Things to do in Bentota

Best Things to do in Bentota

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Bentota? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 239 activities in Bentota, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 451, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Bentota in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover Bentota: A Relaxing Guide to the Coast

About Bentota

Bentota is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known coastal spots, where palm-lined beaches meet calm lagoons and a slower rhythm of life. It’s a place where your list of things to do in Bentota can swing from quiet sunbathing to water sports on the Bentota River.

You can start your day with a stroll on the beach, take a boat through the mangroves, or enjoy a visit to a nearby turtle hatchery. If you’re curious about culture, there are old temples and gardens to step into. Whether you’re here for a quick break or a long stay, the mix of coast and countryside means there’s always a few things to do in Bentota waiting.

Evenings are simple and soothing. Watching the sunset along the sands or dining by the lagoon easily makes it onto anyone’s list of things to do in Bentota at night. It’s this easy blend of relaxation and activity that keeps the town a favourite stop on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast.

Unique Experiences

Sri Lankan Cooking Class in Bentota

Spend a morning at a local kitchen, learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes from scratch, and then enjoy the meal you've made. It’s one of those things to do in Bentota that delivers flavour and culture at once, especially meaningful when you're ready for a break from the beach or those evening walks under the stars.

• Where: A local home-style kitchen in Bentota (hotel pickup often provided)
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,000 per person
• Timing: Around 3 hours; starts at 9:30 AM
• When to Visit: Year-round; mornings tend to feel cooler and fresher during cooking sessions

Yoga Class Ahungalla

Start your day with gentle movement and breath as the sun rises above. It’s one of those things to do in Bentota at night that sets you up for a calm stretching under the sky, then walking into the day’s adventure with a lighter frame and mind.

• Where: Beachfront near Bentota (often slight walk from shore)
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,600 per session
• Timing: Approximately 2 hours; slots available from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round; sunrise is beautiful in all seasons, most peaceful in dry months

Madu River Sunrise Mangrove Kayaking from Bentota

Paddle through misty channels of the Madu River at dawn, spotting birds, monitor lizards, and the quiet pulse of nature. It turns things to do in Bentota into an immersive nature reset. It’s a soft adventure that stays with you long after the waves fade.

• Where: Madu River near Bentota (pickup often from your hotel)
• Pricing: It starts from INR 11,200 per person
• Timing: About 4 hours, including guided paddle and transfer; early start around 5:30 AM
• When to Visit: November to April; clear mornings make for better light and calmer water conditions

Top Attractions

Bentota Beach

The town’s main draw is its wide sandy stretch that feels both lively and peaceful depending on the time of day. Swimming, long walks, or just sitting by the water are some of the simplest things to do in Bentota, and they’re the ones that stay with you. It’s also the heart of most Bentota tourist attractions, making it easy to pair with nearby shops and cafes.

• Where: Central Bentota
• Pricing: Free
• Timing: Open all day
• When to Visit: November to April for calmer seas

Brief Garden

Once the home of artist Bevis Bawa, this garden is full of sculptures, shaded corners, and tropical plants. It feels less like a formal estate and more like a personal project, which makes wandering through it interesting. If you’re looking for a break from the beach, this is one of the quieter things to do in Bentota.

• Where: About 11 km inland from Bentota
• Pricing: It starts from INR 400 per person
• Timing: Daily, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• When to Visit: Any time of year; mornings are cooler and less busy

Kande Viharaya Temple

This temple is known for its huge Buddha statue, which towers over the grounds. It’s an easy visit from Bentota and gives you a look at the religious side of the area. Adding it to your list of things to do in Bentota balances out the beach and resort vibe.

• Where: Aluthgama, just a short drive from Bentota
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• When to Visit: All year round, early morning or evening for quieter visits

Sightseeing Tours

Galle fort day tour from colombo Explore Galle Madu River in a day trip

A full-day out to Galle’s historic fort, local moonstone mines, and peaceful mangroves, with a stop at Jungle Beach. It stitches coastal and cultural scenes together without rushing, which is a great way to tidy up your list of things to do in Bentota with variety.

• Where: Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,400 per person
• Timing: Around 10 to 12 hours; slots available at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM
• When to Visit: November to April when roads are dry and scenery is lush

Bentota Village Tour with River Safari & Tea Plantation/Factory

This tour weaves together local villages, a river safari, and tea fields, giving you a glimpse of rural life that pairs perfectly with beach time. It’s one of those things to do in Bentota that adds depth and keeps it from feeling all sand and sea.

• Where: Bentota, Sri Lanka
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,500 per person
• Timing: About 7 to 9 hours, generally starting around 7:30 AM
• When to Visit: Year-round, but mornings are fresher for walking countryside lanes

Day Trips

Yala National Park Safari from Bentota

Trading the coast for wildlife, this day trip takes you to Yala’s elephants, leopards, and lush landscapes. It’s a standout entry under things to do in Bentota if you want to feel wild energy after days of calm waves.

• Where: Bentota, Sri Lanka
• Pricing: It starts from INR 15,000 per person
• Timing: About 9 hours; tour starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: Typically dry season, January to April, for better game visibility

Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home

Another wildlife-rich option, this trip blends safari time with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for before release. It’s a heartfelt and memorable addition to your list of things to do in Bentota.

• Where: Hambantota, Sri Lanka
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,200 per person
• Timing: Around 10 to 12 hours, usually starting at 6:00 AM
• When to Visit: All year, though cooler mornings make wildlife spotting easier

Boat Tours

River Safari Bentota

Float through tangled mangroves and spot monkeys, water monitors, and local birdlife, all within minutes of the beach. It’s among the most peaceful Bentota beach things to do, offering a slow shift from sands to jungle.

• Where: 36a.sinharupagama, Bentota 80500, Sri Lanka
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,400 per person
• Timing: About 2 hours; tour available from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
• When to Visit: November to April when water levels are stable

Whale Watching Shared Boat Tour from Bentota

Sail south in search of whales and dolphins. This longer boat trip pairs marine life encounters with coastal views, adding one of the more dramatic things to do in Bentota at night if evening sightings are on the table.

• Where: Bentota, Sri Lanka
• Pricing: It starts from INR 11,000 per person
• Timing: Around 9 hours; starts at 4:30 AM
• When to Visit: December to March, prime whale season

Getting Around

• Tuk-tuks: These are the quickest way to hop between the beach, markets, and temples. Bargain a little before starting, and you’ll cover several things to do in Bentota in no time.
• Local Buses: They run along the coastal road linking Bentota to Aluthgama and Colombo. Handy if you’re mixing a day of Bentota tourist attractions with longer journeys.
• Trains: The coastal train runs slowly but the views make it worth it. The track hugs the ocean, passing small towns and fishing villages. If your plan for things to do in Bentota includes exploring nearby, taking the train is a simple, local way to do it.
• Walking: For beach days, short market visits, or a casual dinner, walking works fine. It’s especially easy if you’re ticking off smaller activities nearby.
• Cycles: Renting a bike for a few hours lets you roll through villages and paddy fields, a slower but rewarding way to reach quieter corners.
• Private Cars: Worth it if you’re planning a day trip to Yala or Udawalawe. It saves time and gives you more flexibility with stops.

Traveller Tips

• Start early at the beach: By 9 AM the sand warms up, and the crowds trickle in. Morning swims or strolls give you the calmest take on things to do in Bentota.
• Respect temple dress codes: Many smaller shrines are still active. Carrying a light shawl or scarf helps when you pause between beach time and Bentota tourist attractions.
• Cash is handy: Smaller shops and fruit stalls often won’t take cards. If your day of activities involves local snacks or tuk-tuks, small notes save hassle.
• Evenings on the river: If you’re choosing things to do in Bentota at night, a quiet boat ride or riverside dinner is more rewarding than sticking to the main beach strip.
• Pair up attractions: The turtle hatcheries and mangrove safaris sit close together, so you can comfortably fit both in one morning without rushing.
• Check the tides: The sea can be rougher during the monsoon. If swimming is high on your list of things to do in Bentota, ask locals before heading in.