Bentota is a fantastic base for exploring nearby Sri Lankan cities and cultural hotspots, thanks to its convenient location along the southwestern coast. While famed for its beaches and water activities, Bentota also offers some compelling city tours that reveal its more urban and cultural side. Our favorites include visits to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, and Kandy, a city rich in religious and botanical attractions. We also appreciate tours that combine adventure with local history, giving travelers a well-rounded experience. Among them, the City Tour: Discover Aluthgama with Thrilling Adventures stands out for its mix of cultural sights and outdoor fun.
If you’re looking to explore the bustling streets, historic landmarks, or scenic botanical gardens, Bentota’s nearby city tours offer memorable ways to see Sri Lanka beyond its beaches. Whether you’re after a relaxed day of sightseeing or an active adventure, there’s something here for everyone.
Quick Overview
This list features four top city tours from Bentota, each with its own flavor:
– A comprehensive Colombo city tour that covers major landmarks and local hotspots (details here)
– A more personalized Colombo experience from Beruwala that includes hotel pick-up and insightful commentary (details here)
– An extended day trip to Kandy, blending botanical gardens, a sacred temple, and lake walks (details here)
– An adventure-filled exploration of Aluthgama, including boat rides, temple visits, and turtle conservation (details here)
Now, let’s look at each of these tours in detail to help you decide which best suits your interests and schedule.
1. Colombo City Tour
At number one, the Colombo City Tour offers a solid introduction to Sri Lanka’s largest city—its role as a strategic port has made it a key player since colonial times. This tour includes visits to iconic sites like Galle Face Green, where you can experience a lively atmosphere and stunning sunset views. You’ll also explore the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, a vibrant religious site with a history spanning over 2,000 years. The tour typically lasts 6 to 9 hours, making it a full day of sightseeing.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the city’s cultural and historical layers. The Galle Face Green spot is perfect for watching the sunset amid local life, while the Gangaramaya Temple offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Colombo. The itinerary also includes time to walk around Colombo City Centre, a modern shopping and entertainment hub. Priced at $68 for up to 7 people, it provides good value considering the depth of experience. The small group size ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, engaging day in Colombo with a mix of history, culture, and local flavor. The reviews are perfect (5.0/5), and it’s a great way to dive into the city’s contrasts.
2. Colombo City Tour from Beruwala
For around $55 per person, the Colombo City Tour from Beruwala provides a cost-effective, door-to-door experience. This private tour is perfect if you prefer a more personalized trip with hotel pickup and drop-off from Beruwala. It lasts about 7 hours and is suited for travelers aged 7 to 80, making it accessible for families and older visitors alike.
This tour offers a well-rounded look at Colombo’s modern and colonial architecture, temples, and public spaces. The itinerary features a visit to the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), a symbol of Sri Lanka’s political history and cultural pride. The driver and guide share stories about the city’s legends and secrets, making the experience both informative and lively. One review notes, “We had a very reasonable price and a friendly driver who made the trip enjoyable.” The small-group format helps ensure flexibility and personal attention.
Bottom Line: Best suited for budget-conscious travelers or families seeking a relaxed, flexible day with insightful local commentary. It’s a great introduction to Colombo’s vibrant pulse.
3. Kandy City Tour from Bentota
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Kandy City Tour from Bentota offers a full day (about 13 hours) exploring Sri Lanka’s spiritual center. The highlight is visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, along with the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya—home to more than 4,000 plant species and a favorite for plant lovers and nature photographers.
During this tour, you’ll also enjoy a peaceful walk around Kandy Lake and learn about the city’s history from a knowledgeable guide. The botanical gardens feature notable sights like the cannonball tree and wobbly suspension bridges, making it a visual treat. Priced at $165 per person, it’s a longer, more immersive experience suited for serious culture and nature enthusiasts.
One traveler noted, “Kandy has nice views and interesting religious sights, like the Buddha Tooth Temple. The guide was very knowledgeable about Buddhism and Sri Lankan traditions.” Given the length and depth, this tour is best for those with a keen interest in religious sites and botany.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors with a full day to spare, especially those interested in religious sites, lush gardens, and cultural storytelling.
$165.00 per person
4. City Tour: Discover Aluthgama with Thrilling Adventures
At position four, this Aluthgama adventure tour offers a lively mix of cultural sights and outdoor activities. For $75 per person, you’ll begin with a visit to the Kande Viharaya Temple, renowned for its enormous Buddha statues and its significance to local worshippers. The tour then takes you on a boat ride on the Madu River, where you’ll spot diverse flora and fauna, and learn about the Sea Turtle Conservation Project—a rare chance to get close to Sri Lanka’s turtle populations.
The trip also includes a trip to Maggona Beach and Bentota Beach, where you can relax and see the Indian Ocean’s vastness. This tour is especially suited for active travelers who want a mix of cultural insight and nature immersion. It’s a full-day experience that balances sightseeing with adventure.
One reviewer called it “a perfect mix of history, nature, and fun,” highlighting the boat ride and the opportunity to learn about conservation efforts. The small group size fosters a personalized experience, making it ideal for families and travelers who enjoy hands-on activities.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers and families wanting a day packed with diverse experiences in a scenic setting.
$75 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. For a comprehensive city experience with a cultural touch, the Colombo City Tour is ideal. If you prefer a more personalized, flexible approach, the Colombo Tour from Beruwala is a smart pick. For those with a full day and a love for botany and religion, the Kandy trip offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. Lastly, if you’re after a blend of adventure and local life, the Aluthgama tour provides a lively day mixed with outdoor activities.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and secure the best rates. Think about what excites you most—history, nature, adventure—and choose the tour that aligns with your travel style.
Final thoughts
The options above demonstrate the variety of city and cultural tours available from Bentota. If you’re after a comprehensive day in Colombo, the first tour is hard to beat. For families or budget travelers, the Beruwala option offers good value and flexibility. Those wanting a full immersion in Kandy’s spiritual and botanical wonders will find the longer tour rewarding. And if you love active exploration, the Aluthgama adventure delivers a lively mix of sights and outdoor fun.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early and clarifying your interests will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Sri Lanka.