Kalutara is rich in history and culture and was once a bustling spice port before the British replaced the inland estates with rubber plantations. Today the remains of the spice port can be found along the spice route, a fascinating trail where guests can paddle through old canals. The route also passes Richmond Castle, an old spice plantation mansion which was built in 1906 and is surrounded by 42 acres of land. The owner, who built the castle and eventually married there, donated the castle to the public trustee in 1947.


Roadside stalls selling coir rugs, basket ware and reed mats are very popular sight in Kalutara.


At the Kalutara Basket Society visitors can see how locals can transform the stiff, stubborn thorn leaf into mats, lampshades, purses and baskets. Kalutara is also well known for its mangosteens – a dark purple shiny fruit that Queen Victoria longed to try. Kalutara got its name from the Kalu Ganga (Black River).