Kalutara, a city in the Western Province close to the capital, has many attractions to explore. Its beaches are less crowded than the ones on southern coast. Kalutara is also home to the scared Bo-Tree, one of the most hallowed sites on the island. Read on to discover some of the most unique and least travelled attractions in Sri Lanka.
Visit the sacred Kalutara Bodhi
This Bodhi Tree (Ficus Religiosa) is one of the 32 saplings taken from the original tree where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. The sacred Kalutara Bodhi is a revered pilgrimage site where visitors can experience a sense of tranquillity and spiritual significance while admiring the ancient tree and its historical and religious significance.
Explore Richmond Castle
Built during the 1900s, the elegant Richmond Castle belonged to Mudaliyar Don Arthur De Silva. The impressive colonial house overlooks stunning vistas of the countryside and borders Kalu Ganga. Some of the best hotels in Kalutara, such as the Turyaa Kalutara Hotel, are great places to base your stay at.
Visit Fa Hien Caves
Encounter pre-historic caves inhabited by Fa-Hien, a 3rd-century CE travelling Buddhist monk. These large caves are dated to prehistorical times and hold several skeletal remains and other artefacts.
Discover Katukurunda Beach
One of the lesser-visited beaches in Kalutara is Katukurunda Beach. Its pristine golden sands, blue coastline and swaying coconut trees will enchant visitors at first sight.
