Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Kalutara is a well known beach town in the island. When the country was under Portuguese rule, the town was mostly known for its fine spices. However, under the British rule the area became a rubber plantation. Today it is a popular tourist destination that is home to some of the best beaches on the island. It is situated just about 40kms from Colombo you can even make a one day trip here. The name Kalutara is derived from the Kalu Ganga or Kalu River which means the Black River in the native tongue, Sinhala.
As Kalutara is the first major beach town that you will come across south of Colombo it has a host of beach hotels and resorts offering a wide variety of services. Aqua sports are a major attraction provided by most of the resorts in the area. The local beach is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving, jet skiing and surfing. You can easily find instructors and the necessary equipment from most of the hotels in the area. Kalutara lagoon is a perfect location for you to enjoy the wind, warm waters and the sun while engaging in a host of exciting water sports.
The town is an important religious site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. This is because Gangatilaka Vihara, which is the only hollow stupa in the world, is situated here. Most Sri Lankan Buddhists will not go through Kalutara without making at lease a short visit to the temple. Visitors can go inside the stupa and be awed by the frescoes on its walls. The town is also known for its handmade crafts. It has a basket centre where locals expertly weave beautiful baskets, purses, hats and a myriad of other items using palm fronds and coconut fibre.
If you are looking for a hotel in Kalutara there are numerous options to choose from depending on your budget and requirements. When it comes to beach resorts Sri Lanka Kalutara is one of the best destinations within the island. Avani Kalutara Resort is an ideal retreat where one can enjoy exciting water sports or simply unwind in comfortable luxury.
