Bentota Beach in Sri Lanka is a small but very attractive southern village located about 62 kilometers from the capital city of Colombo.
The resort village attracts a huge number of international tourists, especially the Germans and Italians.
The superb beach island has a distinctive culture all of its own.
A stay in Bentota hotels surrounded by serene and peaceful environs of Bentota Beach provide a fabulously and enriching experience where the mind experiences absolute calmness! The friendly waters of the beach are simply too alluring to resist.
On your visit to this tourist friendly destination one can take time out to have a first hand glimpse into one of the main traditional occupations 'tapping the toddy'.
Toddy, a fermented sap used as alcoholic drink is transferred by the tappers from palm tree to palm tree on a network of tightropes to tap and collect the 'jungle juice'.
Bentota Offerings There's this little place at Bentota Beach called 'the Turtle Hatchery Project' where turtle eggs are gathered and placed in the premises for them to hatch.
This place has been given the thums up by many tourists and finds itself on the visitors' itinerary.
Once the turtles have hatched, they are safely released to the ocean.
A visit to the hatchery costs a nominal fee while for the children entry is free.
At the hatchery one will find on display several species of turtles and the visitors are allowed, rather encouraged to pet and hold the turtles.
However, be prepared to be asked for voluntary donations at the end of the guided tour.
Taking a morning walk or evening excursion to "Brief Gardens" which is a wonderful estate designed and owned by a former Sri Lankan architect and lawyer, Geoffrey.
It was once a rubber plantation.
The name "Brief" was attached as a symbol of Geoffrey being a lawyer.
The architecture of the place is plain but complete with wonderful artwork.
The different designs incorporated in the Brief Garden add to its charm and attraction.
One will like the wonderfully designed British styled lawns and the pretty Japanese Gardens, not to mention the secret seating areas where one can relax to savor in the fresh air.
There is a story which does the round.
It talks of Donald Friend, an Australian artist who came to stay with Geoffrey for 6 days and finally stayed for 6 years.
He is believed to have left behind most of the fabulous pieces of Art work on display around the House & Garden.
Travelers to Bentota are usually taken on a tour through a Buddhist Temple located in the middle of the mangroves.
Here, one will be shown around by a more than happy and willing young monk.
However, remember to remove your shoes before entering as this is customary.
One can place a flower in front of the statue as a token of respect.
The young monk who shows you around usually asks for a 'donation' when you are leaving.
Bentota Accommodation One can find suitable accommodation in Bentota to take care of the guests' needs and requirements to ensure they have a satisfactory stay.
The Palm Beach Hotel, located very near to the sea is an interesting part of the town to visit.
The ambience of the hotel is something which ensures that even the harshest critic will find hard to resist.