Luxury Kalutara Holidays

Once a busy spice-trading centre, Kalutara is now a laid-back holiday destination. Dotted with luxurious resort hotels, where nightlife is low-key, this is the place to come to be cosseted. Situated on Sri Lanka's west coast, south of the capital Colombo, its gorgeous golden sands are fringed with lush coconut palms - a stunning sight at sunset.

There are man-made beauties too, notably the dazzling Kalutara Temple which is believed to be the world's only hollow Buddhist meditative space or 'stupa'. Inside is a smaller structure containing golden statues of the Buddha and decorated with murals depicting scenes from his life.

Another architectural attraction is Richmond Castle, a grandly named Edwardian mansion. Built by the son of a local planter, it's a lavish confection of stained glass and statues, set in extensive grounds.

Kalutara's must-see sights include its lively markets. These don't just sell seafood, but also mangosteens, a purple fruit that tastes like a tropical cocktail of lychee, peach and strawberry. Delicious.