population: 0.39 million

extension: 1,596 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Kalutara and want to visit museums, one recommendation is the Richmond Castle Museum located in Kalutara itself. It houses a collection of antiques, furniture, and art pieces from the colonial era of Sri Lanka.

If you are interested in visiting similar types of museums nearby, you can consider visiting the National Museum of Colombo or the Dutch Period Museum in Colombo, which is about an hour's drive away from Kalutara.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Kalutara, Sri Lanka according to local people are:

1. Fish Ambul Thiyal - a sour and spicy fish curry made with tamarind, black pepper, and other spices.

2. Kottu Roti - a dish made with chopped roti bread, vegetables, egg, and meat or seafood.

3. Parippu Curry - a lentil soup made with coconut milk and spices.

4. Pol Sambol - a condiment made with freshly grated coconut, chili peppers, and lime juice.

5. Gotu Kola Sambol - another type of condiment made with a leafy green vegetable called gotu kola (Centella asiatica), coconut, and spices.

6. Wambatu Moju - a sweet and sour eggplant pickle made with caramelized onions, vinegar, and spices.

7. Hoppers - a type of pancake made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk.

8. String Hoppers - thin noodles made from rice flour.

9. Pittu - a cylindrical-shaped steamed cake made from ground rice.

These dishes can be found in many local restaurants and street food stalls in Kalutara and the surrounding areas.

Activities

Sure, here are a few fun activities that locals enjoy in Kalutara:

1. Visit the Kalutara Bodhiya: This is a famous Buddhist temple located in Kalutara, where locals come to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

2. Go on a river safari: Take a boat ride along the Kalu River, where you can spot various species of birds, monitor lizards, and even crocodiles in their natural habitat.

3. Explore the beaches: Kalutara has several beautiful beaches such as Kalutara Beach, Waskaduwa Beach, and Beruwala Beach, where locals love to swim, sunbathe, and relax.

4. Learn traditional crafts: You can visit the Richmond Castle Museum and participate in workshops to learn traditional crafts such as lace-making, weaving, and pottery.

5. Taste local cuisine: Indulge in some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine by tasting popular dishes such as rice and curry, string hoppers, and hoppers, which are commonly found in Kalutara's local eateries.