Benthota

Bentota River Safari

The Bentota River (Bentara Ganga) offers a majestic boat safari through dense mangrove tunnels and vibrant wetlands. This journey provides an intimate look at the local ecosystem, where you can spot crocodiles, water monitors, and exotic kingfishers. Many tours include a visit to “Cinnamon Island” to witness the traditional peeling process. A private boat safari for foreign travelers typically costs between $20 to $35 (approx. LKR 6,000 – 10,500) per vessel. For those seeking the ultimate luxury, private sunset cruises with refreshments can be arranged through boutique operators for approximately $50 to $70.

Lunuganga Estate (Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Home)

A visit to Lunuganga is a pilgrimage for lovers of art and architecture. This was the legendary country estate of Geoffrey Bawa, where he spent 40 years transforming a former rubber plantation into a world-renowned Italianate garden. The estate is a masterpiece of light, space, and nature. Guided garden tours for foreign visitors are priced at $20 (approx. LKR 6,000) per person. For a more exclusive experience, private curatorial tours can be booked in advance for approximately $50 per person, which often include a more in-depth look at the interior of the main house and refreshments.

Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa

Located just inland, Brief Garden is the eclectic and whimsical creation of Bevis Bawa, Geoffrey’s brother. This five-acre jungle garden is a sensory delight, filled with narrow winding paths, hidden alcoves, and homoerotic and mythological sculptures. The house itself is a treasure trove of 20th-century art and photography. The entrance fee for foreign visitors is $10 (approx. LKR 3,000). It offers a more intimate and wilder aesthetic compared to Lunuganga, making it a favorite for those seeking inspiration and tranquility.

Kande Viharaya Temple

Standing tall over the Aluthgama landscape, Kande Viharaya is home to one of the world’s tallest seated Buddha statues, reaching a height of 48 meters (160 feet). This 18th-century temple is a major center for Buddhist culture and is highly revered by locals. While there is no mandatory entrance fee, it is customary for foreign visitors to make a modest donation of LKR 500 – 1,000 for the upkeep of the museum and sacred grounds. The temple’s inner chambers are adorned with vibrant, ancient frescoes that narrate the path to enlightenment.

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

A short drive from Bentota brings you to the famous Kosgoda hatcheries, which have been pioneering turtle conservation since the late 1980s. These projects play a vital role in protecting nesting sites and rehabilitating injured turtles. The entrance fee for foreign travelers is generally LKR 1,500 to LKR 2,000 (approx. $5 – $7). Visitors can observe various species, from the common Green Turtle to the rare Leatherback, and often have the opportunity to participate in the magical experience of releasing hatchlings into the ocean at sunset.