The Kalutara Bodiya
The Kalutara Bodiya is one of the religious place which is venerated by all Buddhist in Sri Lanka. Locals who pass from Colombo or Galle Stop over at the Sacred Shrine to pay their respects by way of worshipping and offerings. This is the only Buddhist shrine in the world which is hollow with interesting paintings dated back to the 19th Century. During 2nd century AD the Ven. Mahinda Thera has directed that 32 saplings taken from the Sri Mahabodhiya be planted at certain points around the country it is believed that the present Bo-Tree in Kalutara is supposed to be one of the 32 saplings of Sri Maha Bodiya. The Kalutara Bodiya is located just after the Kalutara River from the Colombo side.
Kosgoda Sea Turtle hatchery
Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery- operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. There are 19 Hatchery’s in Sri Lanka, which has released hundreds of thousand turtles to the ocean after 2-3 days of care at these hatchery’s. Turtles have been in existence for a hundred million years. There are 7 species worldwide, 5 of which can be found in Sri Lanka.
Richmond Castle
Richmond Castle, built at the turn of the century in Kalutara, is considered one of the most spectacular architectural works of the period. It was the property of a wealthy landowner turned philanthropist, Padikara Mudali Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena. The mansion stands majestically at top of a hill, on a 42 acre estate beside the Kalutara-Palatota Road. Once a circuit bungalow for high ranking officers of the British administrative service, today it is a popular tourist attraction, and serves as an educational centre for less privileged children of Kalutara and the vicinity.