Bentota to Galle day tour

Bentota and Galle are coastal towns in the Galle district, Southern Prince in Sri Lanka. It is approximately 101 Km from Colombo to Bentota and 54 Km from Bentota to Galle. 145 Km from Colombo to Galle. Sri Lanka is famous for SSS, which stands for Sea, Sand, and Sun. You will see SSS beautifully in this coastal strip. 

Let’s talk about the highlights of Bentota first.

Bentota is Known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and water activities. Bentota is a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxing and adventurous getaway. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a water sports lover, or simply looking to unwind in a serene setting, Bentota offers a range of attractions and activities to suit every traveler’s taste.

Bentota is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, which is very popular for water sports. We are not going to discuss water sports in this blog post. You cannot cover all the scenery and activities from Bentota to Galle in a single day.

We have written a separate article about Water sports in Sri Lanka, including Bentota water sports, for those interested; the link follows immediately.

https://pantheratravels.com/water-sports-in-sr-lanka/

Bentota is a touristic town with a local domestic airport (Bentota River Airport) and a few world-class hotels. It is also famous for its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made from coconut nectar.

In the 17th century, the Portuguese built a small fort at the mouth of the Bentota. Portuguese, Dutch, and British captured Sri Lanka from 1505 to 1948. The river marked the southern extremity of Portuguese-held territory in Sri Lanka. The Dutch subsequently allowed the fort to fall into disrepair, converting one of the large buildings within the fort into a colonial rest house for Dutch Officers traveling between Colombo and Galle. The British subsequently converted the rest house into a coastal sanatorium. Sir James Emerson Tennent (1804–1869), the colonial secretary of Ceylon (1845–1850), in his book, Ceylon, An Account of the Island (1859), stated that the rest house at Bentota, situated within a little park, deeply shaded by lofty Tamarind trees on the estuary, is one of the coolest and most agreeable in Ceylon. The British introduced the railway in the early 19th century, mainly to transport the coconut produce from the deep south to the capital, building a permanent bridge to cross the Bentota River.

Bentota Beach Bliss

One of the main draws of Bentota is its pristine beaches. With golden sands and crystal-clear waters, the beaches of Bentota are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. Induruwa Beach, Bentota Beach, and Paradise Island Beach are some of the most popular spots where you can soak up the sun and take beautiful pictures on the way.

Indulge in Ayurveda

Bentota is a hub for Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats. Ayurveda, an ancient healing system, focuses on restoring balance and harmony to the body and mind. Experience the rejuvenating benefits of Ayurveda through relaxing massages, herbal treatments, and yoga sessions. Many resorts and spas in Bentota offer specialized Ayurvedic packages that cater to individual needs, providing a holistic and rejuvenating experience.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Bentota is not just about beaches and nature; it also has a rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored. Visit the Brief Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden once the home of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The garden is filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and artwork, making it a paradise for art and nature enthusiasts. You can also visit the Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple known for its intricate murals and serene atmosphere.

Lunuganga garden

Lunuganga Estate was the country home of Geoffrey Bawa (1919 – 2003), Sri Lanka’s most prolific architect. Inspired by his elder brother Bevis’s Brief Garden, Geoffrey Bawa launched his first landscaping gardening project in Lunuganga in 1948. This was the starting point of his career as one of Asia’s groundbreaking and most celebrated modern architects.

The 15-acre property is located on the banks of the Dedduwa Lake in Bentota. Bawa named the estate Lunuganga, which in Sinhala means Salt River. The Lunuganga Estate is where Geoffrey Bawa poured forty years of his life into creating an idyllic garden paradise. Inspired by Italian Renaissance and English landscaped gardens, the estate features unfolding courtyards, lily ponds, romantic pavilions, and rows of frangipani.

The garden is divided into various sections, including the red terrace, the glass room, the water garden, the yellow courtyard, the broad walk, etc. The red terrace is known so because of the color of the topsoil, which turns red. The water garden consists of a small lake in the middle of the garden and is a perfect place for resting amongst tall bamboo and rustling leaves.

You have to pay the entry fee at the gate.

Lunuganga offer guided tours at Lunuganga daily 11:00 a.m, 2:00 p.m and, 3:00 p.m.

On this day tour, you cannot visit the Lunuganga garden with all other items. If you want to see, you can reduce other items and manage. Please talk to your tour operator or tour guide for assistance.

Bevis Bawa Brief Garden

Major Bevis William Frederick Bawa, a Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) planter, soldier, and landscaper, created the Brief Garden. He was also one of the most renowned landscape architects in Sri Lanka and served as the Aide-de-camp to four Governors of Ceylon. The garden is said to have been designed in the late 1929s and opened to the public in 1969 when it was already famous.

Access to Brief Garden is usually permitted after ringing a bell. Visitors walk around the garden area independently, but a caretaker will accompany the guests in and around the central villa, explaining the architectural design and artifacts.

Website link for Brief garden follows immediately. https://briefgarden.com/

You have to pay the entry fee at the gate.

On this day tour, you cannot visit the Brief Garden with all the other items. However, you can reduce other items and manage them if you want to see them. Please talk to your tour operator or tour guide for assistance.

Turtle Conservation

Bentota is home to several turtle conservation projects that aim to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures. Animal lovers must visit a turtle conservation project (Turtle hatchery). Here, you can learn about the different species of turtles, witness the hatching of turtle eggs, and even release baby turtles into the sea. It is an enriching experience to contribute to the conservation efforts and see these gentle creatures return to their natural habitat.

You have to pay an entrance fee at the gate. They are using it to maintain the project.

Madu River boat riding.

When it comes to experiencing the natural beauty and tranquility of Sri Lanka, Madu River boat riding is an absolute must. Nestled in the southwestern part of the island, Madu River is a picturesque river that winds its way through lush mangrove forests and serene landscapes. This enchanting river offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Embarking on a boat ride along the Madu River allows you to explore the fascinating mangrove ecosystem that thrives in this region. Gliding through the calm waters, you will be surrounded by towering mangrove trees, their roots creating a labyrinth of tunnels and pathways. These mangroves provide a vital habitat for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife.

We have written a separate article about the Madu River boat riding for those interested; the link follows immediately. https://pantheratravels.com/madu-river-boat-safari/

Moonstone mining in Meetiyagoda

Meetiyagoda is renowned for mining and is Sri Lanka’s biggest moonstone mine. Moonstones vary in quality, but the finest have a translucent neutral body with a vibrant blue shine. Sri Lankan moonstones are dark blue and very popular among tourists. They are undoubtedly of the highest value.

Tourists could even go down the shafts from which the moonstones are mined. Some places provide information on the moonstones and the mining process.

Hikkaduwa Glass bottom boat riding.

Hikkaduwa National Park is one of the three marine national parks in Sri Lanka. The national park contains a fringing coral reef with high biodiversity. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary on May 18, 1979, and then, on August 14, 1988, upgraded to a nature reserve with an extended land area. The reef was declared a national park on September 19, 2002.

Glass-bottom boat Rides are among the most popular things to do in Hikkaduwa for individuals of any age. They are a safe and arid way to explore the colorful reefs and marine life that thrive beneath the ocean’s surface.

You must pay the entry and boat fees at the gate.

Welcome to Galle City

Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was the island’s main port. Ibn Batuta, a Moroccan Berber Muslim traveler in the 14th century, referred to it as Qali. During the Dutch colonial period, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The Dutch extensively fortified the city during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The Galle Fort is a World Heritage Site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.

The highlight of any visit to Galle is exploring the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, this impressive fortress is a testament to the city’s colonial past. Stroll along the ramparts, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding area. It covers an area of 52 hectares.

Dutch Fort is the only living world heritage site. This means that communities lived on the site. You will see residences, schools, army camps, and other infrastructures from the Dutch period.

Within the fort, you’ll find a maze of narrow streets lined with charming boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. The Dutch Reformed Church, the National Maritime Museum, and the Galle Lighthouse are also worth a visit. Don’t forget to explore the Galle Fort Clock Tower, a prominent landmark that adds to the fort’s allure.

Galle Cricket stadium

It is situated near Galle Fort and fringed on two sides by the Indian Ocean. It is considered one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. Before being brought up to international cricket standards, it was known as ‘The Esplanade’ and is the home base of the Galle Cricket Club.

Relaxing on Unawatuna Beach

Just a short distance from Galle lies Unawatuna, a picturesque beach town known for its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Spend a day unwinding on the beach, soaking up the sun, and taking refreshing dips in the ocean. Unawatuna is also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Indulging in Local Cuisine

No visit to Galle is complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine. The city offers many culinary delights, from mouthwatering seafood curries to traditional Sri Lankan snacks. Don’t miss the opportunity to try hoppers, a famous Sri Lankan dish made from fermented rice batter, or Kottu roti, a flavorful street food made with shredded roti and vegetables.

Bentota and Galle’s rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches captivate visitors worldwide. They offer a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the charm of Bentota and Galle, Sri Lanka.

Note: You must start at least 8 a.m. from Bentota to cover all of these except Geofry Bawa Lunuganga Garden and Brief Garden. If you reduce the other places, you can visit those two.