How to Get the Best Holiday Experience in Kalutara, Sri Lanka

Located approximately 43 kilometres south of the commercial capital of Colombo, Kalutara is a major city in the Kalutara district, Sri Lanka. Kalutara can be quite underrated in comparison to other beach towns in Sri Lanka, and unfairly so. The city boasts some pretty beaches perfect for water sports, historical and religious sites, and amazing accommodation.

Best time to visit

There is no particular time to visit as the weather is quite stable all year round, which means it can get dry, hot and humid most days of the year. During the monsoon season, however, expect high winds, rough seas and lots of rain.

How to get there

Travelling to Kalutara is easy! The train is the most scenic and convenient way to reach the town. Trains depart daily from the Fort Rail Way Station in Colombo. If coming from the southern coast, all you have to do is get off at the Kalutara station. Buses are frequent as well. Catch a bus headed to Galle and get off at the Kalutara bus station. Accommodation is varied here as far as hotels in Kalutara goes. Among them, Avani Kalutara Resort is quite a popular option.

What to do

Visit Kalutara Beach – this stretch of seaside rarely gets packed like those in the south. But not so secluded that you can’t find a nice restaurant to have a beachside meal and watch the sunset. Water sports are also popular in certain areas of the beach.

Kalutara Temple and Bodhi tree are sacred sites for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The temple is visible as one enters the town towards the right side of the bridge. The famous Bodhi Tree on the premises is an offshoot of the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, which is the oldest living tree in the world! The site of the stupa is built on a fort erected by the Portuguese invaders, which were later renovated by the Dutch.

Richmond Castle is a beautiful colonial type mansion that belonged to a notable aristocrat of the area, Don Arthur De Silva. The construction of the mansion included materials from all over the world, including Burmese teakwood, tiles from Italy and coloured glass from Scotland. The beautiful gardens and house are under the Public Trustee and is open for visitors.

Calido Beach is one of the popular beaches in Kalutara. The Kalu Ganga that runs through the city ultimately falls into this beach. The water is shallow and gushes in soft waves. Ideal place for a refreshing dip minus the rough waves!

Fa Hien Caves, also known as Pahiyangala, is a prehistoric cave used by the travelling Chinese monk during his travels across Sri Lanka. The caves are a source of major archaeological excavation and interest. Many skeletal remains have been uncovered here. The caves are on top of a cliff, and several stairs have to be climbed to reach the site.

Asokaramaya Temple is another famous religious site in the city. It was built in the 1870s and is renowned for its beautiful paintings of the Buddha, and sculptures found in the image house.

Ketchchimalai Mosque is a unique place as it is the first mosque built on the island. The pure white mosque is a beauty and built on a hill overlooking the sea. Its architecture infuses an Arabesque vibe.

Brief Garden is a lovely sculpted garden that belonged to the brother of late Geoffery Bawa, one of the foremost architects in Sri Lanka. The garden includes 5 acres of beautifully sculpted gardens and a beautiful country style manor house. A delightful way to spend an afternoon in Kalutara.