Welcome to Saylanka Tours

Your Journey to Paradise Begins Here

Saylanka Tours is your trusted travel partner in Sri Lanka, offering unforgettable tours, personalized experiences, and expert local guidance to help you explore the island’s beauty and culture

Reach Bentota

1. How much distance from Colombo to Bentota?

  • Approximately 65 km by road
  • Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours (by car or bus)

2. How big is Bentota?

  • A small coastal resort town, covering about 3–4 square kilometers

3. Which province is Bentota in?

  • Located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka
  • Part of the Galle District

4. Why is Bentota popular?

  • Known for its golden sandy beaches and calm lagoon
  • Offers water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and boat safaris
  • Home to the famous Bentota River and Brief Garden
  • Ideal for luxury beach resorts and romantic getaways

4. What is the best time to visit Bentota ?

  • November to April – Dry season with calm seas and sunny weather

Top Location

Lunuganga Gardens

A Living Masterpiece of Tropical Design

Nestled near Bentota, Lunuganga Gardens is the legendary country estate of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect. Spread across lush landscapes beside a serene lake, Lunuganga is a unique fusion of Italian RenaissanceEnglish landscaping, and Sri Lankan tropical beauty.

Transformed over decades, the estate features sculpted lawns, pavilions, water features, and artistic garden arrangements. Each pathway leads to a new perspective — a quiet bench under a frangipani tree, a framed view of the lake, or an artful ruin blending into nature.

Highlights:

  • Explore the home and gardens of Geoffrey Bawa

  • Perfect for architecture, design, and nature lovers

  • Guided tours reveal stories behind each element

  • A tranquil escape just 10 minutes from Bentota

Best Time to Visit:
Morning or late afternoon

Bentota Lagoon

Bentota Lagoon – Serenity and Water Adventures Combined

Located where the Bentota River meets the Indian Ocean, the Bentota Lagoon is a tranquil and scenic spot ideal for both relaxation and adventure. Surrounded by lush mangroves and calm waters, it offers a peaceful setting with incredible biodiversity and a variety of water-based activities.

Explore the lagoon on a boat safari, spotting monitor lizards, kingfishers, crocodiles, and vibrant plant life. For thrill-seekers, enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, or banana boat rides — all available through local operators

Highlights:

  • Ideal for nature lovers, couples, and families

  • Boat safaris through mangroves and wildlife-rich areas

  • Popular for water sports and scenic river cruises

  • Perfect backdrop for sunset views and photography

Best Time to Visit:
November to April, when waters are calm and the weather is sunny.

Madu River Safari

Madu River Safari – A Journey Through Nature’s Hidden Waterways

The Madu River Safari is one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting eco-adventures, located near Balapitiya, just a short drive from Bentota. This scenic boat ride takes you through a complex network of mangrove-lined waterways, islands, and rich biodiversity, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

Glide across the calm river as you pass through tunnel-like mangrove forests, visit ancient Buddhist temples, cinnamon farms, and even a fish spa on the water. With over 60 small islands, the safari offers both cultural and wildlife experiences — including sightings of monkeys, water monitors, birds, and more.

Highlights:

  • Peaceful boat journey through lush mangroves

  • Visit Kothduwa Temple, island villages & cinnamon plantations

  • Learn about local ecosystems and traditional lifestyles

  • Great for families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts

Duration:
Typically 1.5 to 2 hours

Best Time to Visit:
Morning or late afternoon, when wildlife is most active and weather is pleasant

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery – Protecting Sea Turtles for Future Generations
 

The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, located along Sri Lanka’s southern coast near Bentota, is a conservation project dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. Since its inception in the 1980s, this volunteer-run sanctuary has become a vital part of the country’s marine conservation efforts.

Visitors can witness every stage of the turtle’s life cycle — from tiny hatchlings to rescued adult turtles recovering from injuries. The hatchery collects eggs from vulnerable beach sites, incubates them safely, and releases the babies back into the ocean under protective care.

Highlights:

  • See and learn about 5 species of sea turtles, including the Green and Loggerhead

  • Get up close with rescued turtles and newborn hatchlings

  • Opportunity to release baby turtles into the sea (seasonal)

  • Great educational experience for families and nature lovers

Best Time to Visit:
Evening (for turtle releases) or early morning to avoid heat

Watersports

Watersports – Thrill and Fun on Sri Lanka’s Tropical Waters

Sri Lanka’s stunning coastline, calm lagoons, and wide rivers make it a perfect playground for watersports enthusiasts. From the adventure-packed Bentota River to the waves of Arugam Bay, you’ll find something for every thrill level.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adrenaline seeker, dive into exciting activities like jet skiing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Professional instructors and safety gear ensure a fun and secure experience for everyone.

Highlights:

  • Wide variety of watersports for all ages and skill levels

  • Enjoy the calm lagoon or ocean swells depending on your mood

  • Certified operators and guided sessions available

  • Ideal for families, couples, and adventure travelers

Best Locations:
Bentota, Negombo, Passikudah, and Arugam Bay

Best Time to Visit:
November to April (West & South coasts) and May to September (East coast)

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