Located around 40km from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, Kalutara is a fantastic spot to enjoy a world-class beach holiday. There are palm trees galore, long cold drinks, clear, warm waters and plentiful sunshine – all the ingredients you need for a perfect island escape.

There are also local sights worth seeing in the form of Kalutara Bodhiya, an eye-catching, hollow Buddhist shrine. A leisurely stroll in and around Richmond Castle also comes highly recommended if you’re looking to sample some of the local history.