Kalutara Things To Do

Beaches
Perfect for snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing, the beach at Kalutara has long golden sands and beautiful blue waters.  Further down the coast, you will find the equally stunning beaches of Bentota and Beruwela. There are lots of quality all-inclusive hotels near to the beaches, making a family holiday to Kalutara a popular option.

Water Sports
Visit the Kalutara's lagoon to take part in exciting water sports such as jet skiing, rowing and wind surfing.

History & Monuments
Kalutara itself contains many historic sites and places of interest. Gangatilaka Vihara, the worlds only hollow Buddhist shrine is situated here, and is open to the public. Richmond Castle is another nearby site of interest, a spectacular mansion situated on top of a hill which provides an education centre for Kalutara children as well as admitting visitors to marvel at the colonial architecture.

Excursions
Kalutara is a good base from which to explore Sri Lanka. It is often best to arrange a two or three day trip out to destinations such as the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage or Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress and gardens. Other sites not to miss are the Sinharaja rainforest, the Kosgoda turtle hatchery, the World Heritage town of Galle and the popular city of Kandy, famous for the sacred Temple where Buddha's tooth is held.

Food
Don't visit Kalutara without trying the unique local speciality 'mangosteens', a dark purple fruit with a sweet taste. Other local fruits include mango, guava and coconut. Try the local alcoholic brew, 'arrack', a beverage made from rice and molasses.

Local Craft & Culture
Once an influential spice trading port, Kalutara is well known for its local crafts made from the local palm fronds. Roam the bazaars and be sure to visit the town's Basket Hall exhibition centre to pick up some local basketry. Kalutara is a popular holiday destination for good reason, and is a great place to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture.