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Top Things to Do During a Stay in Kalutara – Experience a Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage

Kalutara, a modestly sized town located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is always an absorbing place to visit. While its beach gets plenty of attention, there are other attractions here as well that will appeal to travellers with diverse tastes.

Visit Kalutara Bodhiya

The greatly venerated Kalutara Bodhiya happens to be a Bodhi tree that is sacred to the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. Near this tree, you will find the temple known as Kalutara Viharaya, featuring a famed hollow stupa. During your visit to these famed religious sites, you can observe the devotees as they offer prayers and seek blessings.

Hike to a scenic viewpoint

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to undertake an exhilarating hike to reach one of the scenic viewpoints in Kalutara. As you follow a trekking path that passes through hilly terrain, you will get to see tea, cinnamon and rubber plantations, too. Once you reach the viewpoint, you can take in the stunning sunset or sunrise views. A boutique hotel in Sri Lanka to consider, from which you may enjoy this experience, is Glenross Living.

Admire Richmond Castle

The impressive Richmond Castle is another local sightseeing highlight that dates to the early years of the 1900s. This imposing edifice was constructed by a high-ranking official; this prominent individual chose an Edwardian architectural design for this mansion so that it would look different from the other local structures.

Image by DevilHunter99 via Wikimedia Commons

Explore Brief Garden

An interesting attraction that is within easy reach of Kalutara is the enchanting Brief Garden in nearby Beruwala. This distinctive garden was created by Bevis Bawa, a noteworthy landscape architect. As you explore this breathtaking creation, you will encounter features like lush tropical flora, secluded nooks, eye-catching sculptures and engrossing architectural elements.

Why You Should Visit Kalutara Beach: An Ideal Spot for Coastal Vacations

Located on Sri Lanka’s western coast, Kalutara Beach is one of the best coastal locations to visit and where you can base your stay. Here’s more on why you should visit Kalutara Beach and what you can expect there.

Idyllic Golden Sands

One of the highlights of Kalutara Beach is its long stretch of golden sand which is perfectly complemented by the clear blue waters. This makes the beach perfect for a leisurely walk or a few hours of sunbathing.

Plenty of Water Sports

The beach’s calm waters are also ideal for many water sports, making it a perfect spot for exciting ocean adventures. Jet skiing, fishing and windsurfing are some of the activities you can take part in at the beach, irrespective of whether you’re a beginner or have plenty of experience.

Nearby Accommodations

Another reason you should visit Kalutara Beach is the abundance of Kalutara hotels, resorts, and guesthouses nearby. These accommodations, including the likes of Turyaa Kalutara, offer great beachfront views, restaurants and great facilities if you’re considering staying for a few days near the beach.

The Local Cuisine

While you’re at the beach you can enjoy various delights from Sri Lankan cuisine at the many beachfront restaurants and cafes. Seafood curries, hoppers and string hoppers are popular choices worth trying.

Kalutara Thudugala Ella Falls

Image Credit-Chananand, Another view of the waterfall, CC BY-SA 3.0

It is not just the astounding sandy beaches that are appealing about Kalutara, other natural attractions such as the Thudugalle Ella Falls too charm tourists visiting the district. Here are a few things to know:

Location

The course to the waterfall commences from Katukurunda junction off Mathugama road to Thudugala junction. The Thudugalle Estate is the place this flourishing waterfall calls home. The attraction is roughly 20km away from many Kalutara hotels such as the well-known Mermaid Hotel & Club.

The longstanding edifice

The estate was previously owned by the British who subjugated Sri Lanka many years ago. A bungalow from that age can still be seen on the trail towards the waterfall. Most of the building lay there crumpled on the ground. Yet, the sight is still enthralling.

For the nature enthusiasts

On the way to the waterfall, the nature lover will be able to discover many plants such as Ketala plants and giant pus creepers. There are numerous types of lovely birds that sing sweet songs as if to welcome you to their home, the Yellow Magta and Dicaeum Erythornynchos are 2 common species seen here.

The waterfall

What is most quaint about this waterfall is that there is an underpass that runs beneath the falls, this tunnel ends at the top of the falls. It is a common bathing spot as well.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Windsurfing

Set amidst azure ocean waters, soft sandy beaches and refreshing ocean breezes, the island of Sri Lanka is a perfect place to enjoy a thrilling array of water sports including windsurfing. Look to stay at hotels Sri Lanka has to offer along the South Coast since this part of the country is well known for its idyllic shorelines that can be found in areas such as Kalutara. Amongst the leading Kalutara hotels, The Sands is well worth considering when in search of South Coast accommodation that lets you enjoy water sports as well.

Kalutara is one place in Sri Lanka that you can try your hand at windsurfing. This exciting water sport depends on wind power rather than motorised vessels. However, the lack of a speedboat is made up for by the power of the wind that propels the windsurfing board along the waves. While windsurfing can be enjoyed almost the whole year through in the South, November to April are generally considered the best months. One can hire out windsurfing boards and get lessons in this activity and be out on the waves in no time.

Surfing in Kalutara

Kalutara offers pristine golden beaches and sparkling sapphire waters that are a welcome treat to plunge into to cool off from the tropical heat. The area is also home to a fine array of luxury beach hotels Sri Lanka such as The Sands which is one of the finest Kalutara hotels in the region. Adventure junkies will be more than pleased at the exciting array of water sports available in Kalutara, where you can try everything from windsurfing and parasailing to jet-skiing and body surfing. No matter what hotel you make your stay at, it is sure to feature ample water sports offerings designed to thrill. In addition, the area is home to an idyllic stretch of beach that is perfect to relax on, when the waves get a little much. Catch up on that novel you’ve been meaning to finish since forever, and sip a refreshing cocktail while you’re at it. The kids will enjoy building sand castles whilst you soak up a fantastic tan indicative of a truly unforgettable vacation. Kalutara is also a fascinating cultural enclave to explore, with the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Richmond Castle, the Sinharaja Rain Forest, and the famous Kalutara Vihara being within easy reach.