Kalutara lies approximately 40 km south of Colombo. This town which was known as Kalutota is the largest and the administrative capital of Kalutara District in the Western Province. Centuries earlier this area was an important spice-trading center before it was planted with coconut trees. Main attractions of the area include the Gangatilaka Vihara, which has a dagoba nearly 3 storeys high and is entirely hollow housing another smaller dagoba inside it, Richmond castle is an old country mansion, an infusion of local and western architectural styles, is built on 42 acres of land and was built during the late 19th century. The mansion has served host for theatrical productions and even international movies. Calido beach and the larger Kalutara beach are famous with tourists.