Bentota River Edge is a small riverside guest house with five rooms on River Avenue in Aluthgama, right on the bank of the Bentota River. It is a quiet place to stay rather than a beach hotel: the gardens and two swimming pools look out over the water, and the beach on the far side of the river is reached by a short boat ride that the house provides for its guests.
The house stands at 125/2 River Avenue in Aluthgama, on the north bank of the Bentota River, just across the water from Bentota Beach. Aluthgama town and its railway station on the coastal line between Colombo and Galle are about 500 metres away, and the water sports centres along the river are a few minutes' walk from the gate.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 105 km from Aluthgama by road, and the drive around Colombo and down the Southern Expressway or the coast usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The easiest way to arrive after a long flight is a private airport transfer booked in advance with Lakpura: an English-speaking driver meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you straight to the house in an air-conditioned car, van or coach sized for your group, from 2 up to 15 guests, at a fixed price for the whole vehicle rather than per seat. The same service works in reverse for your departure flight. Book the Colombo (CMB) Airport transfer to Bentota River Edge.
There are only five rooms. Listings describe double rooms, some with balconies, a superior double with a view of the river, and a villa with its own private pool. Rooms are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms, a flat-screen TV and a minibar, and guests often remark on how spacious they are.
Besides the two pools there is a garden by the river with a barbecue, free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. There is no full restaurant, but breakfast can be included, and the complimentary return boat ride across the river to Bentota Beach is the feature most guests remember.
The river is the main attraction: water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing and boat rides through the mangroves of the Bentota River start from the centres along its banks, and the long sands of Bentota Beach are across the water. Lunuganga, Geoffrey Bawa's country estate, and Brief Garden, created by his brother Bevis, are both a short drive inland. Further south are the turtle hatcheries of Kosgoda, the Madu River with its mangrove islands, the mask makers of Ambalangoda and Galle Fort, an easy day trip. Lakpura can arrange private transfers and day tours to all of these from the house.
Bookable activities, tours, and tickets within a 25 km radius.
Pre-book a private vehicle for arrival, departure, or onward travel.
