Bentota is famous for its golden beaches, the beach in Bentota is divided to two parts; the north and the south. The northern portion to the back of the southern beach, where the Indian Ocean’s waves meet the Bentota river as it flows into the sea, is otherwise known as ‘Paradise Island’ and is a beautifully sandwiched strip of coast between the river and lagoon and the sea. The more attractive southern part of the beach has large bands of white powdery sand, shady corkscrew palms and curved bays, prime for sunbathing, walking, swimming and other recreational activities. Bentota’s lagoon is ideal for jet skiing, water skiing, and boat trips along the Madu river.

Experience Ambalangoda's cultural heritage with a visit to Mask shops where intricate masks used in various southern traditional dance forms are on display. Masked dancing is also performed here regularly. Visit the nearby Lunuganga, a garden retreat that was created by Sri Lanka's iconic architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The Lunuganga gardens were a life long project cherished by Bawa and designed with numerous varieties of foliage, many pavilions, and statues.