Kalutara

WHAT

Kalutara is a town that was once an important spice-trading centre controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Today it is known for its fine basketware and the best mangosteens on the island. There are coconut palm gardens, therefore a lot of products are made from coconuts, especially coconut-fibre mats, rugs and baskets. Throughout history several nations were interested in Kalutara because of its spices, especially cinnamon and nutmeg. First it was besieged by the Portuguese, then by the Dutch and finally by the British. The Portuguese built a fort on the site of a Buddhist Temple, which is historically important. History of Kalutara suggests that it was one of the 32 places indicated in the 2nd century BC to plant the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree. According to The Sinhala Maha Bodhi Wanshya the historic Kalutara Bodhi exited unharmed until 1505 AD; but this scared area became a Portuguese fort in the 16th century. The Dutch left behind canals linking the spice plantations when they deserted the Kalutara spice port, later, it was replaced with rubber plantations by the British, but those old spice route traces can be seen even today.