Bentota is a slow-paced beach town but it has plenty to do should you wish. The area has some exciting adventures, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to whale watching, and temple visits to exploring the local market with our chef for a lesson in Sri Lankan cuisine.
Our chef will be happy to take you to the local seafood and vegetable markets to purchase ingredients and cook some simple, easy-to-replicate, Sri Lankan cuisine with you.
A turtle hatchery where visitors can learn about the project to rescue and protect turtle eggs, view different species of turtles kept there for research purposes, and release baby turtles into the sea, is a short walk along the beach.
A wide range of water sports (canoeing, jet skiing, banana boats, parasailing, windsurfing etc.) is within easy reach.
The country estate of the father of ‘tropical modernism’ architect Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga is described as an experience of almost overwhelming aesthetic pleasure, and remains Bawa’s most extravagant creation and testament.
The legendary home and garden of Bevis Bawa has played host to Sir Lawrence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Agatha Christie, and many others. Established in 1929, the garden boasts 5 acres of magical and fantastical landscaped gardens.
A 12th-century Buddhist temple with some beautiful murals and a 2500-year-old dagoba.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent Dutch Fort is described as a treasure trove of colonial grandeur, entertainment, and great culinary experiences. A lovely day or half-day trip from the villa.
Between the months of November to April, the waters of Mirissa become a playground for a myriad of whales and dolphin species. Some of the most spotted include blue whales, sperm whales, killer whales, Bryde whales, short-finned whales, bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins. An ideal half-day trip for the early risers among you.
Richmond Castle is an Edwardian mansion, located near Kalutara. Built between 1900 and 1910, it was formally the country seat of Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena.
