Kalutara City
Kalutara is a coastal city in western Sri Lanka, known for its serene beaches and historic sites. The iconic Kalutara Bodhiya, a sacred Buddhist stupa, and the Richmond Castle, a colonial mansion, are prominent attractions. The city blends cultural richness with natural beauty.
Kalutara Beach
Kalutara Beach, located on the western coast of Sri Lanka, is known for its picturesque coastline, golden sands, and vibrant local culture. This beach offers a relaxing retreat with a range of activities and attractions, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Golden Sands and Relaxation
Kalutara Beach features a long stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely beach walks. The beach’s relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect setting for unwinding and enjoying the sun.
Water Sports and Activities
For water sports enthusiasts, Kalutara Beach offers various activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The calm waters make it suitable for beginners and those looking for a gentle introduction to water sports.
Kalutara Bodhiya
One of the significant cultural attractions near Kalutara Beach is the Kalutara Bodhiya, a sacred Buddhist site known for its impressive stupa and serene surroundings. The temple is an important pilgrimage site and provides insights into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
Nearby Attractions
Several attractions are within easy reach of Kalutara Beach:
- Kalutara Fort: Built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, this fort offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial history and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Richmond Castle: Located a short drive from Kalutara Beach, this early 20th-century mansion features colonial architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of its former owner.
- Boat Tours: The nearby Kalu Ganga (Kalutara River) offers boat tours that explore the river’s scenic beauty, mangroves, and local wildlife, providing a tranquil escape from the beach.
Local Cuisine
Kalutara Beach area offers a range of dining options, from local eateries to upscale restaurants. Visitors can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes such as seafood curry, string hoppers, and hoppers, along with international cuisine in the beachfront restaurants and cafes.
Accommodation
The area around Kalutara Beach features a variety of accommodations, including luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, and budget guesthouses. Many of these establishments offer beachfront views, direct beach access, and amenities such as swimming pools and spas, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Kalutara Beach is from November to April, when the weather is warm and dry, providing ideal conditions for beach activities and exploration. The monsoon season typically begins in May, bringing rain and rougher seas.
About Kalutara District
Kalutara is situated approximately 42km south of Colombo. Once a spice trading post, Kalutara was controlled variously by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The town is famous for quality bamboo basket and mats and the most luscious mangosteens.
The 38-meter long Kalutara Bridge was built at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River and serves as a major link between the country's Western and Southern border. At the southern end of the bridge lies the 3 stories-high Kalutara Vihara, a Buddhist temple built in the 1960s which holds the distinction of being the only stupa in the world that is hollow.
About Western Province
The Western Province is the most densely populated province of Sri Lanka. It is home to the legislative capital Sri Jayawardenapura as well to Colombo, the nation's administrative and business center. Western Province is divided into 3 main districts called Colombo (642 km²), Gampaha (1,386.6 km²) and Kalutara (1,606 km²) districts. As Sri Lanka's economic hub, all the major local and international corporations have their presence in the city and so do all the major designer and high street retailers, so be ready to indulge in some retail therapy in western province.
Having the highest population in the all the provinces, the almost all the premier educational institutions in the island are located in western province. Universities in the province include the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, Open University, Sri Lanka, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and University of Moratuwa .Western province has the largest amount of schools in the country, which includes National, Provincial, Private and International schools.