Joanna James
One of the best things you can do in Sri Lanka is to spend a day in Kalutara. Located 40 km from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, Kalutara, is a destination of mesmerising natural beauty, history and culture. An array of attractions of great variety awaits discerning travellers who like to experience authenticity in everything. Thanks to transport links and accommodation options, Kalutara has become one of the most visited places in the country, and here’s how you can spend your day here.
Sri Lanka is a coastal destination, and no matter where you are in the country, your experience will be incomplete until you spend some time at the beach.
Kalutara Beach, just five minutes from Turyaa Kalutara Hotel, is considered one of the best beaches in the country. The palm trees, the sea breeze, and the blue waters of the ocean make it the perfect getaway for beach lovers. Most hotels in Kalutara are located close to the beach, so you’ll be able to get to the beach whenever you feel like it.
To experience the cultural and religious splendour of Sri Lanka, visit the temples in Kalutara. Make sure you are dressed modestly or at least buy yourself a sarong so that you can wear it on top of the clothes you are already wearing.
Make sure you have enough time to explore the temple premises and immerse in the peaceful atmosphere that permeates Sri Lankan temples.
If you want to add some thrill and adventure to your holidays, sign up for some water sports. From jet skiing, windsurfing, diving, and parasailing, a list of water sports is available for the thrill seeker. However, if you don’t want adventure, you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake or the lagoon.
There’s nothing that ties in with the diversity, flavours, and aroma of Sri Lankan food. Sri Lankan cuisine famously uses locally grown fruits and vegetables. Coconut milk, coconut oil, and spices are the main ingredients of Sri Lankan dishes.
To try some authentic Sri Lankan food, go to a roadside stall, but you can also try Sri Lankan cuisine at resorts and hotels. Some of the must-try Sri Lankan eats are chicken curry, dhal curry, sour fish curry, pol sambal, and kottu.
Sri Lankan is a known whale watching destination, so do some whale watching during your time in Kalutara. There are numerous tour companies that offer guided tours that include both whale watching and dolphin watching. So, sign up for one and give yourself the experience of a lifetime.
This is a colonial-style mansion in Kalutara. Constructed between 1900 and 1910, Richmond Castle is an architectural jewel. The original owner of the castle is Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena, but now the castle is in the custody of Public Trustees. The castle has 34 windows, 99 doors, and sixteen rooms in total. Richmond Castle is naturally ventilated, and the pond in the front yard is one of the best features.
Sri Lanka has a number of projects that facilitate the conservation of endangered sea turtles, and Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is one such project. Your day in Kalutara is an excellent opportunity for you to visit the hatchery and watch baby turtles being cared for. You might even get the chance to release them back into the water.
Kalutara has a number of spas that offer ayurvedic spa treatments. Most hotels and resorts have in-house spas as well, so getting a spa treatment during your time in Kalutara has never been easier. Also, there’s a diverse array of treatments you can choose from.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
