Joanna James
Kalutara, previously known as the centre of spice trade is now an enchanting town that offers more than what the eyes can meet.
Located only a mere 40km away from the capital city of Colombo, one can reach the town in two hours in the bus. However, the ideal mode of transport is to hop on the train from Colombo city as this takes a more scenic route along the coastline, passing the blissful breeze from the shores. Once you are in Kalutara, you can explore the town on foot or hire a tuk-tuk.
There are many heritage spots one can go visit. Perhaps the most famous one is "Kalutara Chaitiya". This place is of boundless significance to the Buddhist community and is said to be the only hollow stupa in the world. In addition, the Richmond castle and the Asokaramaya Temple which symbolizes various ancient architectures are definite places to be visited in Kalutara.
The famous Madu Ganga (river), is significant as it is the second biggest river in Sri Lanka which snakes through Galle and widens up to form the Madu Gaga lake in Balapitiya, a town not so far from Kalutara. The wetland surrounding the Ganga is a biodiversity haven consisting of more than 200 species of mammals and 300 species of plants. Take the Madu Ganga tour to revel in this ecologically significant area and delight yourself with several beautiful sights where you could observe different kinds of birds, crocodiles and butterflies.
The southern coast is famous for its pristine, idyllic beaches that are perfect for a quick getaway from the buzzing city life. The beaches are usually crowded with people from all over the world who want to revel in the tropical sun and soak themselves in the much-needed Vitamin D. Popular beaches around Kalutara that are not so crowded are the Ahungalla Beach and the Wadduwa Beach. The latter is less than an hour away from Kalutara and is home to Oak Ray Haridra Beach Wadduwa, one of the many popular and frequently sought-after hotels in Wadduwa Sri Lanka.
The Brief Garden is known as the best garden in the country; a mandatory place to be visited when in Kalutara. This consists of old trees, bushes and several other kinds. The striking feature of this garden is the architectural units that blend well with the nature surrounding it. Credit goes to Geoffrey Bawa, who was a lawyer-turned-architect who had a passion to incorporate his passion for creation with his passion for nature. Get your camera ready to click away from the most unusual and interesting statues that are bound to pique your interests.
Mangosteen, also referred to as the Queen of Fruits, is a tangy yet sweet fruit that is popular in South East Asia. In Sri Lanka, it is found in abundance in Kalutara, especially during the months of June and September.
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