The west coast of Sri Lanka is filled with many beautiful, uncrowded beaches and convenient and peaceful locations. One such nice place is Kalutara on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Kalutara, also known as Kalutota, is a beautiful coastal town.
Kalutara in Sri Lanka is a very popular tourist attraction and a peaceful coastal resort. The city is home to a number of beaches and is also rich with interesting history. Be it food or cultural hotspot centers or beach activities, Kalutara has it all.
It is perfect for family holidays and if you are looking for detailed information Kalutara Travel Guide, Then you have come to the right place. Let us discuss in detail what you can do in Kalutara along with other essential information.
About Kalutara
Kalutara or Kalutota is a coastal town on the west coast of Sri Lanka and is an ideal place for a nice family holiday. The city has some beautiful beaches where you can go to enjoy some peaceful time in nature.
There are a lot of heritage sites in Kalutara, which speak of the rich history and ethnicity of the place. Start with the ‘Kalutara Chaitya’, a Buddhist place of worship consisting of a hollow stupa, the only one in the entire world. There are also other attractions like Richmond Castle and Ashokaramaya Temple.
Kaleido beach is a must visit when you go on a holiday to this beautiful place and there are many beautiful and luxurious beach resorts where you can stay during your stay in Kalutara.
Not only this, you will get some of the best and freshest seafood in Kalutara. From lobster to cuttlefish and many other fish delicacies. Mangosteen, a juicy fruit with a fleshy white core and purple covering, is native to the region and Kalutara is the largest center of mangosteen production.
Travel to Kalutara, Sri Lanka to know about this beautiful, fascinating place in detail.
Best time to visit Kalutara
The weather in Kalutara remains fairly similar throughout the year, although you may experience a monsoon season in the summer and the winter months are comparatively dry. Therefore, you can visit Kalutara almost any time of the year as the temperature remains quite stable throughout the year.
Things to do in Kalutara
Kalutara has many tourist attractions and places to visit along the seashore. Here we have collected a list of the 10 best things to do in Kalutara. Take a look at the list to know more.
1. Richmond Castle
Richmond Castle is a beautiful two-storey mansion located in Kalutara. The mansion was built between 1900 and 1910 by a wealthy philanthropist, Don Arthur de Silva. This stunning building has a stunning architecture, featuring Burmese teakwood construction, stained glass from Scotland and beautiful Italian tiles. This construction tells the grand architecture of its time. The excellent frame and pillars add to the charm of this place. The palace is currently maintained by a public trustee and is open to all visitors.
2. Ashokaramayya Temple
Asokaramaya is a Buddhist temple, built in the 1870s and located in Kalutara city. The temple was built with the idea of providing a home to the disciples of Aluthgama Sangharatne from all over the world. The temple is beautifully decorated with various intricate structures and beautiful murals of Lord Buddha that adorn the walls of the temple. There is a hall where sermons are given, a drawing room, a clock tower and a Bodhi tree. There is a lot to see in Ashokramayya Temple.
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3. Kalutara Chaitya
Located just south of the Kalutara Bridge, the Kalutara Chaitya is a must-see when you are visiting Kalutara. The temple is situated right on the northern entrance of the city and has immense historical significance. Kalutara Chaitya is the first temple to have a hollow stupa. Gangatilake Stupa, as it is known, is the only hollow stupa in the entire world.
4. Kaleido Beach
Kalido Beach is another beautiful place that you must visit during your trip to Kalutara. The Kalu River, which flows through Kalutara, eventually empties into the sea, resulting in a strip of land between the Kalu River and the sea. The water here comes in gentle waves and is quite shallow giving visitors a chance to take a dip in the water.
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5. Fa-Hyan Caves
Fahien Caves also known as Pahiyangala, is located in Kalutara. It is a major tourist attraction and legend has it that the caves were home to a Chinese traveling monk named Fa Hien. The caves are also a place of archaeological interest. Archaeological excavations have revealed many skeletal remains of pre-historic humans at this site. The caves are located at the top of a cliff and you may need to climb some stairs to reach the top and find the cave.
6. Brief Garden
Brief Garden is a very beautiful garden near Kalutara in Sri Lanka. The garden is spread over 5 acres of land and is home to many old trees and shrubs. This beautiful garden is divided into different sections, each with a different theme. This beautiful garden is the ideal place for some good photography.
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7. Kechimalai Temple
This is the first mosque on the island. Built on a hill near the sea, this mosque has been a place of worship for the ancestors of Sri Lanka’s Muslim community. With Arab-style architecture, Kechimalai Mosque is the oldest and first mosque in this country.
8. Boat ride in Kalu Ganga river
If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet then you can take a boat ride on the Kalu Ganga river. This ride will take you to fishing villages on the west coast of Sri Lanka, where you can see the water up close.
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9. Kalutara Bridge
Under British, Dutch and Portuguese influence, Sri Lanka has seen the development of many historical sites. Kalutara Bridge is one such important landmark that arose during the colonial period in Sri Lanka. It is the link connecting the western and southern borders and is a must-see place.
10. Koggala Sea Turtle Conservation
If you like turtles then you can go to Koggala on a day trip from Kalutara. The Koggala Sea Turtle Conservation Project gives you the opportunity to learn more about these creatures and you will love spending time with these adorable sea creatures.
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How to reach Kalutara?
Traveling to Kalutara is quite simple and there are several ways by which you can reach this beautiful coastal town.
You can reach here by train, which is the most convenient way to reach Kalutara. The train journey takes you along the southern coastline and the views along your route are absolutely stunning. There are two stations in Kalutara. The main station is located near the city center and another is located in the north of the city.
If you opt for bus, there are many public and private buses plying on Galle Road. You can catch a bus from Galle Road or from the main bus station of the Fort.
You can also hire a chauffeur driven vehicle or take your own personal vehicle and drive to Kalutara.
what to pack
Like any tropical area, you can expect it to be hot and humid. Keeping this in mind, pack your clothes along with your swim wear accordingly. Take plenty of light clothing and a few pairs of slippers or sandals with you.
You can also carry a sunhat and sun shades to protect yourself from the sun rays. Along with insect repellent, an effective sunscreen is also important.
Visa and currency
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. If you are coming from outside Sri Lanka, be sure to exchange your money for Sri Lankan Rupees.
Apart from this, if you are a British citizen then it is necessary for you to have a valid passport to go here. The minimum period of validity on your passport must be 6 months from the entry date and you also need a visa.
read ahead: 10 things to do in Kalutara to make it a once in a lifetime experience
Here you have a detailed guide on Kalutara. Enjoy a hearty stay on your trip to Kalutara, Sri Lanka and visit all the beautiful places. And to top it all off, book a trip to Sri Lanka with your loved ones now!
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