Joanna James
Kalutara affords you a peaceful environment to immerse yourself in perfect tranquillity while staying only 40 kilometres away from the country's bustling commercial capital. Nevertheless, tourists often head out to popular neighbouring cities, overlooking the wonders awaiting in serene Kalutara.
Dating back to the early 1900s, Richmond Castle was the private mansion of the local mudaliyar, Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena. While the striking colonial architecture alone is a true feast for the senses, the story behind the majestic mansion is also equally fascinating. The local mudaliyar wanted to build a mansion that easily stands out from the rest of the surrounding structures, thus, making him adopt an Edwardian architectural style. The castle fell apart shortly after mudaliyar's marriage as he was unable to conceive children. The Richmond Castle that can be witnessed now is being converted to a children's home as mudaliyar requested on his deathbed.
Kalutara is no bustling city that requires an escape from any hustle or bustle, but if you still feel like running away into a nature corner, then Kalu Ganga is the place to be. Considered to be one of the most popular rivers on the south coast as well as in the whole of Sri Lanka, Kalu Ganga has got something in store for everyone, from intrepid adventurers to laid-back folks, to indulge in.
No trip to a beachside town will ever be complete without hitting some of its sandy shores and Kalutara is no different. The palm-fringed, golden-hued Kalutara Beach is probably the main attraction of the city that put Kalutara on the map for many tourists, thus, making it a must-have on your travel itinerary. Unwind on pristine sands, sip tropical cocktails and bask in the sun to treat yourself to a fantastic beach day. If you fancy staying only a stone's throw away from the picturesque beach, consider staying at a beachfront Kalutara hotel, including the likes offered by popular chains such as Avani Hotels & Resorts.
Kalutara Bodhiya, a majestic Buddhist temple in the heart of Kalutara City, houses one of the sacred trees of Sri Lankan Buddhists. While the sacred tree is the biggest draw of the temple, the remarkable ancient architecture is also pleasing to set your eyes on.
A fascinating ancient natural attraction, Fa Hien Caves, locally known as Pahiyangala, takes you back to the prehistoric times of Sri Lanka. It is said to believe that these caves were the home to a Chinese monk who arrived in Sri Lanka, presumably more than 30,000 years ago. All visitors to Fa Hien Caves can observe the remains of the ancient eras, which certainly is an invaluable treasure trove of Sri Lankan history.
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