The idyllic region of Kalutara on the southern Sri Lankan coast is the perfect place for a weekend of week-long getaway. Home to some interesting cultural locations and of course, ultra-pristine beaches, this unique stretch of tropical sand will provide an unforgettable vacation experience for everyone who visits. Of all beach hotels Sri Lanka has to offer its visitors, the selection of Kalutara hotels are infused with a charm all their own. You might consider checking into The Sands as it offers prime accommodation on the beach, with fun activities galore to entertain the entire family for hours on end, such as Crab Racing, and the chance to witness Coin Makers and Gem Cutters honing their craft. Close to Kalutara Beach is one of the most famous archeological sites in Asia: the Pahiyan-gala (Fa-Hiengala) Caves, which are considered to be the world’s oldest example of pre-historic life in Asia, as it has recorded artefacts and humanoid skulls dating back almost 37,000 years. A massive cave structure that can accommodate up to 3,000 people at one time, it claims the title of the largest natural rock in Asia, with an intricate network of tunnels running deep into the interior of the mountain. Pahiyan-gala is the name given to the humanoid species that inhabited the caves 37,000 years prior, and the location is also a significant Buddhist landmark, as a Chinese monk named Fa Hien was also an inhabitant of the cave in the fifth century. Modern visitors who visit the caves will now discover that it has been converted into a unique Buddhist temple, infused with a special aura of tranquility given its location in the cave. Affording an ideal spot for some meditation as you breathe in almost 40,000 years of history, the Pahiyangala (Fa-Hiengala) Caves are a must-visit item on your cultural itinerary in Sri Lanka.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
