Bentota

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...A 3 hour tour....

A November 2000 trip to Bentota by OzGirl

Tapping ToddyMore Photos

Bentota is a "small" southern village located about 62km from Colombo located on the coastal shore and river mouth. Bentota Beach area is one where many tourists flock. A majority of the tourists in this area were German or Italian. This location can be a "day trip" from Colombo but I recommend staying the night (the drive to and from can be very wearing.)

  • 6 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 11 photos

...A 3 hour tour....Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Meeting the locals and observing the flora and fauna on the Bentota River

Quick Tips:

Locals expect a donation for their display of a local activity or for anything they share with you.

Best Way To Get Around:

To get here, you need to hire a driver.

GimanhalaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

What a wonderful experience. Friendly waiters and beautiful food all located in an open air restaurant on the side of the road. (This restuaurant is approved by tourist board as safe) An average meal costs about 200-400 Rupees (on average the US dollar buys 80 rupees.)
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by OzGirl on November 7, 2000

Gimanhala
67th km post Galle Road Bentota, Sri Lanka
(034) 70711

Tapping the ToddyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Local Boys
One of the main traditional occupations 'tapping the toddy' (a fermented sap used as an alcooholic drink) can be seen here. The tappers transfer from palm tree to palm tree on a network of tightropes: like a circus act to collect and tap the 'jungle juice.'
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by OzGirl on November 7, 2000

Tapping the Toddy
New Rest Bentota, Sri Lanka

Grand Mangrove SafariBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sri Lankan Water Monitor
Hop on board a single propped boat from the rivers edge... watch out for the 'kabaragoya' (water monitor) that is heading toward the shore. Duck your heads as you go under the bridges and though the mangroves. With the captains keen eye we were able to see a variety of wildlife. The captain was also knowledgable. Along this tour you stop at Cinnamon Island and the Koduwa Temple
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by OzGirl on November 7, 2000

Grand Mangrove Safari
Bentota, Sri Lanka

Koduwa TempleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Budha
Take a tour though a Buddhist Temple located in the middle of the mangroves located in Bentota. A young monk in training will be more then happy to show you though their temple, but before you enter be sure to remove your shoes. Upon entering the young monk handed us a flower to place in front of the buddhist statue right before we leave.... but before leaving the young monk of course asked for a 'donation'.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by OzGirl on November 7, 2000

Koduwa Temple
Bentota, Sri Lanka

Cinnamon IslandBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Making Cinnamon Oil
Out in the middle of the mangroves there is an island where cinnamon grows like weeds. The island has one family living on it. There house has no electricy, no phone, no gas and no running water. They shared with us how cinnamon sticks and cinnamon oil is made from the plants. Upon completing the tour, they offer you some of their hand made goods for purchase.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by OzGirl on November 7, 2000

Cinnamon Island
Bentota, Sri Lanka

KapuriBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Taking a Ride
Kapuri is a 23 year old lady. She is very fond of tourists, and enjoys having her nose petted. Foe 225 Rupees (about $2.50) you can take a ride on her though Bentota Beaches Park Grounds and out to the beaches. On the masters command she will kneel to the ground to allow you to hop on. The ride was wobbly, and her back bone was strong and huge (guys you need to protect yourself, or be super cautious). On the Beach, Kapuri will go near the water but will not enter: salt water is not good for her. Overall, I am glad we took our elephant ride out in the open rather than in a ring at the elephant orphanage.

About the Writer

OzGirl
OzGirl
Melbourne, Australia

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