For nature aficionados, Sri Lanka offers unparalleled, up-close encounters with extraordinary wildlife. From nurturing baby sea turtles to visiting an elephant ...orphanage, and embarking on thrilling whale-watching adventures in the Indian Ocean—these experience count among the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Additional attractions include scenic river cruises, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and bespoke shopping excursions, making Sri Lanka an animal lover's paradise.
TOUR THE BRIEF GARDEN
Artist Bevis Bawa, brother of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, has installed a fascinating garden at his home that is ...reminiscent of scenes from The Jungle Book. The Bawa residence houses an eclectic art collection, from a Chagall-style mural of local life to intriguing sculptures.
Distance: 8.5 km
BROWSE BENTOTA BAZAAR
Wander through this market in the middle of Bentota town to find local souvenirs like batik textiles, wood carvings and mementos m...ade by community artists. Definitely high up on the list of places to visit in Sri Lanka. Many of the shops are government-certified to ensure fair prices.
Distance: 2 km
TAKE HOME A TRADITIONAL DECORATIVE MASK
The Masks Museum at Ambalangoda is one of the more interesting places to visit in Sri Lanka. It effectively showcases the dramatic... masks used in the kolam dances of the Karava – the local fishing community of western and south-western Sri Lanka. You can buy your own distinctive traditional mask at their workshop. The museum is about a half-hour’s drive from the hotel.
Distance: 24 km
KOSGODA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT
The turtle hatcheries at Kosgoda are one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. The hatcheries are run by locals working to hel...p the sea turtles that nest on these shores. Volunteers buy turtle eggs from fishermen and release the baby turtles safely into the ocean.
Distance: 12 km
GALLE FORT TRIP
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has withstood the forces of nature since the 17th century, and is considered among the m...ost popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is also surrounded by great dining and shopping, with plenty to explore.
Distance: 72 km
GALAPATHA VIHARA
The Galapatha Vihara temple, believed to have been built in the 12th century, is among the most interesting places to visit in Sri... Lanka.
The ancient temple was destroyed by the Dutch in the 16th century. Later, it was rebuilt in a rather contemporary style.
Visit the Buddha shrine and gaze upon elaborate decorative carvings that date back to the Kandyan period.
Distance: 5 km
GO WHALE WATCHING
Whale-watching is one of the most exciting things to do in Sri Lanka. The waters are home to seven species, including the rare blu...e whale.
The early morning whale-watching expedition departs from the coastal town of Mirissa, 90 kilometres south of Bentota. You may also see dolphins, flying fish and exotic sea birds.
Distance: 90 km
HIT THE WATER AT BENTOTA
The calm Bentota Lagoon is ideal for a variety of water sports. You can go on banana-boat rides or a boat cruise. If you have an a...dventurous bone, try your hand at surfing, water-skiing, bodyboarding, jet-skiing and diving. Truly some of the most fun things to do in Sri Lanka.
Distance: 3 km
TOUR THE BRIEF GARDEN
Artist Bevis Bawa, brother of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, has installed a fascinating garden at his home that is ...reminiscent of scenes from The Jungle Book. The Bawa residence houses an eclectic art collection, from a Chagall-style mural of local life to intriguing sculptures.
Distance: 8.5 km
BROWSE BENTOTA BAZAAR
Wander through this market in the middle of Bentota town to find local souvenirs like batik textiles, wood carvings and mementos m...ade by community artists. Definitely high up on the list of places to visit in Sri Lanka. Many of the shops are government-certified to ensure fair prices.
Distance: 2 km
TAKE HOME A TRADITIONAL DECORATIVE MASK
The Masks Museum at Ambalangoda is one of the more interesting places to visit in Sri Lanka. It effectively showcases the dramatic... masks used in the kolam dances of the Karava – the local fishing community of western and south-western Sri Lanka. You can buy your own distinctive traditional mask at their workshop. The museum is about a half-hour’s drive from the hotel.
Distance: 24 km
KOSGODA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT
The turtle hatcheries at Kosgoda are one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. The hatcheries are run by locals working to hel...p the sea turtles that nest on these shores. Volunteers buy turtle eggs from fishermen and release the baby turtles safely into the ocean.
Distance: 12 km
GALLE FORT TRIP
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has withstood the forces of nature since the 17th century, and is considered among the m...ost popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is also surrounded by great dining and shopping, with plenty to explore.
Distance: 72 km
GALAPATHA VIHARA
The Galapatha Vihara temple, believed to have been built in the 12th century, is among the most interesting places to visit in Sri... Lanka.
The ancient temple was destroyed by the Dutch in the 16th century. Later, it was rebuilt in a rather contemporary style.
Visit the Buddha shrine and gaze upon elaborate decorative carvings that date back to the Kandyan period.
Distance: 5 km
GO WHALE WATCHING
Whale-watching is one of the most exciting things to do in Sri Lanka. The waters are home to seven species, including the rare blu...e whale.
The early morning whale-watching expedition departs from the coastal town of Mirissa, 90 kilometres south of Bentota. You may also see dolphins, flying fish and exotic sea birds.
Distance: 90 km
HIT THE WATER AT BENTOTA
The calm Bentota Lagoon is ideal for a variety of water sports. You can go on banana-boat rides or a boat cruise. If you have an a...dventurous bone, try your hand at surfing, water-skiing, bodyboarding, jet-skiing and diving. Truly some of the most fun things to do in Sri Lanka.
Distance: 3 km
TOUR THE BRIEF GARDEN
Artist Bevis Bawa, brother of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, has installed a fascinating garden at his home that is ...reminiscent of scenes from The Jungle Book. The Bawa residence houses an eclectic art collection, from a Chagall-style mural of local life to intriguing sculptures.
Distance: 8.5 km
BROWSE BENTOTA BAZAAR
Wander through this market in the middle of Bentota town to find local souvenirs like batik textiles, wood carvings and mementos m...ade by community artists. Definitely high up on the list of places to visit in Sri Lanka. Many of the shops are government-certified to ensure fair prices.
Distance: 2 km
TAKE HOME A TRADITIONAL DECORATIVE MASK
The Masks Museum at Ambalangoda is one of the more interesting places to visit in Sri Lanka. It effectively showcases the dramatic... masks used in the kolam dances of the Karava – the local fishing community of western and south-western Sri Lanka. You can buy your own distinctive traditional mask at their workshop. The museum is about a half-hour’s drive from the hotel.
Distance: 24 km
GIFT HAMPERS
Taj hampers convey warm sentiments with luxury accessories, culinary treats and artisanal sweets (mithai). Brighten celebrations as you choose from curated or personalised options.
Earn and redeem NeuCoins for exclusive member rates, with your Neupass membership. Indulge in memorable getaways, gourmet delights, spa treatments and more.
Epicure lifestyle memberships are made for sheer indulgence. Crafted for the creation of special moments, benefits encompass plush rooms & suites, fine dining, wellness therapies and beyond.
Enjoy exclusive deals on stays, delectable dining experiences, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Elevate your moments with us. Book now to savor unparalleled hospitality at Taj.
Taj hampers convey warm sentiments with luxury accessories, culinary treats and artisanal sweets (mithai). Brighten celebrations as you choose from curated or personalised options.
Earn and redeem NeuCoins for exclusive member rates, with your Neupass membership. Indulge in memorable getaways, gourmet delights, spa treatments and more.
Epicure lifestyle memberships are made for sheer indulgence. Crafted for the creation of special moments, benefits encompass plush rooms & suites, fine dining, wellness therapies and beyond.
Enjoy exclusive deals on stays, delectable dining experiences, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Elevate your moments with us. Book now to savor unparalleled hospitality at Taj.
Taj hampers convey warm sentiments with luxury accessories, culinary treats and artisanal sweets (mithai). Brighten celebrations as you choose from curated or personalised options.