Sri Lanka is an island paradise brimming with natural beauty, culture, and history. Within the tropical reach of the island is an array of attractions promising you a memorable experience.
Kalutara
About 40 kilometres south of Colombo is a picturesque coastal town named Kalutara. Sitting on the banks of Kalu River, Kalutara is a town of history, culture, and extraordinary natural beauty. From water sports in the warm sea to spa treatments to delicious food, Kalutara brings you an experience that’s all encompassing.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season is the best time to visit Kalutara. The season runs from December to March, bringing plenty of sunlight with minimal rainfall. These months are ideal for outdoor excursions such as sightseeing, beach outings, and water sports. This season coincides with the peak season, so prices are higher, and so are the crowds.
Another good time to visit is from April to May and September to November. These months bring pleasant weather with a higher chance of rain, but rain doesn’t last long enough to disrupt your plans. Town sees fewer tourists during these months, resulting in lower prices.
Places to Stay
As you would expect from a popular tourist destination, Kalutara has a wide range of accommodation options, from boutiques to hotels to resorts. Staying at a Kalutara hotel is a good idea if you want comfort and top-tier amenities. Your options include Avani Kalutara Resort. If you’re planning to visit Kalutara during the dry season, which happens to be the peak season, you better start your search in advance. These hotels feature various offers as well, so keep your ear to the ground.
Spend Some Time at the Beach
Want to work on that beautiful tan? Head to the beach!
Kalutara Beach is up there with all the other excellent beaches in Sri Lanka. This stretch of sand is known for its tranquil ambience and clear blue waters – the perfect recipe for travellers seeking sun and sand. The beach spans for several kilometres along the Indian Ocean, offering you ample space for strolls, beach activities and sunbathing. Get here in the evening, and you’ll witness a magical sunset.
Water Sports
Kalutara, with its stunning coastline framed by the Indian Ocean, offers an array of water sports. These are some popular water sports you can enjoy in Kalutara:
- Jet Skiing: Feel the thrill of speeding across the sparkling waters of the ocean. Jet ski rentals are available at beachfront locations. You can enjoy jet skiing on your own or pair up with a partner.
- Windsurfing: The town’s breezy location makes it ideal for activities like windsurfing. Simply rent a surfing board and harness the power of the wind!
- Kayaking: If you want a gentler activity, try kayaking. You can paddle through the tranquil waters through mangroves. Keep an eye out for marine creatures like sea turtles.
- Snorkelling and Diving: Sign up for a snorkelling or diving expedition to discover the wonders of the underwater world.
Dining
Sri Lankan cuisine is among the best cuisines in the world. Once you get a taste of Sri Lankan food, you’ll keep asking for more. Rice and curry are a staple in every household in Sri Lanka, and restaurants serve up a wealth of rice and curry meals for travellers wanting a taste of Sri Lanka. Roadside stalls sell a variety of street food, but if you want a fine dining experience, go to a restaurant. Most resorts in hotels in Kalutara feature onsite dining facilities, where you can try Sri Lankan food as well as international dishes.
If you want to make Sri Lankan dishes to impress your friends back home, take a cooking lesson. Most resorts arrange cooking lessons for their guests.
Spa Treatments
If relaxation and rejuvenation are what you’re after, a spa treatment is a must-do. Sri Lanka is known for its practice of ayurveda. Your visit to Kalutara is an opportunity to benefit from a healing ayurvedic spa treatment and start your wellness journey. You’ll be treated to the best by experts and taken to the verge of pure bliss.
Yoga
If you want to take your wellness journey further, try yoga and meditation. There are yoga retreats that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Resorts offers yoga classes as well. Speak to your resort if you want a private yoga session with an experienced practitioner.
