Kalutara
Sri Lanka · Western Province · 5 m
Description
Kalutara (කළුතර) lies about an hour south of Colombo at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga and combines Buddhist tradition with a tropical coastal landscape. The town’s landmark is the Kalutara Bodhiya, with its sacred Bodhi tree and unusual hollow stupa, whose interior is decorated with paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. The long sandy beach is ideal for swimming and walking, while boat trips along the Kalu Ganga explore mangroves and a rich riverside ecosystem. Richmond Castle, a grand villa dating from around the turn of the twentieth century, is one of the area’s most notable historic attractions.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Kalutara Bodhiya and the hollow stupa
- Kalutara Beach
- Kalu Ganga river safari through the mangroves
- Richmond Castle
- Gangatilaka Vihara murals
- Basket weaving workshops of Wadduwa and Kalutara
- Wadduwa Beach(Day trip)
- Kalutara mangrove kayaking
- Katukurunda and Payagala fishing beaches
- Thudugala Ella waterfall(Day trip)
- Kande Vihara(Day trip)
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- CMB
- Train stations:
- Kalutara South, Kalutara North, Katukurunda, Payagala North