Bentota

Bentota is a historic coastal town in the Galle District of Sri Lanka's Southern Province, located approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Colombo and 56 kilometers (35 miles) north of Galle. Situated at an elevation of 3 meters above sea level on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, this premier beach destination beautifully combines ancient history with modern resort facilities. Known historically as the ancient Bhimatirtha mentioned in messenger poems (sandeśa kāvya), Bentota has been a significant location since ancient times, with the Galapatha Viharaya temple containing 13th-century rock inscriptions. The Portuguese built a small fort here in the 17th century at the mouth of the Bentota River (Bentara Ganga), which marked the southern extremity of their territory. Today, Bentota is renowned for its golden beaches, world-class water sports facilities, and luxury resorts. The calm Bentota River lagoon provides perfect conditions for beginners learning water sports, while the ocean offers more challenging waves for experienced enthusiasts. The area is also home to the famous Brief Garden created by landscape architect Bevis Bawa (1909-1992), brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, on a former rubber plantation established in 1929.