The splendid coastal town of Bentota perched along Sri Lanka’s southwest is a gem of the rarest kind. Considered a popular stopover en route to the nation’s deep south, the area is renowned for its fantastic water sports, unspoilt beaches and laidback vibes that would grow on you the longer you linger.

Never allow the weather in Sri Lanka to get in the way of your aspirations for a beach holiday in Bentota. Therefore, it would be wise to plan your stay anywhere from January to April as this is when the conditions will be extremely conducive for stepping out of your room, clad in the fanciest swimwear imaginable or with a passion to try your hand at a water sporting activity that you’ve always dreamed of understanding and mastering. Average temperatures for the day will remain above 30 degrees Celsius which will pleasantly inform you of the need to be well-protected at all times before being out and about in the sun. Thus, never forget a beach umbrella, sunglasses, a hat and your trusted brand of sunscreen. On the flip side, rainy weather tends to be the norm between June to September which is a period that ought to be stayed well clear of should you want the best experience of being in Bentota.

Bentota Beach | Image via Wikimedia Commons

A major reason for a holiday to this part of Sri Lanka rests squarely on the allures associated with Bentota Beach itself. Flanked by the waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush foliage encompassing the Bentota River, one’s idea of a tropical beach outing will undeniably be met and addressed in more ways than one. Not only is the beach a good reason to forget every care in the world and begin sunbathing and swimming no sooner you’re done with breakfast but come evening, the entire area is lit up with charming restaurants and bars where time can be spent tucking into the flavours of the sea and sipping a cold one as the sun bids adieu for the day. If arriving with family, Bentota Beach will accommodate a host of whims that include building sandcastles with the little ones and playing a game of cricket or volleyball with the friendly locals who frequent the coast, especially on the weekend.

Stays on Bentota Beach afford all the impetus that you would need to take on the challenges posed out on the water. Showcasing a mix of motorised and non-motorised excursions that will guarantee one unforgettable time, keen beachgoers will surely find an activity that blends in with personal taste. You may begin by going diving and snorkelling where the pleasures of the marine world will be yours to behold while the more daring at heart may pick and choose from either parasailing, sailing, jet skiing or windsurfing that would make for quite the afternoon escapade.

On top of the eateries that scatter the length and breadth of Bentota Beach whose offerings will appeal mostly to the budget-savvy traveller, visitors will also have the privilege of accessing the restaurants made available at hotels in Bentota Sri Lanka the likes of Thaala Bentota Resort. Having settled down, one can expect to be treated to the catch of the day with variants in the likes of jumbo prawns, lobster and crab all appearing as worthy inclusions for lunch or dinner.

Replete with a choice of upscale bars and casual establishments that are well worth checking out, Bentota Beach complements those who fancy living life to the fullest and that too well into the night. With top-notch service a certainty, patrons can even go on a bar-hopping outing while trying out a slew of beverages and spirits while making new friends along the way. From single malt whiskies to celebrated brands of local and international beer, one’s time is destined to go off as planned.