How to Spend 3 Days in Bentota

A beautiful beach town in Southern Sri Lanka, Bentota is an alluring holiday destination. Bentota has long been a top contender for beach vacations in Sri Lanka, and the infrastructure, facilities and more importantly the right vibe are there. What you wish to do during your vacation largely depends on your inclination, and Bentota provides you ample space for a blissful holiday.

Bentota beach | img by Hafiz Issadeen  via flickr

How to have a good time at Bentota Beach?

Beach days make the top of the list of things to do in Bentota. This stunning beach is scattered with sun-kissed, golden sand, elegant coconut groves and the blessings of the salty depths of turquoise waters. If you pick accommodation at a beachside hotel like Villa 700, you’ll get to enjoy the private beach with only a handful of other guests. However, exploring the shoreline and finding your own spot at the beach is always a good idea. You can simply lather up in sunscreen, swim in the sea and lie on the sandy beach or seek some water sports adventure, depending on your preference. You can find companies offering windsurfing, banana boat rides, snorkelling and diving in Bentota.

How to enjoy the Lunuganga estate?

The famous Lunuganga estate once belonged to the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. He made his country estate into a haven of earthly beauty, borrowing inspiration from Italian renaissance gardens. This picturesque spot-on earth is a sprawling garden flanking a lakeside cottage. Bawa cleverly blended the garden’s natural beauty into his will in the symphonic harmony of art and nature. The artificial pond in the water garden blends into the natural water sources in the estate. There is a red terrace complete with a reddish laterite floor and a famous, exquisite sculpture of the deity Pan (the one who looks after groves, woodlands, and fields).

How to enjoy the Brief Garden?

If you loved the Lunuganga estate, you must visit the Brief Garden, the love child of Geoffrey Bawa’s brother Bavis Bawa. This particular garden has more of a bohemian appeal. The massive trees provide shade to erotic male sculptures and artistically arranged tiles and shrubs. The adjoining bungalow is full of art, some of which depict old Ceylon (Sri Lanka) as seen by the eyes of those that fell in love with its charm.

How to enjoy a water excursion in Maduganga (River)?

You can dedicate half a day to a trip along the Madu River. You’ll cruise alongside the mangrove forest, and the river is resplendent with bird and fish life. Ask the boatmen to take you along slowly, speeding up only to present you with the thrill of cruising fast along with water sprinkling on your face. You could stop over at a nearby small islet, and check out the mangrove root forests.

How to visit the SeaTurtle Conservation Project Kosgoda?

The Kosgoda turtle hatchery promises to conserve the dwindling population of sea turtles. They dig up turtle eggs once the mother turtles leave to protect the lot from predators. They have turtle egg incubation and hatching beds at the sanctuary, where they bury the new eggs until the hatchlings emerge. Once the hatchlings are out, you can even join the rescuers to release them back to the ocean. There are some injured turtles and hatchlings in tanks at the sanctuary.

How to enjoy a spa day in Bentota?

Your seaside adventure won’t be complete without a bit of your time. Book yourself a day of indulgence, with a spa day of your choice. A Sri Lankan Ayurvedic spa day would include a healthy, locally sourced vegetable, fruit and herb-filled lunch, soaking up a herbal bath, and hot oil massages to alleviate stress. If you prefer a Swedish massage or a more vigorous Thai massage, you can find a suitable place in Bentota. Combine your spa day with leisurely meals and lazy hazy times by the beach. You can wrap up the day with a luxurious dinner under the stars.