Bentota: River, beach, and resort-style comfort on the west coast.

Bentota sits where the Bentota River meets the Indian Ocean, about two hours south of Colombo. It is the first proper beach stop on the coastal road south and has a more polished, resort-style feel than the backpacker hubs further down the coast. The river side offers boat safaris through mangroves to spot crocodiles and monitor lizards, while the ocean side has a long golden beach with water sports and sunbeds. It works well as a first or last night on a south coast trip.

What to see and do

• Bentota River safari. Spot crocodiles, water monitors, and kingfishers from a quiet boat.
• Long golden beach on the ocean side. Calmer than further south, good for swimming.
• Water sports: jet skiing, banana boats, and wakeboarding, all available on the beach.
• Brief Garden, the estate of legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. A beautiful afternoon visit.
• Kosgoda turtle hatchery, 15 minutes north. One of the oldest conservation projects on the coast.
• Lunuganga, Bawa's country estate and gardens. Bookable for tours and afternoon tea.

Tips from locals

• Bentota is more expensive than towns further south. Budget travellers may want to pass through rather than stay.
• The beach can have strong undertow, especially during the southwest monsoon (May to September).
• If you are heading south, Bentota to Galle is about 90 minutes by car along the coastal expressway.