How to Get the Best Experience of Bentota in Three Days – A brief yet fulfilling holiday in a quaint city!

A major trading hub of the golden era of Sri Lanka’s spice trade, Bentota with its strategic location on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka remains a charming city beckoning travellers to explore many of nature’s treasures it beholds. The long stretch of golden sands makes Bentota Beach a famous location for people to relax and spend time, the scenic Bentota Lagoon running parallel to the beach, the richness of the coral reefs and the idyllic Bentota River. 

 Jet Skiing -Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay  

Day 01 - Soak in the beauty of nature

Experience the wonder of the sunrise over the Bentota beach as can be easily done from any of the 5 star hotels in Bentota you are booked at. Use the energy that the sun exudes to experience a stroll at the beach to admire the picture-perfect beauty, the soothing noises of the birds and the hum of the rolling waves making you feel calm, and you may even want to enjoy a dip in the ocean. After enjoying your breakfast embark on a soothing kayak ride on the Bentota river. The lush mangroves, bird spotting and the beauty around are a treat for your senses. You can pick on a single kayak, or a double kayak as required to enjoy this relaxing paddle.  

Day 01 – Enjoy the afternoon exploring the famous Brief Garden 

An enchanting garden of beauty lovingly designed by the famous Sri Lankan landscape artist late Bevis Bawa is worth a visit whilst in Bentota as often done by guests at Cinnamon Bentota Beach. The 5 acres of rubber plantation he inherited from his mother in 1929 was turned into meticulously landscaped and artistically designed vistas of foliage, dotted by swaying trees, and blooms of vibrant hues making it an embodiment of nature lovers' dream. The randomly placed sculptures of charming figures that you spot around corners make you feel that you are in a land of fantasy. A delightful way to spend your afternoon. 

Day 02 – Explore the countryside around Bentota on a Bicycle 

These cycle tours on flat terrain covering 4 to 5 hours of cycling are greatly enjoyed by visitors and are an ideal way to gain a deep insight into the history, culture, and customs of the island. Cycle along rubber and tea plantations stretching for miles and cross the Bentota river on the ferry along with bikes. Rest briefly with a delicious drink of king coconut watching the birds and even a monitor along the riverbank. Continue cycling on different terrain, still flat yet with cinnamon plantations, the inner bark of which provides the world-famous Sri Lankan Cinnamon. Later during the ride, you come upon the swaying paddy gracefully swaying with the wind whilst village farmers at work give you a warm Sri Lankan smile. Having completed this scenic and enjoyable ride, arrive back at the hotel to enjoy a sumptuous lunch. Resting afterwards, walk to the beach at dusk to enjoy the glorious view of the sunset. 

Day 03 – Enjoy many activities above and underwater. 

Being an island, Sri Lanka is blessed with many options for water-based activities enjoyed by visitors. Of the various alluring beaches around Sri Lanka, Bentota beach stands out with its long stretch of beach invitingly tinged golden. Indulge in many activities such as surfing, jet skiing, catamaran sailing, paddle or waker boarding, banana boating and many more overwater activities for fun, excitement and the adrenaline cravings or savour the underwater marine world through scuba diving or snorkelling. The natural corals in Bentota provide a feast for your eyes with breathtaking colours, movements, and intriguing formations. If you are eager for water-based activities early, Day 02 activities can be done on Day 3 by interchanging the activities.