Places to Visit in Bentota

Housing Sri Lanka’s tallest statue of Gautama Buddha is one of the most popular Buddhist temples - KandeVihare. Along with that it also has the Bo tree, the 4 sacred MahaDevalas and other ancient relics.

One of the most luxurious hotels in Sri Lanka, Saman Villas is perched on its own private cape between 2 beaches. It has some of the best suites, villas and dining area, a lavish garden and an infinity edge pool giving it he oomph factor and maximising the beauty of the location with the perfect sunsets. Facilities like Sahana Spa, aromatherapy treatments and candle light dinners are also provided. The speciality of this hotel is the tailor-made wedding packages. The staff organises everything from the food to the dresses to the dancers and even the music and ceremonial elephants.

A little outside Bentota but a must go place. The temple is on a hill which appears to be domed with large spice plantations and lakes being a view. The temple is famous for its 35 metre long sleeping Buddha statue. Pilgrims, in order to worship any Hindu or local deity, have to approach the dagobas and devale (a building for worshipping) by climbing 208 steps or take the road to the top.

Choosing the best water side location, Sri Lankan fashion designer Taru has made a spectacular resort. Made on the banks of Madhu Ganga River, this stylish hotel lays amidst 7 acres of tropical gardens. Colourful birds and chattering monkeys are to be seen everywhere. This place with its slate plunge pools, domed ceilings, huge bathrooms and polished floors with king-size beds is more of the luxurious villa than a hotel.

Bentota beach also offers the turtle hatchery project where the turtles are allowed to hatch and thrive in a protected area and then set free. Almost 500 endangered species of turtles have been living on the stretch of the beach now. This is surely an attraction for the nature and wildlife lovers.

A meet between pristine gold sand and the mighty Indian Ocean, this beach is not some regular holiday destination. Water sports is also an option available to the adrenaline soaked tourist. Tall palm trees and high-end resorts offer the perfect beach holiday experience everyone wishes to have.

Perfectly designed landscape is what Brief Garden is said to be. It is spread over a few acres of land and is just outside Bentota. This place has Japanese style gardens and lawns which is truly mesmerising. They are inspired by the colonial days. Artworks of the famous architects of Sri Lanka and others have also been showcased here.

Just outside Bentota, in Kaluwamodara, is this temple which is renowned for its ancient marble statue of Lord Buddha. This statue is over a 100 years old and is as tall as 6 feet. It is said to have come from Burma.

This was the residence of Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most respect architects of Sri Lanka. It is a beautifully landscaped country home which has a variety of rare flora and is a real treat to watch.