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 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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Mahawaskaduwa Kalutara
Offering excellent accommodation and convenient facilities, the Mermaid Hotel & Club Kalutara is an ideal place for bu... More hotel details
$123
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Abrew Drive Waskaduwa Kalutara
Being an ideal place in the city of Kalutara, the Tangerine Beach Hotel offers comfortable accommodation, impeccable s... More hotel details
$154
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De Abrew Drive Kalutara
The Royal Palms Beach Hotel Kalutara is a luxurious resort where you can experience the enchantment of a holiday with ... More hotel details
