Joanna James
Signifying the start of Kalutara city, this sacred shrine is one of the most famous landmarks on the southern strip. No Buddhist traveller will pass this temple and shrine without stopping to offer alms and prayers for a safe journey. A place of serene beauty, the culture buff will love exploring the interiors, home to vintage paintings and artefacts.
One of the most historic sets of caves in Asia, the Fa Hien network is a collection of caves that were home to Neanderthals almost 37,000 years ago. Even if you are not into nature treks and cave exploration, the place is well worth a visit to learn about the history surrounding the caverns. Able to hold up to 3,000 people the network of caves are divided into four sections; imagine life as it was over 40,000 years back and relish the rustic surroundings.
Kalutara is home to some of the best beachside boutique hotels in Sri Lanka; most of these offer charms of sun, sand and surf together with exceptional cuisine. Kalutara Beach is not overcrowded, expansive and ideal to chill under the shade of a coconut palm. Promising luxury indulgence by the sea, many south coast properties within easy reach of this stretch of shore, such as those of Mosvold Hotels are for the sun worshiper and connoisseur of elegance and comfort.
Kalu Ganga meaning river, as it is best known in Sri Lanka, starts at the summit of Adams Peak in the central highlands. A favoured bathing spot amongst villagers, the river meets the sea at a point just around the Kalutara Bodhiya. Excursions across the rippling waters of the river are pretty cool adventures while kayaking along the shoreline will yield many local attractions.
Richmond Castel is an Edwardian style mansion, built by a wealthy philanthropist. The Mudliyar Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena willed the place to the Ceylon Trust Society which now manages the estate. Open to the public the place is a lovely structure, home to expansive lawns, period furniture and antique treasures.
Being a coastal city, Kalutara has many seafood restaurants waiting to be discovered by the discerning foodie. Some of the best seafood dishes containing succulent prawn, calamari and lobster are on offer at these places.
The temple on the hill, or Kande Viharaya, meaning the same in Sinhala, is in the town of Aluthgama just 20kms from the Kalutara city centre. The temple is most famous for the Samadhi Buddha statue, the tallest in the country.
Head over to the town of Beruwela, 25kms from Kalutara and you will be quite enthralled at the happenings of the local fish market. Make sure you get there at least by 7 am, to witness the fresh catches being auctioned off, local trading customs and village culture are at their heights here; do take along the cameras.
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