FamilyTime in Bentota

Idyllic beaches, exciting water sports and historic monuments, make Bentota the ideal family vacation spot.

Sun, Sand and Sea

The beach in Bentota is wide and enticing for both parents and kids. The ocean is generally safe to swim in, but always check with your hotel staff or with the locals before you venture out into the sea, as there could be strong currents. Bentota also has a large number of thrilling water sports that are bound to excite the kids.

Brief Garden

One of the more unique attractions in the southern coast is the Brief Garden, the country home and famed garden of Bevis Bawa, the brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. The garden is supposed to resemble the jungles of the orient. Stepping into it almost feels like stepping through the pages of a storybook. The house too has an array of interesting artwork on display.

Ancient Temple

The Benthara Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya is believed to have its origins in the 12^th century. The Buddhist temple is a protected archaeological monument that sports some of the finest sculptures in the southern coast, the mainstays being the entrance and the main dagoba. The wood and stone entrance of the temple possess some intricately carved Nari Latha motifs that stem from an ancient Himalayan myth. The main dagoba, on the other hand, houses the ancient tooth relic of Anubuddha Maha Kassyapa Arahat (one of the key disciples of the Lord Buddha).

River Excursions

The Benthara River is a scenic mass of water that is perfect to glide along in a boat. Along the river are mangrove swamps that create a breeding ground for several species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Wading through the waters give you a more rustic view of the coastal hamlet.