Kalutara district boundary is drawn from North – Colombo District, East – Rathnapura District, South – Galle District and the coastal belt of the West. While it is also called Kalutota, it is the second level administrative division of the country. The District is predominantly known for rubber, coconut and paddy cultivation which also contributes for internal and external trade.
The once important spice trading city Kalutara is today a resort town. The name o the city is derived from the river Kalu – Blalck. The river while, it divides the southern and western borders of the country, connects the two poles by wide and long bridge. The city consists of fortifications dating to the Portuguese, Dutch and British times.
Kalutara is also popular for the luscious purple tropical fruit mangosteen, basketry with the basket weaving industry, palm toddy and diverse coconut products.
Kalutara Bodhiya, Bevis Bawa Garden, Richmond Castle, Panadura Rankoth Viharaya, Ganathilaka Viharaya, Pahiyangala are historic sites which are enriched with culture and architectural elements.
KALU RIVER BOAT SAFARI
Kalutara district was named after the river Kalu, which means black. The river is one of the four major rivers and one of the longest rivers of the country spanning across 129 km. The journey of the Kalu River originates from the popular peek, Sri Pada and meets its final destination at the sea of Kalutara. The river flows and nourishes the districts of Rathnapura and Kalutara. The main sources of water for the river are drawn from mountainous forests in the Central Province and Sinharaja Forest reservation. The tributaries which nourishes the Kalu River are Kuru, We, Makuru, Kukule, Kuda, Delwala, Niriali, Hangamu, Thibbawatu.
Kalu River Reservoir is about 2,776km2The reservoir is blessed with the highest amount of rainfall compared to other lower country reservoirs. Annually the rain fall is about 3600 mm. One can join the expedition of the Kalu River via a boat ride. To explore the various destinations of vegetation and evolving landscapes, one could either opt for canoeing or kayaking. The river expedition attracts visitors from the country and beyond its maritime borders.
Activities : Photography, Sightseeing, Boat Rider, Canoeing, Kayaking
MAKELI ELLA FALLS
Makeli Fall gushes forth with many legends evolving around it. According to legend, this is not a natural waterfall, but a creation of Prince Weediya Bandara. It is said that the Prince had played here prior to waging war; hence it is named as Ma-Keli.
The 33ft (10m) high fall originates from a natural pool. Located in the wet Zone, the fall is blessed with water constantly and is all covered with the nature and the greenery which surrounds the waterfall adding more beauty to the environment. The stream fuses and flows to the Kuda River and mingles into the sea via the Kalu River. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of fall from a dedicated viewing platform built for this purpose and bathing in the fall is prohibited.
Activities : Photography, Sightseeing, Bathing in natural pool
BEVIS BAWA GARDEN
The Bevis Bawa Garden is a dream carved into a reality marvel by Bevis William Fredrick Bawa a volunteer of the Ceylon light infantry and landscape architect. The garden tells the tale of his year’s long travel exposure to various geographical ecosystems in the world. Father of Bevis bought the land after a successful legal brief; hence it’s also famous as ‘Brief Garden’. It is Sri Lanka’s third largest garden. The garden developed over 15years, was both home and eternal place of repose for Bevis.
The historical Araliya tree (Temple tree) planted by Bevis in 1929 speaks of his lovable nurturing and care shown to nature till date. There are more than 12 varieties of Temple Trees and dense tropical foliage in the garden to fill the heart’s desire of a botanist. More than 100 exotic flora, plantation and trees along with some rare breeds is a treasure trove for a nature lover.
The sculpture, mural and other diverse range of artwork are the evidence left behind by Bevis which depicts the magic in magic in his fingers and thoughts. While the garden is molded with various indigenous garden techniques around the world, the Italian and Chinese garden techniques take prominence in the Brief Garden.
The house in the middle of this luscious botanical garden stands out like a queen in the woods. Every brick and wood used to build this architectural fascination exhales the efforts Bevis put into his creation. The photos and paintings recite the legacy of Bevis. The Bevis Bawa Garden attracts locals and foreigners around the world and still remains a wonder for modern architecture.
Activities : Architecture, Photography, Botany, Sightseeing
Sri Lanka Dream Tours organize various tour activities that includes folk dance & music program, local house visits, local market visits, dinner or lunch with a local family of the area and much more like this. These activities are organized as part of your tour program and gives real experience of India to any guest visiting India with us.