Watch Stilt fishermen on wooden stilts
Bentota, Sri Lanka • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
23°C – 30°C, january in bentota offers warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit, high crowds, peak season
23°C – 30°C, january in bentota offers warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; walking required.
Not wheelchair accessible; walking required.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed feelings: unique experience, but costs for photos.
Mixed feelings: unique experience, but costs for photos.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Picturesque Setting
Couples loved the romantic backdrop, perfect for photos and creating memories together.
Unique Culture
Witnessing the stilt fishermen was a unique cultural experience that couples cherished.
Photo Opportunity
Travelers raved about the stunning photo opportunities, capturing a slice of Sri Lanka.
Staged Experience
Couples felt the experience was a bit staged, more performance than authentic fishing.
Overpriced Photos
Travelers felt pressured to pay for photos, which detracted from the experience.
Not Authentic
Some couples felt the practice was more about tourism than a genuine livelihood.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Watch Stilt Fisherman at Bentota coast.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
)](https://media.rimigo.com/1763445157800_dd75d440c0875a5583ced626ddc2832f.png)
24-30°C
December marks the beginning of the dry season in Bentota, with warm temperatures and reduced rainfall. The average high is 29.7°C, with lows around 24.4°C. Rainfall decreases to 93mm over approximately 16.5 days, resulting in a moderate chance of precipitation. ([weather-atlas.com](https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/sri-lanka/bentota-weather-december?utm_source=openai))
December marks the beginning of the dry season in Bentota, with warm temperatures and reduced rainfall. The average high is 29.7°C, with lows around 24.4°C. Rainfall decreases to 93mm over approximately 16.5 days, resulting in a moderate chance of precipitation. ([weather-atlas.com](https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/sri-lanka/bentota-weather-december?utm_source=openai))
Open
Increased tourist activity may lead to higher demand for stilt fishing demonstrations.
Increased tourist activity may lead to higher demand for stilt fishing demonstrations.
Recommended
December offers favorable conditions for observing stilt fishermen in Bentota. The reduced rainfall and warmer temperatures enhance the experience, though higher tourist numbers may affect availability and prices.
December offers favorable conditions for observing stilt fishermen in Bentota. The reduced rainfall and warmer temperatures enhance the experience, though higher tourist numbers may affect availability and prices.
January
HIGH
23-30°C
January in Bentota offers warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit.
January in Bentota offers warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability; advance booking is recommended.
High demand may lead to limited availability; advance booking is recommended.
Recommended
With favorable weather and vibrant local activities, January is a great month to experience Bentota's stilt fishing tradition.
With favorable weather and vibrant local activities, January is a great month to experience Bentota's stilt fishing tradition.
February
HIGH
24-31°C
February continues the warm and dry trend, offering excellent conditions for outdoor activities.
February continues the warm and dry trend, offering excellent conditions for outdoor activities.
Open
Due to high demand, early reservations are advisable.
Due to high demand, early reservations are advisable.
Recommended
The combination of pleasant weather and cultural events makes February a popular time to visit Bentota.
The combination of pleasant weather and cultural events makes February a popular time to visit Bentota.
March
MEDIUM
25-31°C
March sees a slight increase in rainfall but remains predominantly warm and suitable for tourism.
March sees a slight increase in rainfall but remains predominantly warm and suitable for tourism.
Open
More accommodations become available as the peak season ends.
More accommodations become available as the peak season ends.
Recommended
March offers a balance between favorable weather and reduced crowds, making it a good time to visit.
March offers a balance between favorable weather and reduced crowds, making it a good time to visit.
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
Organized tours often include shuttle services to the stilt fishing sites, providing a convenient option.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available from Colombo and the airport for direct travel to Bentota Beach.
Train
Recommended
Trains on the Southern Coastal Line stop at Bentota Railway Station, providing easy access to the viewing points.
Bus
Public buses from Colombo's Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal travel along Galle Road (A2) through Bentota.
Car
Driving to Bentota is straightforward, with parking available at Bentota Beach. The Southern Expressway (E01) offers a faster route.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required