Things to Do in Bentota: A Mystical Land of Whispering Gardens and Glowing Oceans

Do you ever dream of a world that is colourful, a magnificent canvas of vast blue almost merging with the green foliage? Have you ever seen a sunset that is not just the sun going down anonymously but a breathtaking blur of yellow and orange spilling into the deep blue of the sea? If not, then Bentota is where you will experience it.

Tucked away on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, about an hour and a half drive from Colombo, Bentota sits right where the river meets the sea. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, where you can spend your mornings on the beach, your afternoons cruising through mangroves, and your evenings watching the sky turn all shades of pink.

There are a lot of things to do in Bentota, the sun-kissed southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. All you need is a comprehensive Bentota holiday package and time on your hands so that you can explore all the best things to do in Bentota.

Top Things to See in Bentota

To make it easier for you, here we have curated a list of things to do in Bentota. Take a look!

• Bentota Beach
• Ventura Beach
• Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa
• Galapata Vihara Temple
• Kande Viharaya Temple
• Aluthgama Market
• Ambalangoda Mask Museum and Workshop
• Seafood Dining at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant
• Happy Garden Restaurant

Bentota Beach

Have you ever walked on a beach where the sand feels warm and soft and almost melts between your toes? This is amongst the best things to see in Bentota. Sitting pretty on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, just a couple of hours' drive from Colombo, Bentota Beach is beautiful beyond words, the sea swishing gently in the background as the sun casts a golden glow over the sand every evening, a truly unforgettable picture. Among all the things to do in Bentota, spending a lazy evening here, letting the waves kiss your feet, or chasing a little adventure on a jet ski, definitely has to be one of the best parts.

Ventura Beach

Have you ever found yourself dreaming of a beach where everything feels just a little bit softer, a little bit quieter? Ventura Beach, just a few minutes from central Bentota, feels exactly like that dream. One of the most serene places to visit in Bentota, this beach is a must-see. Here, the waves don’t crash, they whisper. Among all the things to do in Bentota, feeling the cool and pale sand under your feet as the world slows down until all you hear is the hush of the sea and the soft rustle of coconut trees.

Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa

Right out of the Children’s novel, this Brief Garden’s resemblance to The Secret Garden is uncanny. Brief Garden feels less like a place you visit and more like a secret you’re let in on. Designed by the artist Bevis Bawa, the garden is a serene, lush dream, stone pathways winding through lush greenery, hidden sculptures peeking from behind overgrown vines, sunlight filtering through a thousand leaves. If you are contemplating what to see in Bentota, this must top your list. It is not just any garden but a fine symphony of art, nature, and pure magic.

Galapata Vihara Temple

Surrounded by the quiet hum of nature, you will find Galapata Vihara Temple, a place where time stops for you, letting you immerse yourself in tranquil surroundings. Built in the 12th century, this ancient Buddhist temple is one of those secret treasures you stumble upon when you’re truly exploring the best things to do in Bentota. What could be a more enriching thing to do in Bentota than a slow walk through this peaceful temple, breathing in the scent of incense and listening to the silence, is something that will stay with you much longer than any photograph ever could.

Kande Viharaya Temple

Kande Viharaya Temple is home to one of the tallest seated Buddha statues in the world. It is a sight so grand and peaceful that it almost feels as though you are alone with Buddha in the vastness. This is probably one of the best things to do in Bentota; standing before this towering figure, with the morning sun lighting up its golden face, is something you simply can't miss. Among all the other things to do in Bentota, wandering through the temple's vibrant murals, lighting a candle, and soaking in the quiet, sacred energy of this place feels less like sightseeing and more like something your heart will thank you for.

Aluthgama Market

In the lively little town of Aluthgama, there’s a market that bustles with life, colours, scents, and voices all blending into one beautiful mess. If you’re wondering what to see in Bentota beyond the beaches, a slow wander through Aluthgama Market is pure, joyful chaos, and may be the best way to take a real piece of this place back home in your heart. This is one of the most authentic experiences among all the things to do in Bentota, Sri Lanka. Especially on Mondays, the streets bloom with stalls selling spices that perfume the air, piles of ripe tropical fruits, bright batik fabrics fluttering like flags, and little souvenirs that somehow carry the spirit of Sri Lanka in them.

Ambalangoda Mask Museum and Workshop

A little drive south of Bentota, in the quiet coastal town of Ambalangoda, there’s a place where stories are not written in books; they are carved into wood. While creating your list of things to do in Bentota, Sri Lanka, a visit to the Ambalangoda Mask Museum and Workshop is a must. Here, you can watch master craftsmen bring to life the legendary devil masks that have danced through Sri Lankan ceremonies for centuries. Unsure about what to do in Bentota? Experiencing the workshop and possibly even picking up a handmade mask as a souvenir could be the perfect solution.

Seafood Dining at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant

Right by the golden shorelines of Bentota, Malli’s Seafood Restaurant is a place where every plate feels kissed by the ocean itself. When you are crafting your perfect Sri Lanka itinerary, this spot easily becomes one of the top picks. Think grilled prawns, smoky and tender, seafood curries rich with spice and soul, and crabs so fresh they almost taste of adventure. Among all the delicious things to do in Bentota at night, having a seaside dinner here as the sky softens into twilight is one you will carry home in your memory, long after the sand has left your shoes.

Happy Garden Restaurant

Happy Garden Restaurant feels like stumbling upon a quiet secret, simple, unpretentious, and full of flavour. While flipping through any Sri Lanka travel guide, you may not find this restaurant. It is hidden, just like a treasure. Perfect for families or anyone seeking an easy and affordable meal after a day of exploring, Happy Garden offers hearty plates, friendly faces, and a warm, no-rush atmosphere. When you think of things to do in Bentota, a meal here fits just right.

Bentota in Sri Lanka is a mystical fairyland, and you are only allowed to enter if you believe in magic. So, close your eyes and fly into this dreamy place that humans call Bentota, you won’t be disappointed. If you love the beauty of nature, then this place holds a lot more than you can even anticipate.