, do a river safari, visit a garden or two and enjoy an Ayurvedic treatment; extend to a week if combining with Galle, Mirissa or inland attractions.

Light cotton clothes, swimwear, sunhat and sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, light rain jacket (if travelling in shoulder/monsoon seasons), comfortable walking shoes or water shoes for rocky areas, a reusable water bottle.

Try fresh seafood, hoppers (appa), kottu roti, coconut-infused curries and local tropical fruits. Popular souvenirs: handcrafted masks (Ambalangoda), batik textiles, wood carvings, Ayurvedic oils and natural spices. Bargain politely at markets and check customs rules for food/animal products when returning home.