How to find places For Sri Lanka Excursions From Kalutara
Located where the west coast meets the south coast, the charming city of Kalutara has much to offer intrepid travellers. While it makes a great destination to enjoy beachside bliss and cultural adventures, it is also an excellent place from which to set off on excursions especially along the south coast. Here is a guide to some of the best spots to plan trips to, each offering something different to experience.
Visit Idyllic Beruwala
A little less than 14 km from Kalutara, the laid-back town of Beruwala is an ideal place for an excursion. Because of its proximity, you can easily plan an early morning visit at about 5:30am to the bustling Beruwala Fish Market; if offers a great opportunity to witness local fishermen in action as they sell their previous night’s catch.
Another key attraction to visit is the Brief Garden; created by Bevis Bawa (brother of famed architect Geoffrey Bawa), this picturesque garden is set amidst various trees and plants and features paths and sculptures too that make it a wonderful spot to enjoy nature’s tranquillity.
Have Fun at Bentota
Often referred to as the water sports capital of Sri Lanka, the town of Bentota is only around 21 km away. Those staying at Kalutara hotels can easily plan excursions here where they can look forward to plenty of water-based activities be it at sea or in the lagoon; these include jet-skiing, banana boat rides, windsurfing, wakeboarding and water skiing.
You can also head to another delightful garden created by the other Bawa brother, Geoffrey Bawa! Known as the pioneer of the architectural style called tropical modernism, his country estate is called Lunuganga and features aspects of English landscaping, Renaissance gardens of Italy, Sri Lankan water gardens and more.
Get Up Close to Turtles
One of the most rewarding excursions from Kalutara awaits those who head to the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project located around 28 km away. Easy to reach on trips from properties the likes of Mermaid Hotel & Club, this well-known project plays a key role in protecting local nesting sites.
Run by Dudley Perera and his family, the site features an area where sea turtle eggs that have been rescued or collected are safely kept under the sand till it’s time for them to hatch. On your visit, you may get to see some of these hatchlings and depending on the time, also witness baby turtles being released out to sea!
Enjoy a River Cruise
Approximately an hour away from Kalutara is the Madu Ganga or Madu River in Balapitiya which offers an ideal place for a cruise. Amongst the Ramsar listed wetland sites in Sri Lanka, this natural treasure is home to thriving mangrove forests which form dense canopies for boats to pass under. On your adventures, you may see diverse bird species as well as creatures like crocodiles, monkeys, water snakes, crabs and shrimps.
After or before your cruise, you can also look to experience some fish spa therapy; you will find spots along the river where special enclosures have been made; for a price, you can sit and dangle your feet into the water below where lots of gourami fish will nibble away dead skin!
Explore Galle
Around 82 km from Kalutara is the city of Galle, another key destination you can easily visit on a day excursion. The main attraction here is the 18th century Galle Fort also known as the Dutch Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortification with its ramparts overlooking the sea and the Old Town area are ideal for exploration and you will find Dutch houses and sites of interest like the Dutch Reformed Church.
While here, you can also take in the Old Gate with its British coat of arms and see the city’s lighthouse, and clock tower; you can also visit the Galle National Museum, National Maritime Museum and Historical Mansion Museum. Nearby is Unawatuna Beach, the ideal spot to enjoy some chilled-out relaxation on the shore.
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