Kalutara - Sri Lanka

Passing along the coastal road travelling South from Colombo, the first large town is Kalutara.

Approaching the town the striking Gangatilaka Vihara, one of the few Buddhist monuments that permit entry and a true highlight worth visiting stands at the edge of the Kalu Ganga, (Kalu River), passers by are encouraged to stop and make a donation in one of the yellow offerings boxes that line the busy highway.

Once an important market town famous for spice-traders Kalutara, is now the centre of the thriving local basket ware industry. A bustling market town and the junction for travellers journeying inland to such cities as Ratnapura and the Sinharaja Rain Forest, along the side of the road stalls of brushes, brooms and baskets hang out in the sun vying for passing trade.

At this point on its journey South the road winds inland away from the coast, it is therefore necessary to turn towards the sea down small narrow roads passing private bungalows that occupy seemingly prime positions close to the railway track, a vital link between the capital and the coastal conurbations.

Kalutara has still to recognise the potential for tourism in the area and it is only a few enterprising individuals that have opened souvenir and tourist shops close to the hotels. Restaurants are still confined to the hotels in the immediate area since eating out as a pleasurable pastime has yet to develop. Fortunately, with Colombo only 43km distant and taxis freely available and economical it is possible for the determined to spend an evening in the capital City, where there are some very fine restaurants and clubs for those who seek lively entertainment.

Additional Kalutara information

• The Finest Beaches
• Excursions available from Kalutara
• The Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela
• Banks & Financial
• Health & Safety
• A Tropical Paradise