As one of the southern shoreline's finest beach hotspots, Bentota has been attracting visitors for decades. The city's rich cultural heritage also makes it a hit with travellers from foreign lands. From visiting the beach town during the right time of the year to signing up for popular excursions, here's how to discover Bentota's best attributes during a 2023 getaway.

Bentota - Image via Flickr

Those who intend to explore Bentota in 2023 must first and foremost make sure they are holidaying in the seaside hamlet during the ideal time of the year. Although Bentota is a pleasant beach hub for most months of the year, first-timers should attempt to visit the area between December and April. This is the peak tourist season for the south coast when sunny skies prevail and the wind and water conditions are perfect for a wide range of water sports activities and excursions. Avoid touring Bentota during the monsoon season from May to September as the heavy rainfall can put a damper on an otherwise lovely holiday.

A conveniently located Bentota base is also crucial to enjoying a seamless holiday in 2023 and holidaymakers will find that there are a wide variety of hospitality hubs to choose from. In addition to being a beachfront property, the ideal Bentota hotel, whether it's Bentota No 1 or any other property offering luxury villas in Sri Lanka, must also offer easy access to the city's top landmarks. This is especially relevant for those who are spending a weekend or a few days in the beach town.

A trip to Bentota would not be complete without taking part in some of the exciting water-based activities accessible in the area. Considered one of the island's best surfing locations, Bentota is a dream destination for wave riders. There are surfboard rentals as well as surfing instructors that one can hire in Bentota while those with a passion for diving and snorkelling will also find the Bentota seabed teeming with coral reefs and marine creatures. One of the most famous dive sites in Bentota is Canoe Rock, which encompasses a large underwater valley that's too vast to explore on a single diving excursion.

Bentota is a town that will forever be associated with the legacy of the illustrious Bawa Brothers, and a trip to Bentota in 2023 must also include tours of their iconic estates and country homes. Start with Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga Estate, which is regarded as a haven for architecture buffs and horticulturists. The famous architect's equally accomplished brother Bevis Bawa's residence and garden are also open to the public. Called the Brief Gardens, this gorgeous enclave with ponds and sculptures fashioned by its owner is a unique hideaway in the beach capital.

Whether one is of the Buddhist faith or not, exploring Bentota's heritage site in terms of Buddhist temples is also essential for those based in the area. The Kande Vihara Temple is one of the largest shrines in the region and is perhaps best known for housing the largest sculpture of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, the Raja Maha Vihara is another exquisite local temple in Bentota where architecture fans and devout pilgrims congregate.

Don't forget to stop by the Bentota Turtle Hatchery, as it is a leading institution dedicated to saving endangered sea turtles from human and natural threats. Collecting sea turtle eggs that have been laid on Bentota Beach, the conservation centre protects the hatchlings until they are old enough to make their way back to the ocean. Tourists can not only volunteer to release hatchlings back to the sea but also take part in other conservation activities organised by the hatchery.