BENTOTA
Area: Sri Lanka
Country: Sri Lanka


Location:
On SW coast, 40 miles S of Colombo, 12 miles S of Kalutara. 64 miles S of Bandaranaike international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
94 34

Position:
On S bank of broad Bentota River, where it meets Indian Ocean.

Description:
A busy coastal village which continues along the main Colombo_Galle road from Alutgama. Exists today primarily for tourists staying in the quality hotels situated between the coastal railway line and seashore. Development of properties stretches four miles S to Induruwa. Some accommodation is sited along a spit of land towards the river mouth and is reached by motorboat from the N end of the resort.

Suitability:
Beach and water-sports fans; honeymooners; families. Popular wedding venue.

Accommodation:
Modern, mainly all-inclusive resort-style properties with extensive grounds, situated along the coast. Some smaller guesthouses (frequented by mostly German clientele) behind the railway line.

Shopping:
Handicrafts, gems, jewellery, carved masks, spices and batiks in hotel shops and along the main road.

Beach:
Several miles of classic palm-fringed golden sand _ some of the best beaches on the W coast. Water sports are generally conducted on the river.

Entertainments:
A couple of decent bars near the river bridge, otherwise in hotels.

Eating:
A couple of reasonable fish restaurants near bridge over river. Evening cruises sometimes include a dinner option.

Public-transport:
Trains along coast; buses to Galle and Colombo; motorised rickshaws and taxis outside hotels.

Local-excursions:
Half day: Colombo and Galle. Full day: Kandy; river cruises.