Home · Places · Western

heritage · Western

Kalutara Bodhiya and Kalutara Chaitya — Kalutara

Cover photo: Filiz Elaerts (Unsplash)

District

Kalutara

Province

Western

Best for

Pilgrims and riverside walkers; sacred Bo tree and hollow hilltop stupa

Map

See it on the map

About this place

On the Galle Road bridge approach into Kalutara town, an easy train or bus hop from Colombo. Daylight visits are best; Poya days are crowded but colourful. Free entry with modest dress and shoe removal.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Dress modestly, remove shoes; this is one of the region's holiest Buddhist sites.
• The 1960s Chaitya is said to be the world's only fully hollow stupa: step inside for the Jataka murals.
• Daylight visits are best; Poya days are crowded but colourful.
• Free entry; the site sits right on the Galle Road bridge approach into Kalutara town.
• Combine with the Kalu Ganga riverbank walk.

How to travel there

Train or bus from Colombo down Galle Road to Kalutara town; the temple is at the bridge approach.

Where to stay

Kalutara town guesthouses or Wadduwa/Beruwala beach belt (budget to mid-range).

Nearby places

Richmond Castle, Kalu Ganga riverbank, Wadduwa Beach, Beruwala Bay Beach

Read the full guide →