Image via Anantara Kalutara Resort

Since it is found standing proudly on Barberyn Island, it is common for the Beruwala Lighthouse to be termed the Barberyn Lighthouse. Having seen the light of day in 1889, the Beruwala Lighthouse though currently inaccessible to the general public can still be visited and would especially, appeal to beach bums who cannot seem to get enough of going in for refreshing dips in the ocean surrounding the island in order to get away from the heat. To explore the island itself, it is important that you negotiate a price with a local fisherman who will then be responsible for taking you and bringing you back to shore in one piece.

A sought-after landmark rich in archaeological value is the setting of the Fa Hien Cave. Nestled in the village of Yatagampitiya, the Fa Hien Cave is often at the heart of school trips and holidays for its dimly lit environs have many a story to tell. Thought to be around 400 feet above sea level, this attraction features an enormous ceiling that measures 175 feet while the entirety of the cave stretches out for 200 feet. Worthy of mention are the remains of human skulls and weapons that were discovered in the aftermath of extensive excavations that were carried out by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka which later shed light on the fact that Fa Hien Cave was where the Pahiyangala Man once dwelt. Interestingly, as at the time of writing, as many as 3,000 people can fit into Fa Hien Cave while those enthused travellers will soon discover that the said attraction has been divided into four sections with some portions strictly off limits to visitors.

The free-flowing waters of the Kalu Ganga or ‘Black River’ will surely coax you into hopping into a boat and exploring its every nook and cranny. As the lifeblood of the Kalutara District, the Kalu Ganga is quite the sight indeed owing to numerous facets and talking points. In fact, should you have checked into Anantara Kalutara Resort, then you may avail the services of a river cruise and begin coming to terms with one of the finest places to visit in Kalutara. During such an expedition, you may under the watchful eyes of a guide go to where only a few would dare dream of being at such remote river banks. Move through mangrove swamplands at a languid pace before scenes of dense jungle, rustic villages and eye-catching plantations will attempt to overwhelm your every sense.

Thought of as a major part of Kalutara’s heritage and identity is the sacred site of the Kalutara Bodhiya. Habitually visited on weekends, the monthly Poya holiday and as part of a Buddhist pilgrimage, the towering structure of the Kalutara Bodhiya will be hard to miss, given its bright white exterior that gleams against clear blue skies. Although what makes visiting the Kalutara Bodhiya all the more worthwhile can be attributed to the 3-storey hollow stupa which has continued to draw in art afficionados from across the nation and the world. The moment you enter, you will be welcomed by 74 priceless paintings which expertly portray the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Before you leave, you may burn incense sticks, invoke the blessings of the gods, make an offering of flowers or leave some money inside the tills that are found in and around the entrance.