Places to Visit in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, Asia

Places to Visit in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, Asia

Kalutara also known as Kalutota is a town situated in Kalutara District in Western Province of Sri Lanka, is the district headquarters of Kalutara District located about 43 kms from the national capital Colombo. After Colombo and Negombo, Kalutara is considered as the 3^rd largest region in Western Province.

Geography of Kalutara:

Kalutara is placed between latitude 6°35′13″ in the north and longitude 79°57′37″ in the east.

Etymology and history of Kalutara:

Kalutara draws its name from Kalu Ganga River. The town Kalutara witnessed the rule of Portuguese, Dutch and British in Sri Lanka and the town houses numerous historical temples.

The important landmarks in Kalutara:

Kalutara Bridge
Kalutara Vihara
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
Holy Cross College

Transportation in Kalutara:

Kalutara North Railway Station (3 kms) Kalutara South Railway Station situated few kilometers away from the town connects the region with rest of the country.

Kalutara has good connectivity with Colombo and major towns including Panadura, Kethhena, Matugama, Horana and Aluthgama. One can access buses at Kalatara Town Bus Stand. Ratmalana Airport (30 kms) is the nearest domestic airport and Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (84 kms) is the nearest international airport.

Food, Culture and Shopping in Kalutara:

The population of Kalutara is filled with higher majority of Buddhists, followed by Hindus, Christians, Muslims and other communities. There are yearly festivals organized at the major temples of the Kalutara. The locals of Kalutara are the great lovers of dance and music and they arrange different dance and music competitions every month.

Kalutara houses food corners of Indian, Chinese along with traditional Sri Lankan food centres. Fish, chicken and mutton are the main staple food used in the daily diet of the natives of Kalutara. The popular food in Kalutara is Kalu Dodol, Undu Walalu, Weli Thalapa, Bibikkan, Kokis, Ulundu Vade and Konda Kavum.

Kalutara is home to numerous handicraft shops, jewelry shops, cloth and shoe centres and several entertainment centres like film theatres and drama centres.

Must see places in Kalutara:

Kalutara Bridge:

Kalutara Bridge is 38 meters long bridge located on Kalu Ganga River of Kalutara. It connects southern and western regions of Sri Lanka.

Kalutara Vihara:

Kalutara Vihara is famous Buddhist temple located in the vicinity of Kalutara Bridge. It was constructed in the year 1960.

Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple:

Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple is a historical temple situated in North Kalutara built in the year 1873.

Kalutara Bodiya:

Kalutara Bodiya is a prominent sacred shrine in Sri Lanka placed in Kalutara. Dageba Hallow is also must see attraction here.

Calido Beach:

Calido Beach is the best weekend picnic spot attracts abundance of tourists from surrounding regions of Kalutara.

The list of other tourist attractions in Kalutara is as follows:

National Museum of Colombo
The Natural History Museum
Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque
The Murugan Hindu temple
The Nelum Pokuna Theatre
The Beira Lake

Best time to visit Kalutara:

From November to March is the best time to travel Kalutara to visit historical Buddhist temples and beautiful beach.

Accommodation Options in Kalutara:

The luxury hotels of Kalutara have the facilities of air-conditioning, sitting area, balcony, bathroom, lounge, and mini bar, gym, spa and internet connection. The best hotels and resorts in Kalutara and Colombo City are: