40 km out of Colombo along the south western coast of Sri Lanka, Kalutara was once an important port for shipping cinnamon during the 18th century. Much has happened since that time and the range of products on offer in the Kalutara town and the surrounding areas has diversified quite a bit making for an interesting shopping experience.

The main shopping street of Kalutara town is strung out on either side of Galle Road, the arterial highway running through the town and the smaller roads and by lanes running off it. Shopping areas are also found along the beach in the tourist areas. Browsers will come across shops with slick modern product displays and those with a whole plethora of products stuffed into every corner and some even spilling on to the street. Products for everyday use to electronic goods, domestic appliances, perfumes, cosmetics, wristwatches, toys and a whole host of things needed to sustain the lives of the population in the area is available in Kalutara town.

Mixed with these is a whole range of traditional crafts such as soft wood carvings, clay pottery, precious stone studded gold and silver jewellery, handloom fabric, clothing, accessories and home ware in vibrant colours, batik art work, fabric and clothing, reed mats, hand bags, and basket ware with bright geometric designs and wide brimmed hats much fancied by tourists, quaint coconut shell jewellery and coconut fibre home ware and even the odd antique are found in a jumble in shops along the coastal road running through the town. For foodies with a sweet tooth and an adventurous spirit there is coconut treacle, coconut and semolina cookies endemic to Kalutara and coconut toddy.

Still on the subject of food, Kalutara is famous for mangooteens, one of the few places in the country where it is found, very popular with locals and visitors alike when available. Cinnamon still grown in the city’s environs is reputedly the best in the world. For bargain hunters, where ever prices are not marked a little bit of old fashioned haggling is possible. The Department of Industries Western Province has a handicraft shop in Kalutara South where much of the area’s traditional arts and crafts are found at reasonable prices.

With its special location between the sea and river, Avani Kalutara resort offers the quintessential tropical setting of palm lined white sandy beaches, azure seas and long sunny days ideal for tropical holidays. Its selection of comfortable and contemporary accommodation, diverse food and beverage options and relaxing spa treatments could only add to the concept of the perfect holiday at this hotel in Kalutara. Take to the water and have an exhilarating day out experiencing the hotel’s many water sport options. Get introduced to the local flora and fauna with a boat ride up the Kalu Ganga River and visit the area’s many cultural attractions. Have fun and make the most of your time at one of prominent beach resorts Sri Lanka Kalutara.