Kalutara Hotels

Calming Kalutara

Kalutara lies about 30km (19 miles) south of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. One of the country’s best spots for a relaxing beach retreat, it is also full of culture and tradition, making it ideal for both a quick stop-over to charge or for a longer exploration-filled adventure. ... Read more »

Your first port of call should be the beach. Grab a few juicy mangosteens and hit the sands of Calido Beach, one of the best in town. If you’re looking for something even more relaxing, lazy buggers can hop onboard a big ol’ boat and take a slow, scenic cruise along Kalu Ganga. And make sure you hit up the city’s north, Mahawaskaduwa, for a chilled, fishing-village vibe and plenty of market-style shopping.

Kalutara’s Top 10

10. Beruwela Beach The site of Sri Lanka’s first Muslim settlement and home to a pretty beach and cute little markets. Souvenir time!	5. Wadduwa Beach One of the quieter beaches, it’s perfect for escaping the crowds and chillin’.
9. Asokaramaya Maha Vihara An intricate Buddhist temple with a history spanning two centuries. Definitely worth a gander.	4. Sinharaja Rainforest One of the oldest rainforests anywhere. Nature is cool!
8. Bentota A beautiful beach area a short drive from Kalutara, this is a great snorkelling.	3. Richmond Castle Spectacular architecture! Once the home of a (very) rich dude, it’s now a school for underprivileged kids.
7. Pahiyangala Caves Mammoth prehistoric caves. Get in touch with your inner caveman (or woman).	2. Gangatilaka Vihara This Buddhist shrine features amazing hand-painted murals depicting the awesomeness of Buddha.
6. Kalutara Basket Society Kalutara is known for its cool weaved products. Here you’ll find everything from baskets to purses.	1. Kalutara Beach Packed with palm trees and warm, clean sands. The perfect oasis, albeit a busy one.

Kalutara History

Kalutara Vihara - This Buddhist temple is unique because it holds the world’s only completely hollow stupa.
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple - This late-19th-century temple contains many fascinating Buddhist relics.
Vihara Mandira - This shrine house was built in 1867 and contains many interesting stone carvings.
Dharma Salava - This preaching hall was once a small hut in which a monk gave his Buddhist sermons.
Kalutara Bodhiya - Where one of the sacred saplings of the Sri Maha bodhi tree was planted in the 2nd century BC.

Kalutara Art & Culture

Kalutara Bridge - This 38m-long bridge is an interesting piece of architecture and engineering found at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River.
Kalatura National Art Gallery - This gallery features paintings and sculptures from ancient times as well as the modern day.
National Museum of Colombo - This museum houses the throne and crown jewels of the last king of Kandy.
Columbo Dutch Museum - This museum details the history of the Dutch colonization of the area.
Green Path Art Gallery - This small art gallery features a handful of Sri Lankan masterpieces.

Kalutara Shopping

Kalutara South Shopping Centre - Offers several supermarkets and name-brand clothing stores.
Barefoot - This small outlet store is a great place to find handmade crafts.
House of Fashion - This clothing outlet has great deals on name-brand clothing.
Paradise Road - This store specializes in fabrics, as well as goods for the house.
Pettah Market - This authentic market is the best place to buy local goods.

Gay & Lesbian Kalutara

Ayurmassagelanka - This gay-friendly massage parlour features the kerala type of body massage.
The Gallery Café - This art gallery was once home to a famous gay Sri Lankan architect and features many photos of male nudes.
Fort Underground Public Facility - Afternoons are the best time to visit this area, which is great for meeting gay men.
Mermaid Hotel and Club Kalutara - This gay-friendly resort features a large club with a lively dance floor that attracts a mixed crowd.
Green Shadows - Located just a short distance from downtown, this gay-friendly resort is known for its friendly staff.

Kalutara Events

Independence Day (4 February) is celebrated with traditional dance, musical performances, parades, food markets (woo!) and fireworks.

See Kalutara light up in the brightest and most colourful way possible with May’s Vesak Festival. This one-week Buddhist fiesta attracts thousands to the illuminated pandols and stalls hanging out free grub and drinks. Don’t expect a beer or any meat dishes, though – alcohol and ‘flesh’ are prohibited during the week.

Expect even more colour during the Esala Festival in July/August, with bright parades, elephants dressed in their finest and plenty of traditional dancing. Held over 10 days, there’s plenty to see and do.

October brings the Hindu festival of Deepavali. Celebrating the coolness of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth, the streets are decorated with lanterns while locals give out sweets and get their pyrotechnics on.

When To Go

Kalutara’s temps stay around the 30°C (86ºF) mark all year.
Want to avoid heavy rainfall? Don’t visit the city in May, September, October and November.
If you want to hit the beach and catch plenty of rays (and don’t mind brutal humidity), March to June is the best time.

Getting Around

The best way to explore the city and region is by hiring a car. You’ll have the freedom to go anywhere you please without the restrictions of the limited bus service.
Kalutara’s buses will get you to the main beach, but that’s about it.

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