Like neighboring Beruwela, Bentota is dominated by package tourism but the hotels are somewhat newer and more sophisticated. The best stand in splendid isolation on the narrow peninsula between the Bentota River and the sea, with palm-fringed beaches on both the seaward and river sides.
Entered through twin bridges, Bentota is the beginning of the Southern Province. Like a finger jutting out of the coastline, with the river on one side and the sea on the other, the ancient village of Bentota has been transformed into a major tourist attraction, comprising of nearly a dozen large and many smaller hotels.
Several hotels and specialists offer water sports such as water skiing, wind surfing, diving and even deep-sea fishing. Boat cruises up the river are extremely interesting, but the river could be rough after heavy rains. The fauna and flora of this eco-system can make for a very instructive cruise, especially with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful mangroves and aquatic birds.
To the southern end of Bentota are a number of Boutique type hotels, different from the modern highflying cousins. They are uncrowded, located in Old Dutch type buildings with smaller number of rooms (around 15) and offer personalised service for their guests.
