🇱🇰 Aluthgama Day Trip Guide
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🇱🇰 Aluthgama Day Trip Guide
A hidden gem on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, next to Bentota
📋 Overview
Aluthgama sits at the mouth of Bentota River on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, right next to the popular resort town of Bentota. One side faces the Indian Ocean, the other the calm river and mangroves. Less commercialized than Bentota, Aluthgama retains authentic local charm while offering unique cultural attractions.
Best time to visit: December – April (dry, 27–30°C) Suggested stay: 1 day (day trip from Galle or Colombo) From Colombo: ~65km (highway 1–1.5hrs) From Galle: ~55km (1–1.5hrs) Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), 1 USD ≈ 300 LKR
📅 One-Day Itinerary
🌅 Morning: Temple & Garden
08:00 Kande Viharaya Temple
Aluthgama's most famous landmark. A large white seated Buddha (~15m) visible from afar. Beautiful murals, serene dagoba. Free entry, donations welcome. Best visited early morning.
10:00 Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa
~10 min by tuk tuk. The private tropical garden of Bevis Bawa (brother of architect Geoffrey Bawa). Sculptures from around the world, exotic plants, hidden pathways, reflection pools. Bevis was aide-de-camp to the British Governor of Ceylon; the garden hosted many artists and celebrities. Entry ~1,000 LKR. Book ahead.
🍽️ Lunch
- River Side Restaurant – Bentota River bank, fresh river prawn curry
- Malli's Seafood – Local favorite for seafood
- Bentota Beach restaurants – Multiple beachfront options
🌊 Afternoon: Beach & River
13:00 Bentota Beach
Aluthgama shares Bentota's crescent bay beach. White sand, turquoise water. Swimming, sunbathing, water sports (jet ski, banana boat).
15:00 Bentota River Boat Safari
One of Aluthgama's best experiences. Small boat through mangrove waterways:
- 🐒 Monkeys in the mangroves
- 🦎 Monitor lizards basking on riverbanks
- 🦅 Kingfishers and waterbirds
- 🌿 Dense mangrove ecosystems
- Local fishermen casting nets
~1–1.5 hours, ~2,000–3,000 LKR (bargain).
17:00 Sea Turtle Hatchery
Several turtle conservation centers in the area:
- See different species (green, hawksbill, etc.)
- Learn about conservation