Tucked away along the South Coast of Sri Lanka is the enchanting coastal town of Kalutara where one can enjoy an idyllic getaway by the sea. Before embarking on your journey of discovery, make sure you find suitable contemporary hotels in the area from which to set off on your excursions. Located near the main town, Avani Kalutara Resort & Spa is an option worth considering. This well placed property belongs to AVANI Hotels & Resorts which are known for their upscale hotels.

Once you have settled in, it’s time to start exploring! One of Kalutara’s most famous landmarks is the Gangatilaka Vihara which is the sole hollow Buddhist shrine in the world. Within this huge structure one will find a fascinating array of murals showcasing scenes from Lord Buddha’s life. Another top thing to do when here is to take a boat cruise along the Kalu Ganga; as you drift along the river you will come across picturesque landscapes and can indulge in some bird watching too. No mention of the South Coast is complete without talking about its beaches; the Kalutara Beach and the Wadduwa Beach are ideal spots in which to enjoy some fun in the sun, sand and surf. Rounding off the list of top 5 things to do in Kalutara is visiting charming Richmond Castle and heading further afield to the historic site known as Fa Hien Caves.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+