The Bo Tree plays a special and important role in Buddhist Philosophy. Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment under the shade of a Bo Tree. Kalutara Bo Tree is also one of the special Bo Trees for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
Chamindu Perera,CC0
Its relationship with the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is the ancient Bo Tree you come across in Anuradhapura. One of the 32 saplings of the same was brought here to Kalutara and it was planted at the exact place you see the Kalutara Bo Tree today.
The harm made by the invaders
Sri Lanka was under the invasion of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British from time to time, but none of them treated this sacred tree with respect. The British once tried to cut off this Bo Tree when they were building railways across cities.
Kalutara Chaithya (the Viharaya)
Kalutara Chaithya is the first thing you will see when entering the city from Colombo. It’s a huge, white coloured Dagoba that takes a hollow shape.
Holidaying in Kalutara
Choose to spend at least a day in this city at one of Kalutara hotels the likes of Mermaid Hotel & Club. Explore the Kalutara Bodhiya and many other attractions during your stay.
