14 Must-See Attractions in Kalutara

Kalutara is one of the cities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. In a short time, it has transformed into a well-known resort and is now considered a popular tourist destination.

The city consistently attracts the attention of visitors to Sri Lanka, as it serves as the administrative center of Kalutara District and is located in close proximity (about 25 miles) to Colombo - the unofficial capital of the nation.

The attractions of Kalutara are truly unique - visitors can expect to discover many interesting places that showcase the rich cultural, historical, religious, and spiritual values of Sri Lanka.

The beach area of Kalutara is one of the main attractions of the city. This stretch of soft golden sand against the backdrop of the endless blue sea, picturesque surrounded by clusters of coconut palms, is among the best beaches in the world and is very popular among locals and foreign tourists.

Kalutara Beach is a wonderful spot for a beach holiday, including with children. It offers the perfect combination of tropical weather, fresh sea breezes, and clean, well-maintained beaches. All hotels in the beach area have direct access to the shore.

The beaches of Kalutara are a delight for swimming in the clear, warm sea. However, swimming should be done in designated safe zones - in some places, the entry into the sea can be steep, with depths starting from 10-16 feet, and there can also be underwater currents. The occasional large waves at the shoreline attract surfers on boards and catamarans.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.609875417852417, 79.94739707567808

Kalutara Bodhiya is among the most sacred places on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Here grows one of the oldest sacred trees planted on the island, which is related to Buddhist teachings. Its origins trace back to the 2nd century BC - during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa, king of Anuradhapura.

Even despite the colonization of the island that lasted from the 16th to the mid-20th centuries, the ancient sacred Bodhi tree in Kalutara still exists and is revered by Buddhists all over the world.

Thanks to its convenient location - along the main Galle Road and close to the Kalutara Vihara temple - many tourists traveling along the southern coast of Sri Lanka often visit this sacred fig tree to receive blessings for safe travels.

This is one of the best places to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the coastline, as the Kalu Ganga River flows into the Indian Ocean in this area. On weekends, many devotees gather here to participate in beautiful rituals conducted by Buddhist monks - giving tourists the opportunity to get closer to the culture and religion of the Sri Lankan people.

Address on Google Maps: Kalutara Bodhiya, HXP5+GV8, Galle Rd, Kalutara, KT1 1AA, A2, Kalutara, Sri Lanka.

Website: https://kalutarabodhiya.com

Entrance: free.

Near the ancient Bodhi tree is the snow-white functioning Buddhist temple of Kalutara Vihara, which is considered one of the largest hollow stupas in the world. Like the Bodhi tree, this revered sacred place is for Buddhist followers who come here to ask for enlightenment for themselves and well-being for their families.

In addition to its unique architecture typical for Buddhist temples, Kalutara Vihara attracts visitors with its location - it is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. If you want to immerse yourself in a meditative atmosphere by witnessing one of the traditional religious rituals accompanied by harmonious melodic chanting of Buddhist monks, weekends are the best times to visit the temple.

Since Kalutara Vihara is a hollow structure, inside the large round hall is another smaller stupa, around which there are four statues of Buddha.

However, what attracts tourists the most is the unique collection of 74 wall frescoes depicting scenes from the last earthly life of Buddha and 550 of his previous reincarnations. Kalutara Vihara Temple is an excellent place to enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean, the Kalu Ganga River, and the city bridge over it.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.449299861900544, 80.00079718885462

This two-story castle, built in the early 1900s, is one of the architectural-historical landmarks on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Once a mansion surrounded by a tropical landscaped garden, it belonged to a titled British colonist. He wanted the estate to stand out against the surrounding buildings in the area, hence the use of a combination of colonial and Indian architectural styles.

The property, occupying an area of about 42 acres, is located on a hill that offers a picturesque panorama of the Kalu Ganga River.

After the marriage of the estate's owners fell apart, the building became abandoned. According to the will of the owner, the castle passed to the state upon his death. The house was transformed into a school-orphanage for orphaned boys.

Although the mansion still houses an orphanage, the estate is classified as a museum and is open to visitors. Anyone can admire the magnificent architecture of the building and learn much about the history of its origin. The scenic landscaped park surrounding the castle is a popular recreational area for families and youth.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.6015553941299725, 79.97531932852428

The beautiful cascading waterfall located in the village of Tutugala in the Kalutara district is among the main attractions of Sri Lanka. It ranks 268th on the list of all 382 registered waterfalls in the country. Despite its modest height (around 26 feet), Tutugala Ella is one of the most frequently visited national waterfalls by tourists.

This is due not only to its beauty but also to its convenient location - within a 9-mile radius, the waterfall is accessible via nearby towns through rail and roads. The picturesque natural pool formed by the falling streams near the ruins of a British colonial mansion has long been a popular bathing spot for locals and tourists alike.

The pond is surrounded by various plant species, and several migratory and local birds can be found nearby in the conservation forest.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.571114258300976, 80.06087443659965

The giant natural stone cave Fa-Hien measuring 190 x 220 feet is considered the largest in Asia. This unique attraction is connected to the prehistoric civilization of Sri Lanka and also to events of later historical eras. It is believed that upon arriving in Sri Lanka, the cave was inhabited by Fa Hien (Fa Xian) - a wandering Buddhist monk from China.

Furthermore, traces of ancient human habitation from the late Pleistocene era have been found here. During archaeological excavations in the cave, many fossilized human skeletons, animal bones, as well as remnants of prehistoric hearths, stone tools, and artifacts of ancient people were discovered.

The cave Fa-Hien, preserved to this day, is a true treasure for archaeologists, historians, and all lovers of antiquity. The traces of prehistoric humans found here are related to the oldest human settlement in Asia.

Reaching the cave is not easy - it is located on a high cliff. The route passes through the wild southern coastal area - through dense picturesque jungles. Excavations at Fa-Hien cave are still ongoing in search of new confirmations of valuable historical facts - many unexplored and partially explored tunnels remain here.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.648908735080436, 80.21636871025787

Sri Lanka boasts a number of interesting museums with worldwide fame. One of them is Ranjith's Wood Carving and Batik Museum in the Kalutara district, which is regarded as one of the most popular attractions in the island nation. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of traditional art and crafts of the Sri Lankan people.

It serves simultaneously as a museum, workshop, gallery, and excellent place to purchase unique souvenirs. Here you can find wooden and textile products - over 500 types of national Sri Lankan protective masks, clothing, paintings, and much more. Visiting Ranjith's museum is included in all tourist itineraries through the country.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.610787182446365, 79.94753323259076

Buddhism is closely linked to Sri Lanka, as the country has many sacred religious sites. One of them is the famous Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple in the northern part of Kalutara, where pilgrims from different corners of the world gather daily in search of enlightenment and tranquility.

The structure, with unique acoustics, was built in the 1870s for students of Aluthgama Sangharatna in need of shelter, who gathered here for sermons by Buddhist monks. Later, the temple significantly expanded.

Today it is open day and night to all those seeking refuge and needs. Here you can not only witness a mystical religious ceremony but also enjoy a cup of aromatic Ceylon tea. Asokaramaya Temple is a must-visit for Buddhists traveling in Sri Lanka.

Address on Google Maps: Aśōkārāma Temple, 450/33 Thimbirigasyaya Rd, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka.

Kalido is the public beach of Kalutara, featuring a small stretch of golden sand that separates the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River from the Indian Ocean. The large waves that often occur here are not safe for swimmers but are perfectly suited for water sports enthusiasts.

On this beach, especially during holidays and weekends, locals often gather to spend time with family, play soccer, and fly kites. There are several delightful restaurants along the beach serving delicious local cuisine.

Kalido Beach is a beautiful place for walking and enjoying the surrounding nature. On one side, you can appreciate the views of Kalutara city and on the other, the picturesque Indian Ocean. The sunsets here are also incredibly beautiful and worth capturing in photos or videos.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.587776739845523, 79.9548354085253

The Holy Cross Church is located on Galle Road in the southern part of Kalutara, in the eponymous district of Sri Lanka. This sacred place for Christians attracts a large number of tourists, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Due to its elevated position, the church is prominently visible in the district, and the external and internal beauty of its architecture, along with the entrance from the ocean side, make it one of the most attractive architectural landmarks in the coastal area of Sri Lanka. The stunning arches of the building are particularly impressive.

The church is accessible via roadways, railways, and even the airport. During holidays, evening parades towards the Holy Cross Church occur along the main street of Kalutara, with thousands of Christians living in Sri Lanka participating.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.577110569045755, 79.9636650300591

Sri Lanka is renowned for its natural beauty, as well as its diverse animal and plant life. Tourists traveling through this exotic island nation must visit the Bodhinagala Buddhist Forest Monastery located in the Ingiriya area of the Kalutara district.

This location, also known as Dombagaskanda, is situated in a protected nature reserve, on the banks of the Kalu Ganga River. The picturesque canopy of the lush tropical forest separates the monastery from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, providing Buddhist hermits with ideal meditation conditions. There is always an atmosphere of tranquility and unity with nature here.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.727168058187662, 80.16195326760277

The Kalu Ganga, which flows into the Indian Ocean, is one of the most popular rivers in Sri Lanka. It divides Kalutara into two parts - the northern and southern sections, which are connected by a 125-foot steel bridge built during colonial times.

Boat tours are organized from Kalutara along the Kalu Ganga River. Throughout the water journey, tourists can enjoy the scenic views of the southern coast - tropical forests where many unique plants grow, as well as see various representatives of the local fauna - from rare birds to large swimming reptiles (monitor lizards).

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.588276306658306, 79.95752254520583

In Kalutara, there are several travel agencies organizing exciting ocean tours for observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. These tours provide the opportunity to see blue whales, which are the largest representatives of fauna on the planet, as well as black dolphins.

What could be more thrilling and unforgettable than the chance to see these amazing sea creatures up close, hear their distinctive sounds, and capture them on camera!

The sea turtle conservation project was established in Kosgoda in 1981. The main goal of the project is to conserve and protect several species of sea turtles that have been part of the southwestern coastal reef ecosystem of Sri Lanka for thousands of years.

This is one of 18 turtle farms in the country dedicated to breeding endangered species of turtles, protecting them from predators and providing necessary medical assistance to injured animals.

Volunteers patrol the beaches at night to ensure that mother turtles have suitable conditions for laying eggs. During tours, tourists learn how the necessary protection and incubation of sea turtle eggs are organized.

The farm is open for visits even at night when three-day-old turtle hatchlings are released into the ocean - this is when the least danger of their demise from predators occurs. Those interested have the opportunity to release the little turtles into the water themselves.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 6.333738938399654, 80.02789726417647

Website: https://htrcc.info