If you’re planning a holiday in Sri Lanka, and hoping to visit around the island during your stay, one of the best places to start your island journey is from Kalutara. Thought it’s a significantly large and commercial town, it’s less popular with the tourists; giving you a perfect fresh start on the island journey, without all the hustle and bustle. Starting your journey from Kalutara also means you get to experience Sri Lanka in it’s more commercial area; as opposed to the more remote areas popular with tourists.

The best times to visit Kalutara

While Sri Lanka has great weather almost all year long, certain parts of the country are best enjoyed during certain months of the year. When it comes to visiting the city of Kalutara, the most ideal time would be between the months of January to April, and then November to December. During this period, this area of the island has mild weather and predictable rain. The water is also in a pleasant warmth, making bathing in the waves a fun experience for all age groups. This period is also the ideal time to host a wedding at the beach, and there are plenty of Kalutara hotels for weddings that can make this experience memorable. 

The beaches of Kalutara

The beaches at Kalutara are more suitable for bathing than swimming, as the sea in this area can be quite steep. However, if you’re a good swimmer, and the waves are calm enough, you may attempt to swim in the safe areas. We recommend the Kalutara beaches for sun bathing, picnicking and romantic meals with the sunset. An interesting fact to be noted here is that the Kalu river flows into the ocean at a close proximity to the Kalutara beach, adding to the already tranquil scenery…

Spa and massage treatments

Like most other parts of Sri Lanka, Kalutara too has many options when it comes to Spas and massage treatments. This is ideal if you’re feeling jetlagged, or still tired from your journey to the island, and need to refresh your body to truly enjoy Sri Lanka. However, if you want to experience a truly luxurious experience, we suggest you only get such treatments done at the high-end places; such as spas attached to hotels. These Spas are better equipped and guarantee you’ll have a pleasurable time.

Other tourist attractions

Apart from the ever attractive beaches, there are plenty of other tourist attraction options for you to try out at Kalutara. Here are some of the most popular attractions;

• Kosgoda Sea turtle conservation – The Kosgoda turtle conservation is the home and safe heaven of unhatched sea turtle eggs, as well as sick or injured sea turtles. Located around 27km from the Kalutara town, you can easily get there by either bus or train. You not only get to see the cute hatchlings and older injured turtles; you can also volunteer there. Call ahead to find out if they’re releasing the hatchling to the sea on that particular day to avoid disappointment…

• Pahiyangala Cave (complex) – this cave is not only the largest cave in the island, it’s also among one of Asia’s largest rock formations. A trip to this cave can be quite adventurous, so it may not be ideal for young children. This cave has historical importance, as well as plenty of myths surrounding it¾and the locals love talking about it!

• Thudugala Ella waterfall – who says no to visiting a waterfall when at a tropical island? Not us! Thudugala Ella is significantly smaller than most waterfalls of the island, but is quite easily accessible. It also has a lovely and safe swimming hole to swim in. Visitors to the falls enjoy not only the fresh and clean water here, but also the mild hike that is required to get to the swimming hole.

• Kalutara Bodhiya – A visit to Sri Lanka can hardly be considered complete without visiting at least one local temple. Located in the South of the city, the temple holds religious importance to the locals. It’s a serene place; perfect to help you find balance to your mind. Please note that as this is a religious site, you are required to dress appropriately. White clothing that covers your shoulders and knees are recommended.

What to pack for Kalutara?

Packing for Kalutara is no different from packing for other parts of the island. To cover the basics, make sure to pack plenty of clothes suitable for warm weather, suntan lotions and cover-ups to protect yourself from the harsh weather while not sunbathing, hiking shoes if you plan on being a little adventurous, comfortable sandals for touring, and at least one full sleeved dress or long pants if you want to visit the religious sites.

Most importantly, make sure to pack a high definition camera with extra memory, as Sri Lanka is filled with places you’d want to treasure memories of.