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Bentota Architecture

Our most recommended Bentota Architecture

From Kalutara: Lunuganga Estate, Turtles and Madu River Tour

1. From Kalutara: Lunuganga Estate, Turtles and Madu River Tour

Check out some of Sri Lanka’s most gripping scenery while experiencing firsthand the flora and fauna of this stunning region. Marshy wetlands, river islands, baby turtles and fish foot massages await you in this sultry, exotic wonderland. First stop: Bawa’s estate in Lunuganga. Sir Geoffrey Bawa, the renowned lawyer-turned-architect, made this place his country home and experimental lab from 1947 till his death in 1998. See the surrounding exotic gardens of this partial country inn, as well as Bawa’s many architectural additions. Next stop: Kosgoda for an exciting visit to a real turtle hatchery. Learn about the conservation of sea turtles and dip into touch pools, deep tubs of seawater where curious guests can actually handle the baby versions. Proceed to Balapitiya and enjoy a lovely boat safari on Madu River. This is a high biodiversity zone that relies on the lagoon created by the river as it flows into the Indian Ocean. See the dense mangrove forest that grows along the marshy banks of the river, as well as several free-standing islands. On one such island you will find an old Buddhist monastery. The locals work harvesting cinnamon, and here you can experience the famous fish massage at a ‘massage parlor’, or hut on stilts. Relax while the fish work their magic on your toes. Afterwards, stop for lunch on your way back to Kalutara.

From Bentota: Day Trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple

2. From Bentota: Day Trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple

After getting picked up from your hotel in Bentota or Kalutara, begin the 3-hour journey to the Sigirya rock fortress. Here you will discover the historical and cultural values of ancient Sri Lanka and get to witness the engineering skills and artistic capabilities of Sri Lankan artisans and engineers. Wander through this vast complex and admire the various palaces, pools, gardens, and paintings. Later, head to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, which is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world. Marvel at the beautiful Buddhist paintings and statues housed in this cave and see for yourself why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, visit a spice garden where you can soak up the aromas of the various traditional spices grown here such as cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. Head back to your hotel in the evening, just in time for dinner.

From Negombo: Bentota Full-Day Tour

3. From Negombo: Bentota Full-Day Tour

Begin your day at 8:00 AM at Madu River in Balapitiya for a boat safari. For one-hour, journey through the primitive depths of the mangrove marshes. Traverse the dark and dangerous caverns, formed by the thick mangrove forests, interspersed with stretches of bright open water.  The next destination is the Kothduwa Temple. This Buddhist temple is located on the island and is known as the Kothduwa Raja Maha Viharaya. The island is within the Madu Ganga Estuary. Madu Ganga is an archipelago of fifteen different islands and a lagoon. It is believed that a Relic of Lord Buddha was once sheltered in the Kothduwa temple circa 340CE.  Enjoy lunch then visit the Lunuganga Garden. Geoffrey Bawa was one of Asia's finest architects. He passed away in 2003. Lunuganga was Bawa’s country home. It sits in an enchanting atmosphere with glorious views. It is now managed by the Lunuganga Trust. Admire the home’s features and blissfulness. It is now run as a country hotel and the proceeds go to Negombo.

2-Day Whale Watching & Southern Sri Lanka Tour

4. 2-Day Whale Watching & Southern Sri Lanka Tour

The sea off Mirissa between Galle and Matara is one of the best places in the world to see endangered blue whales. This two-day tour also gives you the opportunity to see some of the important places in the southern coastal belt such as Galle fort, Unawatuna beach, sea turtle hatchery and more. On day one, meet your tour representative and proceed to your hotel in Mirissa, En-route enjoy a Bentota and Galle sightseeing tour. Bentota beach is the most popular beach holiday destination in the island. Galle is one of the ancient sea ports of Sri Lanka and was an anchor point in the Silk Route. It was later discovered by the Portuguese where they built a fortress and the Dutch that succeeded them fortified it further. This fortress is today a World Heritage Site. During the Galle city tour, visit Galle Fort, Bentota Beach, Galle coastal area, Galle lighthouse, Kande Vihara, Cinnamon Island, a handicraft center and mask carving center. Visit a sea turtle hatchery project, spice garden at Matale where spices and herbs used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medication are grown. Then take a Madu Ganga boat ride to discover this Ramsar Wetland. Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary is the place where you can have a glimpse of the fascinating underwater world and see the creatures that inhabit the unfathomable depths of the sea. The famed coral gardens are located here. Just get hold of a glass bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and plunge into the ocean. Overnight stay in Mirissa  Day two is filled with whale-watching experiences. Miriissa off the southern Sri Lanka coast is one of the best-known places for the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet – lunge-feeding humpback whales and blue whales. Groups of whales construct enormous circular fishing nets with bubbles to catch vast shoals of herring and then launch themselves high into the air with their mouths wide open. This activity is most prevalent from November to April, but can be observed throughout year. 

West coast Beach, River Mangroves lagoon, Wildlife boat Tour

5. West coast Beach, River Mangroves lagoon, Wildlife boat Tour

The tour starts from your hotel in Colombo or the west coast beach resort. You will be traveling along the beautiful west coast beaches while passing coconut plantations, fishing villages, and towns. You will be stopping at a few places at regular intervals. Your first stop will be at the sea turtle conservation center, where, you witness the sick and handicapped sea turtles are been treated. Later stop at Madu river for the mangrove lagoon tour. Mangroves Mangrove is one of the most important and fragile ecosystems in the world and they grow only in tropical countries such as Sri Lanka. This valuable forest cover is depleting all around the world, including in Sri Lanka, due to many factors such as climate change and human activities. Madu River estuary is a "RAMSAR wetland" and is declared a protected riverine forest. Boat safari Madu Ganga is one of the most important natural assets of Sri Lanka. It is located 70km south of Colombo on the Colombo-Galle main road. Madu Ganga is the second-largest wetland on the island, consisting of 28 islands. The number of families living on the islands is estimated to be around 250. Madu Ganga spreads over 915 hectares of wetland and harbors vast biodiversity and ecosystem. Madu Ganga wetland is fed by seven tributaries and forms the body of the wetland. The water runs through a course of land that spans 2300 hectares. It was declared a national sanctuary in 2006. A cruise on a modern motorboat is the best way to explore the natural wealth of Madu Ganga, the islands in the wetland are largely inaccessible by road. The inhabitants are also using boats and more often paddle boats as the means of transport. This tour offers a particularly appealing boat trip around Madu Ganga. The Ramsa Wetland is one of the most visited natural attractions of Sri Lanka’s west coast, with riverscapes amongst quiet thick grown islands and mangrove forests with sites of immense natural interest. There are plenty of opportunities to spot fascinating wildlife in the aquatic environment, throughout the tour. The most important asset of the fragile ecosystem of Madu Ganga is its mangrove forests. These mangrove forests provide protection for a large number of aquatic bird, animal, and plant species. The ecosystem in Madu Ganga is the home of many different kinds of aquatic plants, crabs, shrimp, fish, insects, amphibians, and other animal life including crocodiles. While on the boat tour you'll visit one of the oldest temples on the west coast of Sri Lanka, located on a secluded island. You will also get a chance to visit the mask museum and see hundreds of ancient masks and learn about their history, folklore, and use in rituals. You'll also visit a sea turtle conservation center run by volunteers. Learn about why Sri Lanka is a prime turtle nesting site and how important it is for turtle conservation. Before your tour is over, you'll get to enjoy a leisurely stroll on Bentota beach, one of the nicest beaches on the west coast. Buddhist temple, Bentota beach, spice herbal garden, Mask museum After the mangrove lagoon tour, you will be visiting the mask museum and mask carving center. Later visit Bentota beach spice and herbal garden and your tour ends with a visit to one of the most sacred Buddhist temples on the west coast.

From Colombo: Galle and Bentota Full-Day All-Inclusive Tour

6. From Colombo: Galle and Bentota Full-Day All-Inclusive Tour

You'll be picked up from your hotel in Negombo, Colombo, or Mount Lavinia at 7:30 AM to drive to Galle and visit the Dutch fort. The fort is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument. Even after more than 400 years, it remains intact and well maintained thanks to the extensive reconstruction work done by Sri Lanka's archaeological department. Next, you'll visit Ambalangoda, known for its exquisite collection of native masks. Many generations of artisans have carved these beautiful artifacts. Afterwards, drive on to Balaptiva for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you'll take a boat trip on the Madu Ganga River. Discover the unspoiled beauty of the Madu Ganga estuary, a wetland ecosystem that opens to the Indian Ocean. Finally, you'll visit a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda before heading back to your hotel. Visitors can see the newborn turtles and even be a part of the process of releasing them into the sea!  

Bentota Water Sports and Galle City Tour from Colombo

7. Bentota Water Sports and Galle City Tour from Colombo

Bentota is situated along the southwest coast of the country, 65 Km south of Colombo. Take a jet ski out on the ocean at super high speeds. Have a great view of the ocean and the beach as you speed through the waves. After, jump onto a tube or banana boat for more thrilling rides. Discover Galle, a city also on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for Galle Fort, the fortified city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th-century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting the Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. See Galle lighthouse standing on the fort’s southeast tip.

Kandy, Pinnawala day trip from Bentota, Kalutara beach

8. Kandy, Pinnawala day trip from Bentota, Kalutara beach

Your one-day tour starts from Beach hotels on teh west coast like Bentota Beach and Kalutara Beach and then relax in air-conditioned comfort on the journey to Pinnawala elephant orphanage. The drive lasts around 2 hours. Later explore the spice/herbal garden with an indigenous plantation that produces spices such as cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon etc. Later visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic to see the sacred tooth of Buddha, a symbol of status that proved the worthiness of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Admire the beautiful architecture of the palace and look at the golden figurines in the shrine. At Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage we guarantee that you witness a big herd of elephants that are in different ages. Then, explore some of the ancient crafts by traditional artisans, including gems, wood carving, and batik. Watch craft demonstrations and buy souvenir gifts before lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense. Continue to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, and go for a stroll on the 147-acre grounds. See over 4,000 different species of plants, including an exclusive collection of orchids, spices, and medicinal plants. Learn the history of the 19th-century gardens, and see famous plants such as the cannonball tree, giant fig tree, and 40-meter-tall Burma bamboo.

From Bentota: 2-Day Tour to Wild Wonders and Galle Fort

9. From Bentota: 2-Day Tour to Wild Wonders and Galle Fort

Day 1: Bentota-Weherahena-Yala Upon starting your journey at 4:00 AM from your hotel in Bentota, you will be met by your designated chauffeur guide. After exchanging formalities at your hotel, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle in which you will proceed to Yala. En-route, visit the Mirissa fisheries harbor, and partake in a whale watching tour. Whale watching in Mirissa is one of the most sought-after activities in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the best places to spot blue whales after a short period of time from the harbor. Mirissa is one of the best places to see not only blue whales but also sperm whales and dolphins. Visit Weherahena Poorwarama Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in the Matara District of Sri Lanka, about 6 kilometers from Matara town. This unique temple is known as the first tunnel temple in the world. The temple hosts a massive 130-foot Buddha image that was built following the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras. It also consists of all the main features of a Buddhist temple, such as the pagoda, a sacred bo-tree and a Samadhi Buddha statue. Following this tour, you will proceed to Yala National Park, one of the best national parks in the world to spot leopards. Here you find a large concentration of leopards in a small geographical area. Yala is home to many species of wild animals such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and monkeys.  Day 2: Yala-Galle-Hikkaduwa Early in the morning, you will proceed to Yala National Park to go on a lovely jeep safari. Yala National Park is the second largest on this island based off the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. You will get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bears and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Later, visit the Galle Fortress and Hikkaduwa Beach. Galle Fortress is the best preserved Dutch fort in Asia, and it is one of the 7 UNESCO world heritage sites on the island. The Dutch Fort is a fortified city built in the 1600's and is home to hundreds of houses, palaces, shops, churches, museums, bars, pubs, hotels and much much more. On completion of this day, you will begin your journey back to your hotel in Hikkaduwa.

Kalutara/Bentota/Hikkaduwa: Day Trip to Ella Highlands

10. Kalutara/Bentota/Hikkaduwa: Day Trip to Ella Highlands

Start Ella tour at 6.00 a.m, Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now. On the way to Ella our first visit is Buduruwagala rock temple. Buduruwagala is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. Next stop is Ravana waterfall, a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. After that we will reach Ella City, a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, it is situated at an elevation of 1,041 meters above sea level. Then next we will go to Nine Arch Bridge. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. Then time to climb little Adams peak, Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. While climbing the Adams peak take lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa. It is an elegant, chic hotel that stands on a scenic 98-acre tea estate, surrounded by a stunning landscape. After having lunch you can experience Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line South Asia's longest and Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella, Sri Lanka. Finally, visit Halpewaththa Tea factory. Drink a cup while enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of the area. It is the final destination of our tour. Finally, back to the hotel.

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What people are saying about Bentota

An exhilarating 2-day tour packed with so much variety of experiences

As a widely world travelled explorer of over 35 years I can say this tour has been one of my very best experiences. Be aware this is an extensive and varied tour itinerary but that is exactly what I wanted as I was time limited to take in as much sightseeing and activities as possible. I experienced so much of Srilanka’s rich culture, heritage, incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes , streetscenes, tasty cuisine and was able to frequently interact leisurely with the islands wonderfully friendly gentle folk. My tour guide Sanjeewa Padmal was excellent...very knowledgable, professional, friendly, highly articulate in English, good company and drove extremely safely in an air-conditioned large sized modern saloon. The overnight hotel was luxury standard with a beachfront. What I especially liked was Sanjeewa’s keenness for me to enjoy the tour and leaving me to decide on the time spent on each iternary event. This is the first time I’ve used GetYourGuide. Highly recommended.

Very knowledgeable and friendly guide

The tour was everything I had expected and envisioned it to be - we had a very friendly and knowledgeable guide, who explained to us certain histories and information about the places we passed, or was going to. He made sure we were well settled into our hotel for the night, and was ready to help us at any of the other excursions. I really enjoyed the river cruise - as I did not know what to expect, and saw the amazing wildlife the mangroves had to offer us! My only complaint is that the hotel room we stayed at had very little air conditioning, and the room and bathroom smelled of mildew and other things (just a funky smell!), and thought maybe we could've asked for a room upgrade as the rooms in the main building looked a little cleaner and well maintained.

We were about 16 hours on the road and looked at something for a maximum of 4 hours. From Bentota, this excursion is quite strenuous. In the botanical we had an hour. That's a little bit of time but it wasn't that nice either. The botanical garden in Kandy should be better. A visit to the tea factory is also superfluous. You will be told a bit about the different types of tea and how they are made. But in the end they only want to sell tea. I would have liked a little hike through the tea fields better. What is definitely worth it are the impressions in the highlands. This is really nice.

The tour was very entertaining. The best was the boat tour through the mangroves of Madu Ganga. The guide was friendly and helpful. When tipping the locals, however, he let me run into the knife a little and in the end I got rid of a hefty sum. Please be careful when tipping! It is best to inquire beforehand what is customary in the country. Inexperienced

We had a private trip to the South coast including Hangunagoda tea plantation and Galle, our guide Ranjitha was knowledgeable and courteous throughout. I would recommend this trip.