The Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex, constructed according to a design by architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1970s, occupies the strip of land between the Galle Road and the Colombo-Galle-Matara railway track and is home to a range of luxury hotels,Bentota. The shopping arcade houses a chain of shops selling drums, masks, handmade lace and many more. The open air theatre regularly stage shows of folk and mask dancing. Bentota River, Bentota Lagoon and River Bentara River Bentara, the legendary river at Bentota, flows into the Indian Ocean forming a lagoon at the last section of the river. The River Bentara and the lagoon set up the widest array of water sports among all the beach resorts of Sri Lanka. Jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing or enjoying a romantic river safari along the clam waters are some of the activities that are well known in the area.