For the last leg of our tour we went to Kalutara which is famous for its white sand beach. Kalutara is around 40 kms from Colombo. We stayed at the Kani Lanka hotel. Have put up the review of the hotel here.
After we left Yala, we visited the Galle Fort along the way. This fort built by the Portugese in 1588 is a UNESCO world heritage site. Heavy fortifications were later done by the Dutch. We did a "driving tour" of the town and saw old colonial building like Dutch church, old government house, National Maritime museum, light house etc. A walk along the rampart walls gives postcard views of the Light house. We saw a great sunset from here.
The stay in Kalutara was spent enjoying the great beaches here.
The mask museum at Ambalangoda is a short drive from Kalutara. An array of masks used in different traditional dance forms are put up for display. One can see the mask making process here as well.
We also visited a turtle hatchery. The hatchery buys turtle eggs from local fishermen who collect it from the beaches. It then hatches the eggs and releases the turtles back to see.
Another short journey takes you to Richmond Castle. Built during colonial times, this palace is now being used as a school. The caretaker there showed us around the castle.
Check out more photos below...
