What Are the Top Attractions in Kalutara – Discover Picturesque and Entrancing Sights

During your stay in Sri Lanka, you may take the opportunity to visit the charming town of Kalutara situated on the island’s southwestern coast. You will find that this locality presents a host of interesting attractions including natural wonders, cultural features, sightseeing highlights, leisure options and more. Visitors with varied tastes would find experiences that appeal to them here. Some of the outstanding places to visit in and around Kalutara are described below. 

Calido Beach 

An excellent place at which to start your exploration of the local highlights is the pleasant Calido Beach. Interestingly, this beach happens to be a relatively small extent of land located between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu River estuary. You will have the opportunity to admire the splendid scenery that surrounds this beautiful stretch of sand. Calido Beach is also renowned for the amazing sunset scene that it presents. Visitors would further find a number of restaurants in the vicinity of this shoreline where they could enjoy some delicious local cuisine. 

Kalutara Bodhiya & Temple

An attraction of a very different nature is the greatly venerated Kalutara Bodhiya or sacred Bodhi tree which is revered by the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. This sacred tree is believed to have a history stretching back to the 2nd century BC when the nation was ruled by the monarch Devanampiyatissa. At the Bodhiya you will have the chance to also observe local devotees engaging in religious rituals. You would see that this attraction is situated adjacent to the Kalutara Viharaya or temple with a hollow stupa that's worth visiting as well. A Kalutara resort to consider staying at and from which you could easily visit both these sites is Avani Kalutara Resort. 

Kalu Ganga 

Nature lovers would be enthralled by the beautiful environs of Kalu Ganga (or Kalu River), a noteworthy river that you could visit during your sojourn in this locality. This waterway is undoubtedly an attractive site at which to catch a glimpse of local fauna and flora, including eye-catching vegetation, reptiles and unusual birds. By taking a boat ride on this river, you could admire the idyllic scenery of the area from a different perspective. 

Richmond Castle 

Your sightseeing tour wouldn’t be complete without touring the impressive Richmond Castle which dates to the early part of the 1900s and was the former residence of a well-known mudaliyar or local aristocrat. He selected an Edwardian architectural style for his mansion so that it would look different to the other nearby residences. You will see that this edifice is bordered by appealing gardens offering scenic vistas of the picturesque Kalu River. Today, Richmond Castle is a sanctuary for homeless children, as this was the last wish of the aforementioned mudaliyar. The principal building can be explored on a tour which offers more fascinating insights. 

Fa Hien Caves 

Meanwhile, a captivating sight that would appeal to those who have an interest in prehistory is the absorbing Fa Hien caves. The caves are named after Fa Hien, a monk from China who visited Sri Lanka and spent some time here. Further, due to the archaeological findings here, this site is thought to have been inhabited by prehistoric humans of the Pleistocene period. Today, you would have the chance to view the areas in which these ancient humans made their home. Additionally, you will pass through scenic lush areas of greenery on your way to this attraction.

Image via Avani Kalutara Resort

Brief Garden 

Another eye-catching attraction that should draw the interest of discerning visitors is the remarkable Brief Garden, a masterpiece of artistic design created by Bevis Bawa, the brother of renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Keep in mind that while this attraction is in Beruwala, it can be easily reached on an excursion from Kalutara. As you explore this lovely garden, you will encounter tropical trees, engrossing sculptures, pavilions, water terraces and courtyards that will capture the imagination of sightseers. By visiting this entrancing creation, you may gain an insight into Bevis Bawa’s highly developed aesthetic tastes and enjoy a relaxing time amidst nature as well.