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Standing tall at the end of the bridge crossing over the Kalu River is the Kalutara Temple. One of the most important religious sites for local Buddhists, it is also a landmark that unofficially symbolized the beginning of the Sri Lankan South. Enter into its sacred grounds to experience the culture and harmony of Buddhism. History dictates that the Arahat Mahinda Thero took 32 saplings from the sacred Bo tree in Anuradhapura to be planted around the country in 2nd century B.C. One was planted in Kalutara. The original temple made near the tree later became a Portuguese Fort, but the tree was protected by all. In the 1960s, a unique temple was built near the Bo Tree and since then, the Kalutara Temple has provided a haven for devotees for prayer and meditation. With its white pinnacle visible over the lush greenery, it has become a beacon of Buddhist culture in the region. The fact that it is the world's only hollow stupa makes this structure even more special. Using stairs that wind through galleries of wall paintings inside the main body, one can climb to the height of the dome of the stupa. The 47 murals depict the past lives of the Bodhisatva told in the 550 Jathaka tales. They were drawn by some of Sri Lanka's finest artists to educate and inspire the worshipers to lead a better life. On the outside, the flowing river and the iron bridge make a stunning backdrop for this site. Many Buddhists follow the tradition of stopping by the temple to put a few rupees into its donation boxes as offerings in exchange for protection on their journey. Not far away from the sea, the temple can also be seen from the mouth of the Kalu River and the surrounding sands called Calido Beach. Unspoiled by large crowds and in the sheltering aura of the temple, Calido beach is an ideal location for enjoying a sunset. It is easily accessible by Sri Lanka beach hotels in the South through the Galle Road. For a luxury vacation on the island's beaches choose Heritance Ahungalla. An elegant yet comfortable setting that captures the essence of the country sets it apart from other Sri Lanka hotels. Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
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