Brief Gardens
This is an excursion from Bentota worth taking. It consists of the house and garden of Bevis Bawa, a famous landscape architect, who developed the place, starting in 1929. Many sculptures by Bevis and other artists can be seen here. It was formerly a rubber plantation, but now the estate is more of a museum. The Japanese Garden is a must see.
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Galapata Vihara
A beautiful Temple dating from the 12th century. It is said to have been built by Parakramabahu the Great, who also built the city of Polonnaruwa. There is a maze of underground tunnels that connect the area's temples. In January a festival is celebrated on full moon day and a procession held in memory of Buddha’s visit to the island.
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Sea Turtle Project
A must visit if you wish to take a look at the conservation of turtles. The turtle hatcheries are open from 06:00 in the morning to 18:00 in the evening. If you wish to release a freshly hatched three-day old turtle into the ocean, you can here.
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Bentota Beach
Ideal for Windsurfing and Sailing and equipment can be hired locally. Just remember to bargain for whatever you hire - there is always a margin that can be reduced. The Bentota Ganga and Lulu Ganga are rivers that make Bentota into a sort of peninsula. The rivers have water sports and boat rides for those interested.
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National Holiday Resort Complex
This complex houses hotels, restaurants and markets and you will need some time exploring this huge area. The shopping centre is a good place to pick up some good bargains. If you are interested in jewelry, 14-carat gold with semi precious stones can be bought here.
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All kinds of food can be found at Bentota Beach: there is top-of-the-range seafood, Sri Lankan and international food. The area also plays host to many five-star hotels in which you are sure to find the best meals possible in an idyllic environment. Nightlife is quite mellow, thanks to Ceysands, a floating discotheque, to bring a bit of excitement, eventhough high season can be buzzing at night in the bars.
Escoffier
The latest addition to Bentota’s array of restaurants, Escoffier is a contemporary, all-day restobar that serves mouth watering European and Sri Lankan fare – the grilled seafood platter and Sri Lankan chicken curry with dhal is simply divine. The delicious ambiance and tasty worthwhile food, plus a table on the beach under the stars, makes for a romantic night out.
- Address: 359, Galle Road, Warahena, Bentota, Sri lanka
- Tel: 0094 344 940940
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Golden Grill
Situated at the river, this is a great place. It has English-speaking waiters and a friendly atmosphere, very reasonable food and the steak and mixed grill are really delicious. Round off your meal with an ice cream dessert.
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National Holiday Resort Complex
This complex has a number of interesting places, including the Sea View restaurant. Do try out the local 'toddy' which is an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar.
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Tarshish Restaurant
In the Hotel Serendib, it is also a beach-facing venue which is good to eat out at. Food is reasonably priced. The Hotel also has two cozy bars in case you are interested.
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Ceysands
If you are into dancing, then Ceysands, a floating discotheque located between the Bentota River and the sea, is ideal. You get there in a ferry and can literally dance the night away under the stars.
National Holiday Resort Complex
A good place to visit if you are looking for some specific bargains. Also there is a Monday market held weekly in Althugama from 07:30 in the morning to about 15:00 in the afternoon.
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Bentota Bazaar
You can come up with some interesting surprises at the Bentota Bazaar. It is a government-approved shopping area and is a lot less chaotic than the Monday market. Wood carvings, batik textiles and brass artifacts are all available here.