My Family Trip to Bentota Sri Lanka
Bentota is a coastal town located in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, known for its long golden beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. It's a great place to base yourself for a week-long family holiday as it offers plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind, as well as explore the nearby attractions.
One of the must-do activities in Bentota is a boat trip down the Madu River. This is a scenic river that winds its way through mangrove forests and is home to a variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife. You can take a guided boat tour down the river, which will allow you to see some of the local flora and fauna up close, as well as visit a few of the river's small islands, which are home to temples and other sites of interest.
Another popular activity in Bentota is swimming with turtles. Sri Lanka is home to several species of turtles, and there are a few places in Bentota where you can go snorkelling or diving and swim with these majestic creatures. The turtles are used to human interaction and are very friendly, making this a great experience for families with children.
If you're interested in exploring some of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, then a visit to the historic city of Galle is a must. Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a well-preserved Dutch colonial fort that dates back to the 17th century. The fort is a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere, and there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
Finally, no visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without exploring some of the country's many temples. There are several temples in and around Bentota that are worth visiting, including the Kande Vihara Temple and the Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara Temple. These temples are steeped in history and are a great way to learn about Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
In summary, Bentota is a great place to base yourself for a week-long family holiday in Sri Lanka. From boat trips down the Madu River and swimming with turtles to exploring the historic city of Galle and visiting temples, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Sri Lanka is also known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Indian, Malay, and Dutch influences. When staying in Bentota, you'll have plenty of opportunities to sample some of the local dishes.
Curries are a staple of Sri Lankan cuisine, and you'll find a variety of curries available at local restaurants and cafes. Some popular Sri Lankan curries include chicken, fish, and vegetable curries, which are usually served with rice and various accompaniments like sambols and pickles.
Another must-try dish is hoppers, which are a type of pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Hoppers are usually eaten for breakfast and can be served plain or with various toppings like egg, onion, or sambol.
In addition to curries and hoppers, Sri Lanka is famous for its seafood. Being a coastal town, Bentota offers plenty of fresh seafood options, including fish, prawns, and crab. Aside from the delicious food, Sri Lankan people are known for their warmth and hospitality. You'll find that the locals are friendly and welcoming, and always happy to share their culture and traditions with visitors.
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time to travel depends on where in the country you plan to visit. The weather patterns in Sri Lanka can be quite complex due to the country's geography and position, but generally, there are two monsoon seasons: the Southwest monsoon (Yala) from May to September and the Northeast monsoon (Maha) from November to February.
If you plan to visit the west and south coasts, including Bentota, the best time to travel is from December to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is considered the peak tourist season so you can expect higher prices and more crowds. April is also a good month to visit, but you may experience some occasional rain.
If you plan to visit the east coast, including areas like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, the best time to travel is from April to September, when the weather is dry and sunny. The east coast is more affected by the Northeast monsoon, which brings rain and wind from October to January.
If you plan to visit the hill country, including places like Kandy and Ella, the best time to travel is from December to March and from July to August, when the weather is dry and cool. This is the peak tourist season for the hill country so you can expect higher prices and more crowds.
Overall, Sri Lanka can be visited throughout the year, but the weather can be unpredictable at times, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go.