Kalutara

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Bentota River Mangroves
No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Bentota River Mangroves

5
4.3/5
30 reviews
Bentota River MangrovesLocated near the mouth of the Bentota River on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, it is a natural scenic area characterized by estuarine wetland ecology and boat sightseeing. Here, the confluence of fresh and salt water provides suitable conditions for mangrove growth, and dense trees extend along the riverbanks, forming a lush, multi-layered green view. Compared to the bustling beach resort areas, the interior of the mangroves is much quieter. Visitors can take a small boat with a canopy into the waterways to experience the unique charm of the wetland environment while moving slowly. As the boat moves slowly along the winding waterways, the prop roots of the mangroves on both banks intertwine, vines hang low, and branches and leaves connect overhead, creating a view that resembles a natural green tunnel. Sunlight filters through the leaves onto the water, and the river reflects the surrounding plants, swaying gently with the boat to present a tranquil and layered natural pictureGalle · 16.9km from Kalutara
Kalutara Bodhiya

Kalutara Bodhiya

3.5
Located in the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka, it is one of the few hollow stupas in the world and its interior contains 74 murals, each depicting a different aspect of the life of the Buddha.Kalutara · 1.1km from downtown
Kande Vihara Temple - Aluthgama

Kande Vihara Temple - Aluthgama

3.4
5.0/5
1 reviews
Kalutara · 15km from downtown
Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle

3
Kalutara · 2.7km from downtown
Panadura Beach

Panadura Beach

2.9
Panadura · 3.3km from downtown
Thudugala Ella waterfall

Thudugala Ella waterfall

2.6
Kalutara · 10.7km from downtown
Pahiyangala

Pahiyangala

2.5
Kalutara · 28.8km from downtown
Colombo National Museum
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Colombo

Colombo National Museum

5.5
4.5/5
213 reviews
Colombo National Museum is the national museum of Sri Lanka. Opened in 1877, it houses tens of thousands of artifacts and is an ideal place to quickly understand the history of this island. The museum is housed in a two-story, Italian-style white building. With its arched colonnades and a large lawn in front, the white facade is very photogenic. The first floor is arranged chronologically, while the second floor is organized by theme, showcasing everything from prehistoric stone tools to the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, and finally the Kingdom of Kandy. The museum library also houses thousands of palm-leaf manuscripts, offering a window into the literary heritage of ancient Sri Lanka.Colombo · 38.5km from Kalutara
Independence Square
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Independence Square

5.4
4.3/5
239 reviews
Located on the east side of the University of Colombo, the square is an iconic cultural square and the place where Sri Lanka's independence ceremony on February 4, 1948 was held. Looking around here, the White House is faintly visible in the distance. Many young people rest and read here, which is a good place to find a comfortable and quiet place. 1. "Kandy Culture" Visit the Memorial Hall, you will see elephants, lions and patterns describing the history of Sri Lanka's Buddhism carved on the pillars. There are also 60 stone lions symbolizing the Sinhalese around the memorial hall. Each lion represents a king, reflecting the style of Kandy culture. 2. The Independence Hall in the center of the Independence Hall Square is built to imitate the hall where pilgrims were received during the Kandy Dynasty. The green lawn around the square reflects the Independence Memorial Hall, surrounded by stone lions, and there is a statue of D.S Senyonayake on the back of the Memorial Hall. 3. Shopping There is also a shopping center called Arcade. There are many brand stores in the European-style building. It is quite cost-effective when the products are discounted.Colombo · 37.7km from Kalutara
Moragalla Beach

Moragalla Beach

2.4
Moragalla · 311m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Kalutara

Featured Food & drink in Kalutara

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Sea waves sri lankan cooking class
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4.9/5
· 405 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
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100 consecutive positive reviews
From£ 30.21
Colombo Express Food Tour with 9 + Tastings
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4.8/5
· 77 reviews
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97.4% of travelers recommend
From£ 30.21
COLOMBO PRIVATE guideCITY TOUR WITH street food( All inclusive )
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4.3/5
· 46 reviews
Duration: 270 mins
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From£ 25.68
Colombo: Private City Tour with Lunch and Guide
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Duration: 7 hrs
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5% off
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From£ 63.71£ 67.07
Ahangama: Srilanka Cinnamon Village Experience
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Duration: 2–4 hrs
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From£ 17.18£ 18.09
Deniyaya: Organic Agro Village Tour & Local Lunch
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From£ 35.79£ 37.68
Deniyaya: Private Village Tour, Patna Sliding Rock & Lunch
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Duration: 8 hrs
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Galle Fort Street Food Walk
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From£ 64.43£ 67.83

Featured Cultural experiences in Kalutara

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Bentota: Village Tour with Local Guide
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Colombo Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Heritage and Vibrant Markets
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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20% off
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From£ 4.39£ 5.49
Colombo National Museum + Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque + Beira Lake day tour in Sri Lanka
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From£ 129.97
Talpe: Traditional Jewelry Making Workshop with Father & Son
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Traditional Jewelry Making & Gemstone Workshop experience
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Duration: 3 hrs
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In-depth guide of National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka for 2 hours
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From£ 23.32

Featured Outdoor experiences in Kalutara

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Bentota: 15-Minute Jet Ski Adventure on the Bentota River
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Duration: 15 mins
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From£ 42.95£ 45.22
Bentota River Safari with Bazaar from ahungalla
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Duration: 2 hrs
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5% off
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From£ 57.26£ 60.28
Bentota: Snorkeling Boat Cruise to Beruwala Lighthouse
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Galle Sinharaja Forest Reserve Day Tour [Sinharaja Forest Reserve 24790]
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From£ 46.25
Exclusive Kitulgala: Whitewater Rafting with Lunch
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From£ 39.37£ 41.45
Mirissa Beach Day Tour in Sri Lanka [Snorkeling Experience with Turtles 18297]
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From£ 34.97
Colombo, Sri Lanka Departure | Sea Train + Stilt Fishermen + Galle Fort Day Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From£ 215.07

Featured Day tours in Kalutara

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Yala Safari Day Trip from Bentota/ Kalutara/ Ahungalla/ Hikkaduwa
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Duration: 10–12 hrs
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From£ 256.73
Bentota: Guided Scuba Diving Ocean Tour
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Duration: 2.5–4 hrs
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Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From£ 24.17
Bentota: Water Skiing and Wakeboarding with Instructor
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Duration: 30 mins
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From£ 17.18£ 18.09
Bentota: High-Speed Jet Ski Ride with Safety Briefing
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Duration: 30 mins
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From£ 40.81£ 42.96

Free things to do in Kalutara

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What travellers say about Kalutara

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DEAR张小球1 June 2020
5.0
Mangroves are not unfamiliar to the seaside in southern my country, but mangroves of this size are not seen in China. It is most suitable to take a boat trip. Mangroves are very valuable trees that protect the marine ecological environment.

Bentota River Mangroves

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ifthika irshad21 August 2023
5.0
i visit this place in my childhood days..now i can see this view at our home it’s great view

Kande Vihara Temple - Aluthgama

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Laowai on the Loose24 January 2025
5.0
If you want to learn about the history of Sri Lanka this is a great place to start. The museum shows pre-historic finds and the earliest civilization of Sri Lanka as well as the Colonial era and the history or resistance to those colonial powers. As a history teacher I really enjoyed the museum.

Colombo National Museum

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khcc1 May 2024
4.0
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the museum. This is a large square. It is said that it was the place where independence celebrations were held. It has good greening and is very suitable. Take a walk here at dusk.

Independence Square

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kalutara?

Don't miss these attractions in Kalutara: Bentota River Mangroves, Kalutara Bodhiya, and Kande Vihara Temple - Aluthgama. If you like Food & drink, try Sea waves sri lankan cooking class. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Bentota: Village Tour with Local Guide.

You can give Sea waves sri lankan cooking class and Colombo Express Food Tour with 9 + Tastings a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Yala Safari Day Trip from Bentota/ Kalutara/ Ahungalla/ Hikkaduwa, Bentota River Safari with Bazaar from ahungalla, and Bentota: Guided Scuba Diving Ocean Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 16 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kalutara is around GBP 15.76 – GBP 256.73. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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