Bentota welcomes visitors year-round, offering two distinct seasons to choose from based on personal preferences and comfort.
The city boasts a consistently warm climate with minimal temperature variations. There are two main seasons in Bentota: the dry season (cooler) and the rainy season (hot). Typically, daytime temperatures range from +30-35°C, while nights are around +24-28°C.
The rainy season in Bentota starts in March and continues until October, although rain patterns can vary. During this time, sporadic daytime showers are common, while nights often see continuous rain. The high humidity levels in this season may deter some tourists.
However, there are advantages to traveling during the rainy season, including lower vacation costs compared to the November to April season when the weather is significantly better, with minimal to no rain.
Ultimately, the choice of season depends on your preferences, so pack accordingly and embark on your new adventure.
Bentota's Flora and Fauna
The vegetation in Bentota, situated in Sri Lanka, closely resembles the flora found in South India, with well-preserved evergreen rainforests.
Bentota is abundant in trees, some reaching heights of 50-80 meters. The Indian ficus, a sacred tree for Buddhists, is particularly famous here. Remarkably, the tree's roots grow from its branches and extend into the ground, giving it a columnar appearance resembling a dense grove.
In classic jungle fashion, you'll also encounter the widespread presence of lianas, flexible palm trees known as rattan, entwining themselves around the trees in Bentota.
The local animal life in Bentota is highly diverse, and animals are protected from harm. As a result, their populations are steadily increasing. For instance, the elephant population has surpassed two thousand, making them an integral part of festivities and celebrations in the region.
Bentota is home to fascinating predatory animals, including the 'gubach,' a local bear species known for its exceptionally long and mobile lips.
Moreover, the island boasts a diverse array of wildlife, from monkeys to squirrels, leopards to parrots, wild boars to lynx, and foxes to the majestic presence of flamingos and peacocks.