Attractions & Places

to Visit in Sri Lanka

Description :

For a scenic day trip from Bentota, this historic fortress located in the city of Galle on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The UNESCO World Heritage site is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Dutch colonial architecture in Southeast Asia. Alongwith shopping and dining, explore the narrow streets by foot to capture the unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. Don't miss the sunset from the fort walls.

Description :

This 12th century Buddhist temple lies about 3 km inland, on the banks of Bentota river. Much of it was destroyed by the Dutch during the 16th century, but rebuilt by loyal devotees. Enter the temple through a stone doorway which consists of two upright and two horizontal wooden pillars showcasing elaborate carvings of the Narilatha motif which date back to the Kandyan period. The main temple building contains an array of statues and murals of Lord Buddha, the largest being a 25-feet reclining Buddha statue. The temple hosts a grand annual parade in August, which attracts many tourists. Remember to keep your legs and shoulders covered when visiting the temple.

Description :

Wander through this market in the middle of the town to find local souvenirs like batik textiles, wood carvings and mementos made by community artists. It also offers an opportunity to browse local produce, from spices, wild mango, Ceylon breadfruit and gooseberries, while sipping on the cool water of a Thambili (king coconut) and snacking on street-side egg hoppers or vadei (lentil patties).

Description :

A rubber plantation converted into a beautiful garden by the architect Bevis Bawa, brother of the iconic Geoffrey Bawa, the Brief Garden is a labour of love, meticulously developed over four decades until it opened to the public in 1970. The garden quickly became a tranquil, whimsical haven for artists, celebrities and photographers. The Bawa residence houses an eclectic art collection, from a Chagall-style mural of local life to intriguing sculptures.

Description :

Named after Ariyapala Wijesooriya Gurunnanse, one of the greatest master craftsmen in Sri Lanka, this museum at Ambalangoda showcases a local tradition in the southern coastal region in Sri Lanka, carried forward by the seventh generation of the Wijesooriya family. Discover a variety of rich, colorful and sometimes terrifying masks at the museum and workshop. You can watch artisans at work and buy some terrific souvenirs at the gift shop.

Description :

This project is run by Dudley Perera, a native of Kosgoda, and his family, since 1988. Perera began working with turtles straight out of school, funding the project with his own money, before winning a scholarship in 1993 to study conservation of sea animals in South Korea. You can call them in advance to volunteer in local community development projects, learning about turtles and turtle conservation.

Description :

For a scenic day trip from Bentota, this historic fortress located in the city of Galle on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The UNESCO World Heritage site is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Dutch colonial architecture in Southeast Asia. Alongwith shopping and dining, explore the narrow streets by foot to capture the unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. Don't miss the sunset from the fort walls.

Description :

This 12th century Buddhist temple lies about 3 km inland, on the banks of Bentota river. Much of it was destroyed by the Dutch during the 16th century, but rebuilt by loyal devotees. Enter the temple through a stone doorway which consists of two upright and two horizontal wooden pillars showcasing elaborate carvings of the Narilatha motif which date back to the Kandyan period. The main temple building contains an array of statues and murals of Lord Buddha, the largest being a 25-feet reclining Buddha statue. The temple hosts a grand annual parade in August, which attracts many tourists. Remember to keep your legs and shoulders covered when visiting the temple.

Description :

A day trip from Bentota takes you to one of Sri Lanka’s best beach towns, where you can indulge in sports fishing, sailing, coastal cruises, snorkelling and boating. Its biggest draw is whale-spotting tours that typically start at 7 am from Mirissa harbour. There are a few different whales you can see including humpback whales and sperm whales, but the star attraction is the blue whale, the largest living creature on earth.