The best things to do in Kalutara – Savour the excitement and charm of fascinating Kalutara!

Situated to the south of Kalutara Bridge, this Stupa is at a strategic location with proximity to the Colombo to Galle main road. Scores of people see this beautiful stupa and admire the aura of serenity it exudes. This stupa is at the Kalutara Buddhist Temple and is one of the few Buddhist Stupas in the world with a hollow interior. However, the hollow within this stupa has 74 murals depicting different stages of the life of Lord Buddha. Scores of devotees and visitors from hotels in Kalutara visit this stupa every day. Plan your visit in the evening to see this stupa etched white and gleaming against the night sky which is an awe-inspiring sight to witness.

Built during the early years of the 20th century by the wealthy philanthropist Don Arthur De Silva Siriwardena on his 42-acre property this Edwardian Mansion stands with majesty atop a hill close to Kalutara to Palatota road. The 02 storeyed mansion with fine architecture and intricate workmanship has been built using the best materials, some even sourced from abroad and using the best craftsmen of that time. However, the rich young Mudaliyar finally bequeathed this grandiose property and others belonging to him to the public trustee as he and his wife ended their marriage due to childlessness and he lived a life of seclusion until he passed away. Many guests such as those at Turyaa Kalutara Hotel visit this castle to witness this historical building and learn about the misfortune of this young couple.

Situated within the huge Thudugala Forest Reserve with a twenty-minute ride from Kalutara town, this enchanting waterfall is in two parts with the top part dropping down about 8 metres and the bottom part dropping down about 6 metres to a natural swimming pool shaded by many plants and ferns. This pool is a popular place for a swim or bath by the locals and even visitors to cool off and for a bit of fun. Exploring the reserve, you would see various species of fauna and flora to treat the nature lover in you.

Located on Barberyn Island which is a 30-minute drive from Kalutara, this lighthouse built in 1889 is also known as Barberyn Lighthouse and had been a silent witness to many events that took place in the vicinity, the most recent was the natural disaster on Boxing Day in 2004 through which it stood steadfast and strong. Even today it is one of the 04 international lighthouses in Sri Lanka providing safe passage to scores of vessels each year. Although one cannot visit the lighthouse at present as it is not permitted, Barberyn Island is a charming slice paradise with tall palms and plenty of greenery which makes visitors enjoy a nice private picnic here by getting a fisherman to take them across.

Five out of seven sea turtles who are on the endangered list love to nest on southern Sri Lankan shores. Kosgoda hatchery is one of many turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka having all 05 types. The main function of this hatchery is to enhance the rate of hatching and caring for baby turtles at initial stages although injured adult turtles are treated, nurtured, and released back too. Witness this inspiring effort to help the endangered marine life sustain amidst the threats they encounter by doing a visit to this hatchery which is less than an hour's drive from Kalutara.