River safaris, water sports, and golden-mile beaches
Where the Bentota River meets the Indian Ocean, two very different waterworlds sit side by side. On one side: a long golden beach with some of the island’s best resorts and calm, swimmable seas. On the other: the maze-like mangroves of the Madu River, where boat safaris drift past water monitors, kingfishers, cinnamon islands, and a temple on its own tiny isle. Add jet skiing, banana boats, and turtle hatcheries, and Bentota becomes the west coast’s most complete beach escape equally right for honeymooners and families.
Take the Madu River boat safari in late afternoon softer light, cooler air, and the mangroves come alive.
Mangrove tunnels, island temples, and rich birdlife by boatMangrove tunnels, island temples, and rich birdlife by boat
A golden mile of sand between river and sea
Jet ski, windsurf, waterski, and banana boat rides
Meet rescued sea turtles and release hatchlings
The eccentric landscaped estate of Bevis Bawa
See Ceylon cinnamon peeled the traditional way
Bentota lies in the Galle District, in Sri Lanka's West Coast region.
Tell us your dates and we'll build Bentota into a journey shaped around you.
