Colombo Trip Overview
Being in proximity to nation’s capital Colombo, Kalutara is a perfect one-day trip place in Sri Lanka.Nestled along secluded shores is the enchanting town of Kalutara, promising truly unforgettable Sri Lanka holidays. Rich culture, exotic adventures, thrilling water sports and palm-fringed golden beaches are all part of the many discoveries that lie in store. According to historical findings, the area was temporarily made capital of the erstwhile rulers under the influence of South Indian Prince in the 11th century.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Experience the coastal lifestyle of Sri Lanka
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Being in proximity to nation’s capital Colombo, Kalutara is a perfect one-day trip place in Sri Lanka.Nestled along secluded shores is the enchanting town of Kalutara, promising truly unforgettable Sri Lanka holidays. Rich culture, exotic adventures, thrilling water sports and palm-fringed golden beaches are all part of the many discoveries that lie in store. According to historical findings, the area was temporarily made capital of the erstwhile rulers under the influence of South Indian Prince in the 11th century.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Experience the coastal lifestyle of Sri Lanka
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kalutara Bodhiya, Galle Colombo Main Road, Kalutara 12000 Sri Lanka
Attracting hundreds of Buddhists, tourists and travelers curious to experience a unique culture, the Kalutara Bodhiya is one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in the country, housing two Bodhi trees. It is said that the Bodhi tree on the upper terrace grew from one of the 32 saplings from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. The lower terrace hosts a Bodhi tree that grew from one of the eight saplings that originated from the Sri Maha Bodhi tree that Lord Buddha sat under to attain Enlightenment. For this reason, Sri Lankans from all over the country make it a point to pause at the Kalutara Bodhiya whenever they pass by and pay their respects. From Nelum flowers to Araliya to Jasmine, it is customary to bring a few to be placed at the Chaithya as a sign of reverence. With the soft ghatha chants wafting through the air, the soft breeze that constantly blows through the temple, the Bodhiya stands as a safe haven to many, embodying peace, unity and tranquility.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Fa Hien Caves, Pahiyangala, Kalutara 12000 Sri Lanka
As the legend went, the cave had been the living space for the famous traveling Chinese monk Faxian who lived in the early 5th century AD. He believed demons and dragons were the original inhabitants of this island. Deraniyagala – enterprising archaeologist in Sri Lanka wanted to see if he could find some solid evidence of Fa Hien’s stay in the cave and he tried excavating there. Unfortunately, there was no such evidence found; but what he did find, shook the world. The excavations unearthed the skeletal remains and tools of prehistoric humans dating back to over 37,000 years ago. The other objects found pointed towards a hunter gatherer life style with microlithic stone tools, animal and floral remains and remains of prehistoric fireplaces. Reaching the cave takes you through the wilderness of the southern coast, and allows you to witness a different side of Kalutara and its greenery.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Thudugala Ella waterfall, Thudugala Falls, Dodangoda, Kalutara Sri Lanka
Thudugala Ella falls is the closest waterfall to the sea and Kalu River out of 26 waterfalls in Kalutara district. It stands at a height of 8 meters it includes a natural swimming pool surrounded by Ketala plants. It is a famous place for bathing and has a tunnel which runs under the waterfall. Being so close to the west coast beach havens, the falls attract a decent number of local and foreign crowds to enjoy the tranquility of this cascading beauty. The fall, which has become a famous bathing place, is situated in an estate once owned by a British and his wrecked country house can still be seen there. In the nearby forest reserve, there are many migratory birds and local birds, e.g. “pale bellied flower pecker”, and the smallest bird in the country. Enjoy this nature’s gift on your holiday to Kalutara or Sri Lanka.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Richmond Castle, Riverside road, Kalutara 12000 Sri Lanka
Built to mirror a Maharaja’s palace in India, the Richmond Castle is a mansion of architectural wonder and serenity, surrounded by greenery and accentuated by bursts of colourful blossoms. Richmond Castle was built by Don Arthur De Silva. The materials used to build the castle were imported from Burma and Italy and many other countries all over the world This Mansion was also used to filming of the world-renowned film ‘water’ due to its architectural significance. The Public Trustee Department runs an orphanage within the premises while also leaving portions of it open to the public. Once a location of enormous pride and cheer; Richmond Castle remains a historical monument that commemorates a resplendent past.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kalutara Beach, Kalutara Sri Lanka
The calls of mix with crashing of waves, foam-rimmed water rushes towards the golden sands. The warmth of the tropical sun is felt in the heat of the sand and warmth of the sea. Tall swaying coconut palms fringe the spit of land. It’s a little piece of paradise; just another lovely day on Calido Beach. Having gained its name from the Spanish word for ‘warm’; this sunny beach is filled with the cries of fishermen during the evening, as they bring in their catch and clean it.
Duration: 1 hour
