West Coast
Bentota, Sri Lanka.
River & resort
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Bentota is a west-coast resort strip about 2 hours from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) on the Southern Expressway. It sits on a long sandy beach between the Indian Ocean and the Bentota River, and is Sri Lanka's traditional resort holiday destination - large hotels, water sports, Ayurvedic spas and a river safari through mangroves.
Why go to Bentota
Bentota is the easy option - a proper beach holiday in a resort-quality hotel with an Ayurvedic spa, 90 minutes from the airport on the expressway. It suits families, honeymoons booked for straightforward beach time, and Ayurvedic health stays of 7-21 days.
Best things to do in Bentota
- Madu River boat safari - a 2-hour trip through mangroves, past a cinnamon island and a fish spa. USD 15-20, family-friendly.
- Bentota beach - long, sandy, calmer than the south coast. Water sports at the north end.
- Ayurvedic treatment - Bentota is the traditional Ayurvedic centre of Sri Lanka. Sessions from USD 30-80, full programmes from 7 to 21 days.
- Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery - USD 5, small and worth an hour. Multiple sites; Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is the ethical one.
- Brief Garden - a beautifully-composed 5-acre garden by the artist Bevis Bawa, brother of Geoffrey. Half a day.
- Galle day trip - 60 km south, 1.5 hours, worth a day even if you are based in Bentota.
How to get to Bentota
From CMB via the Southern Expressway it is 100 km and 2-2.5 hours. From Colombo city 65 km and 1.5 hours.
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo Airport (CMB) | 100 km | 2 - 2.5 hrs (via E01) |
| Colombo city | 65 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Galle | 60 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Mirissa | 100 km | 2.5 hrs |
How many days do you need in Bentota?
Three to seven nights suits a beach-focused trip. Ayurvedic programmes typically run 7-21 nights at a single property.
Best time to visit Bentota
December to March is the dry season and peak. May to September is the southwest monsoon - rain is frequent and the sea rough. Bentota can work in shoulder months (April, October, November) but is unpredictable then. See all 12 months of Sri Lanka weather compared for a fuller picture, or browse tour packages that already sequence the seasons for you.
What to pair Bentota with
Bentota is usually either the whole trip (a beach or Ayurvedic holiday) or the final leg before flying home. It pairs naturally with Galle to the south and does not combine well with the hill country.
The one thing that changes the visit
Include Bentota in a private tour
Every stop on our itineraries is optional and re-orderable. Tell us your dates, group size and interests and we build a private route around them - with a driver from your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to your final drop-off.
Read next: 7-day itinerary (Classic Loop) · 10-day itinerary · 14-day itinerary · Private driver costs · Attraction fees
What travelers ask us this week about ask-this-week
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How far is Bentota from Colombo airport?
Bentota is 100 km from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) via the Southern Expressway. The drive takes 2-2.5 hours with a driver. It is the fastest way to reach a beach hotel from the airport.
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Is Bentota good for a beach holiday?
Yes, in the December to March dry season. The beach is long and sandy, the water is calmer than the south coast, and hotel quality is good. In the May to September monsoon the sea is rough and rain is frequent.
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What is Ayurveda and does Bentota do it properly?
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian and Sri Lankan system of medicine, using herbal oils, diet and lifestyle programmes. Bentota has been the traditional Ayurvedic centre of Sri Lanka for decades and has several genuine ...
Good to know
Bentota - common questions
How far is Bentota from Colombo airport?
Bentota is 100 km from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) via the Southern Expressway. The drive takes 2-2.5 hours with a driver. It is the fastest way to reach a beach hotel from the airport.
Is Bentota good for a beach holiday?
Yes, in the December to March dry season. The beach is long and sandy, the water is calmer than the south coast, and hotel quality is good. In the May to September monsoon the sea is rough and rain is frequent.
What is Ayurveda and does Bentota do it properly?
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian and Sri Lankan system of medicine, using herbal oils, diet and lifestyle programmes. Bentota has been the traditional Ayurvedic centre of Sri Lanka for decades and has several genuine Ayurvedic resorts with resident doctors - Barberyn Reef and Siddhalepa are the best-known.
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