Kalutara is one of the most pleasant beach holiday resorts in Sri Lanka located on the western coast which was once an important spice trading center. The city’s name is derived from the Kalu Ganga River which translates directly to ‘the Black River’. In the 11th Century, the town was temporarily made a capital on the orders of a South Indian Prince.
The region was later planted with coconut trees, whose produce are still used in internal and external trading markets.
Along with luxurious resorts and boutique hotels, the town also houses fortifications dating back from the times when the Portuguese, Dutch and British fought for control of the area and made it one of the country’s many spice capitals. It is a picturesque area with the scenic views of a golden beach, fringed with abundant palms, facing the Indian Ocean, with a rich historical and cultural heritage making it an important and ideal location for tourism.
Kalutara is also a perfect place for bargain shopping as it is famously known for quality bamboo basket, mats and other wicker products as well as the finest tasting mangosteens in the country.
Things to do in Kalutara
- Visit the Kalutara Bodhiya
- Visit the Richmond Castle
- Visit the Kalutara Beach
