One of the most beautiful beaches on the South West coast of Sri Lanka is situated in Kalutara, about 45 km South from Colombo. The beach is on a beautiful spit between the Indian Ocean and the river Kalu Ganga, from which came the name of the city translated from Sinhala means Black river.
Kalutara from ancient ages was known as shopping village. Due to the river here could be easily transported spices, coconuts and other agricultural products from the depths of the island.
Kalutara Calido beach is public
Kalutara tourist infrastructure is very developed, many beach hotels, cafes, shops, aquatic centers, etc. Public beach in the charming village of Kalutara is called ‘Calido’, which in Spanish means “warm”. Warm ocean waters wash the Golden shores of this beautiful place.
Calido beach is more suitable for walking and contemplation of the gorgeous views, not for swimming, because there are quite big ocean waves. Especially on weekends and holidays locals like to spend time with family, miss kite, play beach football. Tourists love to stroll along the spit to beautiful places, where the Kalu River flows into the Indian Ocean. Well, for swimming in the calm ocean, wide sandy beaches a few kilometers North of Kalutara you will approach the beautiful Wadduwa beach.
How to get from the airport to Kalutara
From airport to Kalutara, about 70 km to the South via Colombo. Faster and more comfortable access by car is approximately 1.5 hours via the southern Expressway. To negotiate with carriers can be locally at the airport from 30$ and above. Alternatively, in advance in the section “Rent a car” and choose to transfer. Then driver will be meet you with a welcome sign at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Moreover, on the bus, but with a change: first, to Colombo (about 35 km), then from the Central bus station (Pettah market) in the direction of Bentota, Galle, Tangalle, Matara. A bus ticket will cost about a dollar, and impressions on all hundred.
Budget option to get from the airport to the resort you can still by rail. Also with a transfer / railway, station Colombo Fort. The train schedule you can found on the official website.
What to visit and what to do
- Northern and southern parts of Kalutara city bridge over the river Kalu Ganga, the length of which is about half a kilometer.
- Kalutara surviving colonial architecture, remnants of the ruins of the Fort, home to a Temple Kalutara Chaitya.
- There are interesting and informative boat trips on the river Kalu Ganga in the interior of the island through a primitive jungle, and visits to a coconut plantation where you can see how to collect walkers Arak (the nectar of the coconut blossoms, which after that make an alcoholic beverage).
- Buddhist temple Kalutara Bodhiya, which has the largest hollow stupa in the World, as well as the sacred Bodhi tree. Every year in February, there is a Grand festival of Navam Perahera, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists. The carnival procession is accompanied by elephants, dancers, and musicians.
- Popular tourist attraction in Kalutara is the Richmond Castle, built in the early twentieth century.
