Bentota

Bentota
town
Bentota beach
Bentota
Coordinates: 6°25′12″N 80°0′0″E
Country	Sri Lanka
Province	Southern Province
District	Galle District
Population
• Total	37,000
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (Sri Lanka Time)

The railway Colombo – Galle at Bentota

Skylark Helicopter conducting joy rides in Bentota

Bentota Estuary

Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi) south of Colombo and 56 kilometres (35 mi) north of Galle. Bentota is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, at an elevation of 3 metres (9.8 ft) above the sea level.

History

Bentota has been identified as the ancient Bhimatirtha and the area is also described in ancient messenger poems (sandeśa kāvya). It is believed that the Galapatha Viharaya (which is referred to in chronicles Mahavamsa and Pujavaliya by the name Bhimatittha Viharaya in Pasyodun District) was maybe a cluster of five ancient temples in the region. The 13th-century rock inscription at Galapatha Viharaya also mentions the name Bhimatittha.

In the 17th century the Portuguese built a small fort at the mouth of the Bentota River (Bentara Ganga), which in Sinhala was called Parangi Kotuwa, meaning the fort of the Portuguese. The river marked the southern extremity of Portuguese-held territory in Sri Lanka. The Dutch subsequently allowed the fort to fall into disrepair, converting one of the large buildings within the fort into a colonial rest house for Dutch Officers travelling between Colombo and Galle. The British subsequently converted the rest house into a coastal sanatorium. Sir James Emerson Tennent (1804–1869), the colonial secretary of Ceylon (1845–1850) in his book, Ceylon, An Account of the Island (1859), stated that the rest house at Bentota was situated within a little park, deeply shaded by lofty Tamarind trees on the point of the beach where the river forms its junction with the sea. He wrote that stated that this rest house was one of the coolest and most agreeable in Ceylon. The British introduced the railway in the early 19th century, mainly to transport the coconut produce from the deep south to the capital, building a permanent bridge (Bentota Palama) to cross the river.

The Mythical Troll Rock of Bentota Beach: Handirangala – A Sleeping Giant in the Ocean

Nestled along the golden shores of Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka, lies an enigmatic natural formation steeped in mystery and legend. Known locally as Handirangala, this unique rock formation has captivated locals and travelers alike with its striking resemblance to a sleeping giant. Rising above the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, Handirangala is more than just a geological wonder; it is a testament to the fusion of nature’s artistry and the rich folklore of Sri Lanka.

The Legend of Handirangala

According to local lore, Handirangala, or “The Troll Rock,” is the petrified remains of a mythical giant. The story recounts how this giant once roamed the island with unmatched strength and a deep connection to nature. However, driven by hubris or love for the ocean, he defied the gods and was cursed to eternal slumber. Over centuries, the waves and wind sculpted his body into the rocky outcrop visible today, where he rests as a silent guardian of the shore. Some say that during certain times of the day, when the sunlight hits the rock just right, the giant’s features—his forehead, nose, and chin—become unmistakably clear, evoking awe and wonder.

The Geological Marvel

Beyond the myth, Handirangala is a fascinating geological formation. Composed of ancient rock, likely shaped by volcanic activity and centuries of coastal erosion, it serves as a reminder of the Earth’s evolving landscape. The rock’s contours mimic the form of a reclining figure, with its “head” pointing toward the sky and its “body” merging seamlessly into the ocean. This natural phenomenon highlights the interplay between geology and human imagination, as people have long found stories within the patterns of the earth.

The Mystique from the Beach

From the soft, golden sands of Bentota Beach, the silhouette of Handirangala is unmistakable. The tranquility of the setting adds to the mystique of the rock, as the ocean waves lap gently against its base, echoing the whispers of ancient tales. Visitors often find themselves lost in thought, marveling at how nature can evoke such humanlike forms. For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the rock provides a perfect subject, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the interplay of light and shadow accentuates its shape.

A Symbol of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Handirangala is not just a visual spectacle but a cultural symbol. The rock embodies the deep-rooted relationship between Sri Lankans and their environment, where myths breathe life into natural landmarks. It also serves as a reminder of the need to preserve such sites for future generations. The allure of Handirangala attracts visitors from all over the world, making it an integral part of Bentota’s charm and a must-visit destination for those exploring Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

Handirangala, the mythical Troll Rock of Bentota Beach, is a place where legend and nature converge. Its mysterious allure and breathtaking presence inspire imagination and reverence, offering a glimpse into the profound ways humanity connects with its surroundings. Whether as a geological wonder, a cultural landmark, or a mythological relic, this sleeping giant continues to watch over the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean, inviting all who visit to dream, explore, and believe in the magic of the natural world.

Transport

Bentota is located on the Coastal or Southern Rail Line (connecting Colombo through to Matara), though Bentota Halt is only a small railway station with most trains stopping at Aluthgama, 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) north of Bentota. It is located on the A2 highway, connecting Colombo to Wellawaya, about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of Beruwala. Access is possible from the Southern Expressway Welipenna exit and only 10 km from the exit. Helicopters fly shuttle services on charter basis.

Economy

Bentota is a tourist attraction, with a local airport (Bentota River Airport) and a handful of world-class hotels. It is a destination for watersports. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda. Bentota is famous for its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar. It also has a turtle hatchery, located on Induruwa beach (6 km from Bentota).

Attractions

• Bentota Beach
• Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery – located 11 km (6.8 mi) south of Bentota, is a community-based turtle hatchery and turtle watching project set up by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) in association with the Wildlife Department of Sri Lanka.
• Brief Garden – located 11 km (6.8 mi) inland from Bentota, is the house and garden of renowned Sri Lankan landscape architect, Bevis Bawa, the older brother of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Established in 1929 on the grounds of a former rubber plantation Bawa continued to develop the property until his death in 1992.
• Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara Buddhist temple, located in Bentota, contains stone inscriptions, stone carvings, pillars, ponds and troughs from the medieval period.

See also

• List of towns in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
• List of beaches in Sri Lanka