One of the largest spice trading centers over the centuries has been the cause of contention between Britain, Portugal and the Netherlands. After gaining independence in the middle of the 20th century, the trading port gradually turned into a popular resort, whose name comes from the local Kalu-Ganga River.
Chic resort
The large city of Kalutara (Sri Lanka) in ancient times was even the capital of the island state on the orders of the Indian prince. The famous resort is often associated with paradise, because exotic landscapes, secluded beaches, sands that play with golden light, a warm ocean and unique sights help to get rid of all worries.
True, it should be noted that not everyone can afford a chic resort. This luxurious holiday destination is famous for its comfortable hotels with excellent service. Throughout the year, the colorful resort of Kalutara (Sri Lanka) pampers tourists with a 30-degree heat. The weather favors those who come for a bronze tan and swim in the incredibly warm ocean, so that even in winter, all visitors' dreams of water procedures will come true. But officially the tourist season lasts here, as on the whole island, from October to March.
Impressive Navam Parade
In February, curious tourists come here often in order not only to receive a portion of new impressions, but also to take part in a traditional parade with a truly magical atmosphere. The huge scope of the religious holiday surprises even the most sophisticated travelers. The colorful Navam parade takes place under the constant drumming, thousands of believers and crowds of admiring tourists fill the streets of the resort town of Kalutara (Sri Lanka).
For enchanting action, they choose the most huge elephant and decorate it with national symbols. It is he who brings the sacred relics from the main Buddhist temple. The majestic procession is accompanied by special “fans”, thus expressing honors to the elephant. Fantastically beautiful action ends at night with a light show with impressive effects.
Temple of unique design
Gangatilaka Vihara - the main Buddhist temple of a unique shape, which is located in the city of Kalutara. Sri Lanka is proud of the only religious object in the world, which is a hollow stupa. Its gigantic dome of boiling-white color is visible from afar, and the most amazing sight awaits at night, when a temple decorated with bright illumination is reflected in the water surface of the river.
This exotic attraction is always filled with praying pilgrims, and tourists freeze from the grandeur of the temple, which stores huge Buddha statues in cavity 4 . The interior is striking with colorful frescoes describing his life and stages of rebirth. It is from this sacred place that the elephant takes out the relics at the Navam parade.
Fa Hien Cave
Another unusual corner, where tourists should definitely go, is located in a huge rock. Fa Hien Cave is one of the resort's most popular attractions, because there are few places in the world in natural stone. It was turned into a temple by one of the servants of the Buddha, who, in search of the scriptures, came to the ancient city of Kalutara (Sri Lanka). The photo of the cave is impressive! It can accommodate more than 3 thousand people.
Now, for the safety of tourists, who, despite the prohibitions, are trying to penetrate deep into the grotto, all the entrances leading inward are blocked, and the gazed travelers see a giant golden Buddha statue in the main part of the cave.
Richmond castle
The resort of Kalutara (Sri Lanka), known not only for its beautiful beaches, takes care of the historical monuments located in the vicinity. Richmond Castle is considered the most spectacular architectural creation of the XX century. Keeping the tragic story of the owner - the landowner Mudliyar, who died in solitude, the huge building delights in its external and internal decoration. The magnificent garden, in which the most exotic plants used to grow, is now filled with incredible aromas of coconut, citrus trees and mangoes. Small statues in the Greek style are located so that they can be seen from any window. The owner, who dreamed of children, put up a sculpture of a mother with a child in her arms.
The decoration of the two-story castle is stunning: in the luxurious mansion there are 15 spacious rooms, a huge ballroom in which it is always cool due to the openings in the teak made for natural ventilation. The semicircular tall windows are decorated with an unusual design in the form of a vine. There are a lot of wedding photos on the walls, as if transferring the audience to another century and at a time when the owner of the mansion was happy.
World famous spices
Without exaggeration, we say that the island of Sri Lanka is known throughout the world for its seasonings. Kalutara, reviews of the local spices which are full of enthusiasm of tourists, is famous for its huge number of spices growing in special gardens. There you can see and touch the fruits of valuable crops, as well as hear all the secrets of their cultivation. Some gourmets come here to purchase the best seasonings in the world, indispensable and as a souvenir. The heady smell of spices and great taste, stimulating appetite - these are the differences between local spices.
The famous resort of Kalutara (Sri Lanka) offers tourists a truly wide selection of active and passive recreation, which will remain in their memory as one of the best in life. You won’t be bored here even at night, because the rich club life will surprise fans of bright parties. Everyone who comes to the city in search of unusual experiences will not be disappointed.