Boasts having the only stupa in the world that is hollow, Kalutara is located close to 40km away from Colombo. Once you cross its bridge, you are officially in the southern province of the country. This once temporarily bestowed the status of capital, by a South Indian Prince back in the 11th century and after that, was part of the colonial struggle, giving rise to some of the remains of fortifications, which can be seen today. The Kalutara Vihara is what greets you right as you enter the town and is a famous pit stop for drivers travelling down south who want to make offerings to the Gods to guarantee their safe passage.