Joanna James
Kalutara lies 40 km southwest of Colombo and is situated on the coast at the estuary of Kalu River earning its name Kalutara. Abound with coconut palms, delicious Mangosteens and wonderful beaches, Kalutara has much more to offer the intrepid travellers to make a chest full of memories.
Located on a sliver of land that separates the Kalu River estuary from the Indian Ocean, Calido Beach beholds a picturesque setting with warm golden sand beckoning visitors to explore this beach and the more adventurous ones to revel in a variety of water sports on offer. For those who enjoy a dip in the ocean, the restaurants around provide an array of delightful local cuisine to keep you sated. You can also visit this beach from your luxury villa in Sri Lanka at dusk to witness the glorious sunset providing an amazing view of the horizon. Don't fail to capture these unforgettable moments on your camera.
Sri Lankan food offers some sumptuous dishes, seafood specialities, various types of rotties, hoppers, kottu roti and milk rice are firm favourites with visitors and these and many more are offered at meal time buffets at many hotels and resorts such as Anantara Kalutara Resort toot. For those with a sweet tooth, the Sri Lankan Watalappan is an ideal treat made with kitul jaggery and creamy coconut milk beaten with eggs and steamed to perfection with a fistful of Sri Lankan spices. Added to this is the tropical sweetness of the local fruits like pineapples, mangosteens, papaw and rambutans among many others.
Named after the Chinese monk, Fa Hein, these are Sri Lanka's pre-historic caves where remains of a long-ago civilization had been discovered such as stone tools, a fireplace etc. A small temple with a 40-foot statue of reclining Lord Buddha can still be seen. Reaching the caves is a bit of a climb, however, you witness the greenery of the jungle which also provides shade and some awesome views of the surroundings.
An Edwardian mansion just outside the city of Kalutara, this building still brings about a state of awe as you enter the grounds and walk towards the calm and dignified castle. Built between 1900 to 1910 by the Chieftain of the village Don Arthur de Silva, who sourced the finest raw materials for the construction even reached out to other parts of the world. Entering the castle, which is presently under the care of the Public Trustee you walk through the quiet hallways and would glean the tragic story of the house, the misfortune of the owner and his wife due to childlessness, and finally their separation. Hence leaving the castle under the care of the public trustee to use it for an orphanage.
Whilst in Kalutara this serene ride is a must-do trip as the river flows right across the city. With mangrove marshes lining the river, it provides a bountiful home to many varieties of birds thus making the ride a delightful experience of colour, bird activity and sounds. Be soothed and relaxed by the calming breeze despite being close to the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the environs. Click away on your camera to carry back images of this pleasurable experience.
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