Just an hour south of Colombo, Kalutara beach offers a palm fringed stretch of fine sand away from the busier beaches further south. The atmosphere here is generally peaceful, with little or no nightlife to speak of making it the perfect destination for unwinding.

The city of Kalutara is renowned for its basket weaving, a traditional skill handed down over the generations. The town is packed with family owned shops selling everything from sun hats to tote bags perfect for souvenirs to take back home.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass