Aluthgama

Aluthgama is a high-energy commercial hub situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River, acting as a bridge between the resort areas of Beruwala and Bentota. The town's skyline is dominated by the colossal seated Buddha statue of Kande Vihara, a hilltop temple that is a major center for Buddhist worship and education. Visitors to the temple can witness traditional 'pooja' ceremonies and occasionally see the resident temple elephant. The town’s weekly Monday market is a sensory overload, where you can find everything from exotic fruits to colorful local garments. Its strategic location along the wide Bentota Ganga makes it a prime starting point for river safaris. Gliding through the mangroves, nature lovers can spot monitor lizards, crocodiles, and a variety of tropical kingfishers. The area is also famous for water sports, with the calm river waters being convenient for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides. The bridge connecting Aluthgama and Bentota gives a great vantage point for watching traditional fishing boats and the sunset. Foodies will enjoy exploring the local 'eateries' that serve authentic hoppers and spicy kottu roti at local prices. Aluthgama is very accessible, located about 60km south of Colombo on the main road and railway line. The peak season runs from November to April, coinciding with the best weather on the west coast. Aluthgama is the well-suited place to experience the 'real' Sri Lanka while staying within reach of beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.

Nearby cities

Colombo

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, a vibrant center for culture and trade on the Indian Ocean.

Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia

Located immediately south of Colombo, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is known for its beaches and large zoological garden.

Moratuwa

Moratuwa is a large suburb of Colombo, surrounded by water on three sides and known for its furniture industry.

Negombo

Negombo is a large city on the west coast, famous for its old fish market and historic canal system.

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, located in the eastern suburban area of Colombo.

Kalutara

Kalutara is a coastal city south of Colombo where the Kalu Ganga River flows into the sea, known for rubber and mangosteen.

Bentota

An elegant beach destination at a river mouth, known for luxury resorts, water sports, and the gardens of the Bawa brothers.

Gampaha

Gampaha is a growing urban region and the administrative capital of the eponymous district in western Sri Lanka.

Wadduwa

Wadduwa is a charming coastal town known for its lush coconut palm groves, golden beaches, and world-class Ayurveda retreats.

Kitulgala

The adventure sports hub of Sri Lanka, famous for white-water rafting on the Kelani River and dense rainforests.

More places

Beruwala Fishery Harbour

One of the main fishery harbors on the southwest coast, handling a significant portion of the country's fish catch.

Lanka Ashok Leyland

A joint venture that assembles buses and trucks for the Sri Lankan market, supporting public transport.

Ceylon Steel Corporation

A leading steel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, located in Oruwala, playing a crucial role in the construction sector.

Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation

A state-owned organization managing and developing the fishery harbors across Sri Lanka.

Colombo Dockyard PLC

The largest and oldest shipbuilding and repair facility in Sri Lanka, strategically located at the Port of Colombo.

Mirigama Export Processing Zone

An industrial zone in the Gampaha district, focusing on the manufacturing of textiles and other export products.

Kelani Valley

A historically important valley in western Sri Lanka known for its rubber and tea plantations.