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Trees are the resources that keep us alive. When there are trees, the whole planet remains green and whole. But, among the ordinary trees there’s an extraordinary tree that keep Sri Lanka glorious. That unique tree is the Kalutara Bodhiya. It’s a sacred tree that stood the test of time and foreign threats in Sri Lanka. Plus, it’s a must visit place if you’re an ancient lover.
A dome shaped temple centered around a Bodhi Tree, the Kalutara Bodhiya is one of the most historical and religious places in Sri Lanka. Its history of the existence of the tree is wondrous.
Kalutara Chaitya is much venerated and respected by the Sri Lankan people, and it has a long and a proud history. In fact, its one of the calmest places you’ll ever find to stay in solitude.If you want to know more about this precious location then keep on reading until the end to know more interesting facts revolved around this place and if you’re in search for a calm place to visit then you must add up Kalutara Bodhiya to your travel bucket list to experience a great journey with a lot of memories.
How to get to the Kalutara Bodhiya
If you’re expecting to travel to Kalutara Bodhiya by bus then you have to take the Colombo – Kalutara route no. 400 AC or NON AC bus from Colombo. Normally, it’ll take about two hours to reach for the location but it depends on the time of the day. The best time to travel to KalutaraBodhiya is in the mornings so that you can avoid the outward traffic jams.
If you’re willing to travel by train then there are two railway stations in Kalutara (Kalutara North and Kalutara South). Most importantly, make sure to get off at Kalutara South station to reach the city. Hence, Kalutara South station is a major station on the Southern costal railway and all express trains make a stop here. Pre – booking facility is only available in Rajadhani Express train. Plus, you can get to the KalutaraBodhiya fast if you go by train.
More about Kalutara Bodhiya
The precious Kalutara Bodhiya is located at the southern end of the 38m Kalutara Bridge. This three – storeyKalutara Bodhiya temple was built in the 1960s and holds the divergence of being the only stupa in the world that is vacant and has access to the inside.
This sacred site was turned into a Portuguese Fort in the 16th century. Fortunately, there were no harm happened to Bodhiya, it was venerated by the people during that period. It was after the planting of a Bo Tree in the lower terrace (Pahala Maluwa) by an Indian Prince named Wickrama Pandya in 1042 A.D that the society began to venerate and consider the site as a sacred place.
This Bo Tree is a precious one because it was taken from the tree which Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment or Buddhahood. Hence, Kalutara Bodhiya is one of the most famous, sacred and devotional Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
Things to do near Kalutara Bodhiya
Richmond Castle
Richmond Castle is an Edwardian Mansion located near Kalutara. It was built between 1900 and 1910 and it was formally the country seat of Mudaliyar Don Arthur De Silva WijesingheSiriwardhane.
This castle is created with a smooth blending of European and South East Asian architectural styles. It includes with 99 doors and 34 windows. This unique castle is naturally air conditioned because of the nearby Kalu River’s chilled breeze.
The brilliant jaw – dropping castle has a vintage architecture that will make you fall in love with. We swear this place will leave you wonderstruck with its aesthetic glamour. Don’t forget to take photographs in this exquisite mansion to make it more memorable.
Calido Beach
If you want to have some fresh air by the sea then there’s the popular Calido Beach near Kalutara. It’s a natural beauty with so much of scenic views and is a famous place among tourists.
You can have a mystical evening in the Calido Beach while staring at the colour changing skies. It’s a beautiful promised land in between Kalu River. The sand in this sea includes with a rare and a shiny black colour. You can have a pleasant and a wonderful time in the Calido Beach while admiring the beauty of the sea, taking a walk in the shore and having mouth – watering food in the nearby hotels. Plus, be careful when the waves are rough and powerful because swimming in the sea can be dangerous.
History is something that we should know whether if its revolved around religious facts or wars. KalutaraBodhiya is definitely a must visit destination for you to collect memories for your own history. What’s past is in the past will be stories oneday so make every trip you go, UNFORGETTABLE!
