Bentota

Bentota is one of Sri Lanka's oldest beach resort areas, about 1.5 hours south of Colombo, where the Bentota River meets the sea. Its broad golden beach is lined with large hotels and smaller villas, and the calm river lagoon behind it makes it the island's main centre for water sports. It is also the home of two remarkable gardens created by the brothers Geoffrey and Bevis Bawa.

Things to do

• The beach — wide and long, with calm water in season. The sandbar near the river mouth is especially beautiful.
• Water sports — jet-skiing, windsurfing, banana boats and kayaking on the river lagoon.
• River safari — boat trips up the Bentota River through mangroves to see monitor lizards, crocodiles, kingfishers and village life. The nearby Madu River is another option.
• Lunuganga — Geoffrey Bawa's country estate and garden, which he shaped over 50 years. Tours run several times a day; you can even stay overnight.
• Brief Garden — the garden of Bevis Bawa, his brother, an eclectic mix of sculpture, landscaping and art.
• Kosgoda turtle hatcheries — several hatcheries operate along the coast south of Bentota. Choose one that releases hatchlings promptly rather than keeping turtles in tanks for show.

When to visit

December to April. From May to September the sea is rough with strong currents — swimming is unsafe on most days.

Getting there

• By road: about 1.5 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway, and 1 hour from Galle.
• By train: Bentota and Aluthgama stations are on the coastal line from Colombo.

Who it suits

Bentota suits families and couples looking for a resort stay close to Colombo. For a more local, backpacker or surf vibe, head further south to Unawatuna, Weligama or Mirissa.