Bentota
Bentota is a beautiful beach resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. The beach’s charm and beauty, as well as the town’s overall appeal, draw a huge number of inhabitants and tourists. The Portuguese built a tiny fort at the mouth of the Bentota River in the 17th century, which was known in Sinhala as Parangi Kotuwa, or “Portuguese Fort.” The river marked the southernmost point of Portuguese-controlled Sri Lanka. After allowing the fort to deteriorate, the Dutch converted one of the fort’s main buildings into a colonial rest house for Dutch officers travelling between Colombo and Galle. This civilized resort has all of the amenities that a visitor may require, including a railway station from which to explore the island. There is lots of evening entertainment available with hotels located along the beach and others on the Bentota River. Bentota’s temperature, like that of the rest of Coastal Sri Lanka, is generally consistent, averaging between 27°C and 30°C. The monsoon season is the most important determinant of the climate. There are two monsoon seasons in this area, both of which deliver a lot of rain. As a result, people prefer to visit during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
Brief Garden
Bevis Bawa (1909-1992), the elder brother of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, had a remote resort 8 km inland from Bentota called Brief Garden. Before settling down as an artist, Bewis Bawa volunteered for the Ceylon Light Infantry and continued to serve as an aide-de-camp to the Governors of Ceylon. Bevis Bawa officially retired from the army in 1950, shortly after Ceylon’s independence. Bevis Bawa’s father bought this land following a victorious legal brief, hence the name Brief Gardens. Previously, the estate was a rubber plantation. It was turned into a tropical landscaped garden that drew inspiration from both local traditions and Italian and English landscape gardens. The garden is a must-see for individuals with a deep interest in landscape design, with over 106 distinct kinds of trees recorded on this 20-acre property and hundreds of other fauna still being counted today. Bawa is reported to have planted the Frangipani tree at the entry as the first tree in the area, and the garden is said to be built around it. Brief Garden’s main house, which was previously the home of the landscape architect, contains a variety of intriguing artwork and sensual sculptures on exhibit. Since 1972, the public has been able to visit Brief Garden. Brief Garden is normally only accessible by ringing a bell. Visitors are free to roam the garden area, however, a caretaker will accompany them in and around the central home, describing the architectural design and objects.
Bentota River Boat Safari
The Bentota River is one of Bentota’s most notable topographical characteristics and a famous boat safari destination. The soothing sound of water flowing down the Bentota River will transport you to a more hidden side of Sri Lanka’s beauty. A mangrove tunnel is one of the boat safari’s most remarkable features, and you won’t see another mangrove tunnel like it on any other boat tour in Sri Lanka. You may be curious as to what the mangrove tunnel is. Because tunnels can be formed of cement, metal, or rock, a mangrove tunnel is a little awkward. During the boat trips, you will be able to see a mangrove tunnel, which may sound unusual. The mangrove tunnel will be crossed by your boat. The mangrove tunnel is formed by massive mangrove trees that rise hundreds of feet above the bay’s water surface. The riverbank’s shallow, the muddy surface is home to these massive mangrove trees. Its roots protrude into the air and function similarly to the nose trills of mangrove trees, assisting the tree in absorbing air into the system. The mangrove tunnel on the Bentota River is hundreds of feet high in some places and only around 20 feet wide. The Bentota River tunnel is about 200 meters long, and a motorboat ride from one end to the other takes around 10 minutes. Bentota River Safari is a two-hour boat ride that can begin at any time between 6.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Many animal species, such as crocodiles, snakes, monitor lizards, monkeys, and a great number of birds, can be seen in abundance.
Kande Viharaya
Kande Viharaya was founded in 1734 and is one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent Buddhist temples. The temple’s relic chamber is said to be the temple’s earliest building. Its walls are covered in Kandyan Era frescoes, and murals depicting Lord Buddha’s life can be found throughout the temple. Kande Viharaya is now fully recognized as an archaeological site, following several rounds of renovations under state patronage. As you approach the Kande Viharaya, the first thing you see is a colossal Buddha statue. This statue of the Buddha sitting cross-legged, at 160 feet tall, is thought to be one of the world’s highest. A Stupa can be found within the hallowed grounds. A 300-year-old Bodhi Tree in the garden, a library, a museum, the Upulvan Devalaya, and other temples such as Kataragama and Pattini Devalaya are just a few of the attractions.
Paramotoring
Have you ever wanted to be able to fly? Here’s your chance to learn about Paramotoring, Sri Lanka’s newest and most advanced ultra-light foot launched air sport. This is the easiest motorized aircraft to learn to fly and is a thrilling yet simple way to fly. This is best done on a mild day when you can climb to a couple of thousand feet above the land, turn off the engine, and enjoy the glide. On normal flying days, flights will take place between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A single flight is limited to either a 12 minute or a 20-minute excursion, depending on your preference. In the paramotor tandem, you will be accompanied by a professional pilot/instructor. You’ll be able to see lush landscapes and get an aerial view of Bentota’s stunning beaches and the surrounding area. Remember to bring your passport.
Water Sports in Bentota
Bentota’s water activities are world-renowned, and there is something for everyone of all ages. A river cruise as well as other water sports activities like jet skiing, wind surfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, flyfish ride, sofa ride and banana boat ride are available at Bentota. If you’re new to the world of water sports, numerous water sports centres offer courses to help you navigate your time on the water. Bentota is a popular tourist destination, particularly for the water sports given by practically all of the resorts. The city thrives because of the large range of water sports it offers, as well as the top-notch facilities it provides to tourists and locals that participate in the games.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is one of the most thrilling water sports ever created; nothing compares to speeding out into the lake or ocean with adrenaline running through your veins. Almost every visitor to Bentota dreams of renting a jet ski and riding it around the beach in the mornings and evenings. Before going on your voyage, you’ll be instructed by a trained instructor on how to operate your jet ski so that you may have a wonderful experience. When you’re ready, board your watercraft and set sail at top speed, with or without the help of your guide. Safety equipment will also be given so that you may enjoy your time with your friends without stress. The view of the beach and the waves adds to the overall experience, as do enough memories to last a lifetime.
Wind Surfing
Windsurfing on clear water is not something you can do just anyplace, but Bentota is the place to go if you want to do it. Tourists have the option of renting equipment or bringing their own. Bentota provides classes and single sessions for tourists who want to learn or try windsurfing. Because of the monsoon weather patterns, half of the island’s coastline waters are always suitable for water sports. Windsurfing is popular in the west coast town of Bentota, with the best water and wind conditions from November to April.
Water Skiing
Learning to water skiing in Bentota allows you to feel the water beneath your feet and the wind in your hair. The beach here is suitable for sea skiing in a safe and secure environment. The magnificent expanses of water become an addiction for adrenaline junkies due to the lack of massive stones and uneven waters. If you enjoy water sports, this is the perfect moment to show off your skills in a relaxed and safe environment. Don’t worry if you are a first-time visitor, the support staff will train and monitor visitors to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. All you need is a towboat, some skis, and a little self-confidence to walk on water.
Wakeboarding
A flat surface Wakeboarding is a water sport that involves riding a wakeboard across a body of water’s surface. The wakeboard is a small, typically rectangular, thin board with very little displacement and attached shoe-like bindings. Riding a wakeboard behind a speedboat at 30-40 km/h is a thrilling experience and an excellent way to see the Bentota lagoon. The show lasts two hours. If you’re a first-timer, the support team will walk you through the process and keep an eye on you. Wakeboarding packages are available that include safety equipment as well as beginning training sessions.
Flyboarding in Bentota
Riverside Araliya is a hotel that offers the new sport of flyboarding in Sri Lanka. A truly unique and exhilarating experience that gives you the feeling of being a dolphin flipping and diving and flying across the water with the help of the water jetpack attached to your feet. As a novice, you will be taking part in a small lesson followed by 20 minutes of pure adrenaline.
Flyfish Ride
The new extreme adventure toy, FLY FISH, soaring on the Bentota River, is a large inflatable wing that extends skywards, delivering a unique flying experience. Extreme activity takes place in this hydro-aerodynamic toy for two or more people.
Sofa Ride
One of the most enjoyable activities in Bentota is a sofa ride. This sport entails athletes sitting on a circular tube that is dragged by a speed boat across the water surface. Enjoy skipping across the water’s surface with water mists in your face and air in your hair. The fast ride is amazing, all you have to do is hold on tight.
Bentota Banana Boat Ride
A banana tube is designed like a banana and is tied to a speed boat by a rope, as the name suggests. The excursion promises to be an adrenaline rush, complete with massive waves breaking over your head. Banana Boat Riding is a great family water activity. Banana Boat Riding is a wonderful choice if you are on a holiday with your loved ones and want to have some fun together in the Sri Lankan waters. The ride can accommodate up to five persons.