Kalutara City
Kalutara is a coastal city in western Sri Lanka, known for its serene beaches and historic sites. The iconic Kalutara Bodhiya, a sacred Buddhist stupa, and the Richmond Castle, a colonial mansion, are prominent attractions. The city blends cultural richness with natural beauty.
Kodigahakanda Sanctuary
Kodigahakanda Sanctuary is a serene nature reserve located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, near the town of Horana. This sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat into the natural world, providing visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a lush environment rich with biodiversity.
Spanning over a substantial area, Kodigahakanda Sanctuary is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, which include dense forests, rocky outcrops, and scrublands. This variety in habitats supports a wide array of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. The sanctuary is particularly noted for its birdwatching opportunities, as it is home to both endemic and migratory bird species, making it a popular spot for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
The sanctuary also boasts a wealth of plant life, with a mix of native and medicinal plants that thrive in its fertile soil. Walking trails wind through the reserve, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty at their own pace. These trails are well-maintained and offer varying levels of difficulty to accommodate both casual walkers and more adventurous hikers.
Educational experiences are a key aspect of Kodigahakanda Sanctuary. It serves as an outdoor classroom for students and researchers, providing them with the opportunity to study the ecology and conservation of tropical environments. Guided tours are available, led by knowledgeable guides who explain the ecological significance of the sanctuary and its role in local conservation efforts.
For those looking to extend their stay, the sanctuary offers basic accommodation facilities. Staying overnight allows visitors to experience the nocturnal sounds and sights of the forest, adding another layer to the immersive nature experience.
Kodigahakanda Sanctuary is not only a haven for wildlife but also a crucial area for conservation and education, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats in Sri Lanka. Its tranquil setting, combined with the rich educational opportunities it provides, makes it a valuable destination for anyone interested in the natural world.
About Kalutara District
Kalutara is situated approximately 42km south of Colombo. Once a spice trading post, Kalutara was controlled variously by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The town is famous for quality bamboo basket and mats and the most luscious mangosteens.
The 38-meter long Kalutara Bridge was built at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River and serves as a major link between the country's Western and Southern border. At the southern end of the bridge lies the 3 stories-high Kalutara Vihara, a Buddhist temple built in the 1960s which holds the distinction of being the only stupa in the world that is hollow.
About Western Province
The Western Province is the most densely populated province of Sri Lanka. It is home to the legislative capital Sri Jayawardenapura as well to Colombo, the nation's administrative and business center. Western Province is divided into 3 main districts called Colombo (642 km²), Gampaha (1,386.6 km²) and Kalutara (1,606 km²) districts. As Sri Lanka's economic hub, all the major local and international corporations have their presence in the city and so do all the major designer and high street retailers, so be ready to indulge in some retail therapy in western province.
Having the highest population in the all the provinces, the almost all the premier educational institutions in the island are located in western province. Universities in the province include the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, Open University, Sri Lanka, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and University of Moratuwa .Western province has the largest amount of schools in the country, which includes National, Provincial, Private and International schools.