Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Many big Western companies like Gap and Helly Hansen have factories in this area, so you can pick up cheap authentic branded gear in the local markets. Many of the items even have all the tags on that you'd expect to see at home.

Kalutara is the home of the Kalutara Bo Tree and the Kalutara Chaitiya, a massive dome shaped stupa.  The Bo Tree's branches almost span across the road to touch the stupa on the other side.  It is a place of worship for all Buddhists in Sri Lanka, but also offers a peaceful place of meditation and reflection for anyone seeking place of serenity close to Colombo.  Sit under the Bo Tree in the evening, or sit inside the stupa, and meditate.  All travellers going to the South of the country, regardless of religion, place coins in the donation boxes, for a safe journey. 

Take a boat to the temple island just off the coast, half an hour before sunset. Thuschara from Gulliver's Travel offers a fantastic boat ride through the mangroves half an hour South of Beruwala during which you can see fantastic wildlife. He also offers tours of several days to for example Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. He's a reliable driver and knows a lot about the places. In Beruwala, Sudan is a good guy for a boat ride of about 2 hours. If you want to have clothes made, Pali Mode Shop on the beach is a good place to go to. They have very good material and a good taylor.