About Kalutara
Kalutara is a laidback coastal town on Sri Lanka’s west coast, with a population of around 40,000. The town sits alongside the Kalu Ganga (Black River), close to where it meets the Indian Ocean, and is around a 1- to 1.5-hour drive from Colombo via the Southern Expressway. This makes it close enough to easily reach the capital or airport, while still offering a more relaxed atmosphere away from the bustle of the city.
Kalutara first grew in importance as a riverside ferry crossing, thanks to its position near the mouth of the Kalu Ganga. It later became an important Buddhist pilgrimage site when a sacred Bodhi tree sapling was planted here in the 2nd century. European colonialists arrived in the 1500s, followed by the East India Company, which established a thriving cinnamon trade in the area. In 1796, the British made Kalutara a district capital, and the town’s trade gradually shifted towards rubber, coconut and spices. Its expansion continued into the early 20th century, when the British built road and railway connections linking Kalutara with other parts of Sri Lanka.
Today, Kalutara is divided into North Kalutara and South Kalutara by the Kalu Ganga. Kalutara North has a quieter, more local feel, with uncrowded beaches and fewer shops and restaurants. Most of the area’s hotels, resorts, shops and markets can be found in Kalutara South, making this the busier of the two areas.
Kalutara has a tropical climate, with daytime temperatures usually above 30°C throughout the year and night-time temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C. Rain is possible year-round, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in October, November, April and May.
There is a good choice of restaurants in the hotels, serving both Western and local cuisine. Away from the hotels, there are also plenty of relaxed seaside restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood alongside views of the Indian Ocean. For shopping, the beachfront area south of the river has a selection of traditional handicraft, spice, tea and gem shops, as well as beachwear and souvenir stores.
Kalutara has a relaxed nightlife scene, with most evenings centred around the hotel bars, many of which stay open late. There are also a handful of low-key beachfront bars and lounges, making it easy to enjoy a drink by the sea.