Riverside Experiences

Explore Bentota
& Beyond

From river boat tours and water sports to cultural excursions and sunset pontoon dining — Hotel Hemadan puts the best of Sri Lanka at your doorstep.

Private Jetty
On-Site
All river activities depart from our private jetty
Home › Experiences
At The Hotel

On-Site
Experiences

Activities and experiences available directly from Hotel Hemadan — no need to leave the property.

Sunset Pontoon Dining
🌅
Signature Experience

Sunset Pontoon Dining

Dine on our floating pontoon as the sun sets over the Bentota River. Guests consistently describe this as the highlight of their entire Sri Lanka trip. Available for couples, families, and small groups.

  • ✓Set dinner menu with Sri Lankan specialities
  • ✓Cocktails and beverages included
  • ✓Private pontoon for your group
  • ✓Sunset timing optimised
  • ✓Request at time of booking
From
$25/person
Duration
2–3 hours
Enquire & Book
River Boat Tour
🚤
From Our Private Jetty

River Boat Tour

Glide through the Bentota River's mangrove forests, spot monitor lizards, kingfishers, and exotic birds, and watch the river mouth where the Bentota meets the Indian Ocean.

  • ✓Guided tour with local knowledge
  • ✓Mangrove forest exploration
  • ✓Wildlife spotting
  • ✓River mouth visit
  • ✓Departs from our private jetty
From
$15/person
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Enquire & Book
Fishing on the Bentota
🎣
Traditional River Fishing

Fishing on the Bentota

Join local fishermen for an early morning or evening fishing session on the Bentota River. Catch your own fish and have it cooked for dinner at our restaurant.

  • ✓Traditional fishing techniques
  • ✓Equipment provided
  • ✓Catch cooked at our restaurant
  • ✓Morning or evening sessions
  • ✓Maximum 4 guests
From
$12/person
Duration
2–3 hours
Enquire & Book
Nearby Activities

Explore
The Region

Our trusted driver network can arrange any of these excursions. Just ask at reception.

Water Sports at Bentota Beach
🏄
5 min by free shuttle

Water Sports at Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach is one of Sri Lanka's top water sports destinations. Jet skiing, windsurfing, banana boats, kite surfing, and glass-bottom boat rides are all available.

  • ✓Free shuttle from our jetty
  • ✓Jet skiing, windsurfing, banana boats
  • ✓Kite surfing lessons available
  • ✓Glass-bottom boat tours
  • ✓Snorkelling equipment hire
From
Varies
Duration
Half or full day
Enquire & Book
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
🐢
30 min by tuk-tuk

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project and watch baby sea turtles take their first steps into the Indian Ocean. One of Sri Lanka's most moving wildlife experiences.

  • ✓Conservation project tour
  • ✓See 5 species of sea turtles
  • ✓Watch turtle release (seasonal)
  • ✓Educational guide included
  • ✓Transport arranged from hotel
From
$8/person
Duration
2–3 hours
Enquire & Book
Galle Fort
🏛️
45 min by car

Galle Fort

UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dutch-built Galle Fort is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful colonial landmarks, with boutique shops, cafes, and stunning ocean views from the ramparts.

  • ✓UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • ✓Dutch colonial architecture
  • ✓Boutique shopping and cafes
  • ✓Ocean views from ramparts
  • ✓Private car with driver
From
$30/car
Duration
Full day
Enquire & Book
Brief Garden
🌿
20 min by car

Brief Garden

The stunning tropical garden of artist Bevis Bawa — one of Asia's most beautiful gardens, with sculptures, lily ponds, and rare tropical plants. A hidden gem near Bentota.

  • ✓Designed by Bevis Bawa (1904–1992)
  • ✓Rare tropical plants and sculptures
  • ✓Lily ponds and water features
  • ✓Guided tour available
  • ✓Transport arranged from hotel
From
$20/car
Duration
2–3 hours
Enquire & Book
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
🐘
3 hrs by car

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Watch Sri Lanka's rescued elephants bathe in the Maha Oya River. Home to over 90 elephants, Pinnawala is one of the most famous wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka.

  • ✓90+ rescued elephants
  • ✓River bathing twice daily
  • ✓Baby elephant feeding
  • ✓Private car with driver
  • ✓Combined with other sites possible
From
$60/car
Duration
Full day
Enquire & Book
Sinharaja Rainforest
🌊
2 hrs by car

Sinharaja Rainforest

UNESCO World Heritage rainforest — one of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka. Guided treks through ancient forest with endemic birds and wildlife.

  • ✓UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • ✓Guided jungle trek
  • ✓Endemic birds and wildlife
  • ✓Waterfalls and swimming holes
  • ✓Expert local guide included
From
$50/car
Duration
Full day
Enquire & Book
Our Driver Network

Trusted Local
Drivers & Guides

We work exclusively with vetted, licensed drivers from the Sri Lanka Tourism Freedom Association. All our drivers are English-speaking, know every hidden gem in the region, and are committed to giving you the best possible experience.

Simply tell us where you want to go and we'll arrange everything — from a quick tuk-tuk to the beach to a full-day private car tour to Galle, Kandy, or beyond.

Arrange a Tour
🚗
Private Car Air-conditioned, full-day or half-day
🛺
Tuk-Tuk Local trips, beach runs, town visits
✈️
Airport Transfer Colombo airport from $64
🗺️
Multi-Day Tours Kandy, Sigiriya, Yala & more

Plan Your Perfect
Sri Lanka Experience

Tell us what you’d like to do and we’ll arrange everything. Just WhatsApp us before or during your stay.