Car rental in Kalutara: the world’s only hollow stupa and unlimited mileage from $29/day
Car rental in Kalutara starts at $21.29 per day with 53 cars, all delivered to your hotel, no credit card required, and full insurance available on 32 cars. Kalutara is the first major town south of Colombo, and the Gangatilaka Vihara, believed to be the world’s only hollow stupa, is your first landmark driving south from the capital.
The Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage is the cheapest unlimited mileage rental car in all of Sri Lanka on Rentrals. Four cars have no deposit required. Galle is 75km south. From $21 per day.
One car, the Datsun redi-GO at $21.29 per day, is manual transmission. 52 of the 53 cars are automatic. The Datsun is the cheapest car in the fleet but it requires a manual gearbox. If you need automatic, choose from the remaining 52 cars starting from $22 per day.
What’s included on every Kalutara car
No deposit options
Low deposit
No credit card required
City delivery
Full insurance available
Unlimited mileage
53 cars availableWhy rent a car in Kalutara?
Kalutara sits 43km south of Colombo on the A2 coastal highway, making it the first major car rental base south of the capital. The Gangatilaka Vihara, the world’s only hollow stupa, is 2km from town, a 5 minute drive. The south coast opens from here: Beruwala 15 minutes, Bentota 35 minutes, Hikkaduwa 1 hour, Galle 1.5 hours.
There are 53 cars available, all with city delivery and no credit card required. Four cars have no deposit. The Daihatsu Taft unlimited mileage at $29.29 per day is the cheapest unlimited mileage car in Sri Lanka, ideal for the south coast circuit. Car rental Kalutara south coast positioning makes this the natural starting point for any road trip south of Colombo.
Gangatilaka Vihara: the world’s only hollow Buddhist stupa
The Gangatilaka Vihara is a white three storey Buddhist stupa at the southern end of the Kalutara bridge over the Kalu Ganga. It is believed to be the only hollow stupa in the world. While most Buddhist stupas are solid structures containing a relic chamber, the Kalutara stupa is entirely hollow inside.
Inside, the hollow interior is decorated with murals depicting the Jataka tales, the stories of the Buddha’s previous lives. A smaller dagoba sits at the centre of the hollow interior, a stupa inside a stupa. The site was built in the 1960s on the foundations of a Portuguese fort that once controlled the Kalu Ganga river mouth. Adjacent is the Kalutara Bodhiya, one of 32 saplings propagated from the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. Car rental Kalutara Gangatilaka Vihara: the stupa is 2km from town, 5 minutes by car, and your first landmark arriving from Colombo.
The Kalu Ganga: from Adam’s Peak to the Indian Ocean
The Kalu Ganga or Black River is one of Sri Lanka’s four major rivers. It originates at Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada, 2,243m), the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka, and flows 145km southwest to meet the Indian Ocean at Kalutara. The extraordinary geographical fact is that the river’s source and its mouth at the sea are theoretically visible from the same vantage point at the Kalutara bridge. This may be the only river in Sri Lanka where this can be said.
River boat tours from the Kalutara riverfront explore the lower Kalu Ganga: mangrove channels, small river islands, riverside communities, and the dramatic estuary where fresh and salt water meet. Early morning gives the best river light and local fishing activity. A rental car reaches the riverfront boat departure points in minutes. Car rental Kalutara Kalu Ganga river tours are a popular morning activity.
Richmond Castle: Kalutara’s 1896 Edwardian mansion
Richmond Castle is an ornate two storey Edwardian mansion built in 1896 at Palatota on a hill beside the Kalu Ganga river, a few kilometres from Kalutara town. It was built by Don Arthur de Silva Siriwardane, a wealthy local landowner, and reflects the prosperous planter class of the colonial era.
Historic gardens, ornate interior woodwork, and a hillside position overlooking the river make it one of the most atmospheric colonial buildings on the southwest coast. Almost no foreign visitors go there despite its extraordinary condition and history. A rental car reaches it in under 15 minutes from Kalutara town, about 5km. Car rental Kalutara Richmond Castle is a hidden colonial gem.
Daihatsu Taft: unlimited mileage at $29/day, Sri Lanka’s best value
The Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage is the cheapest unlimited mileage rental car in all of Sri Lanka on Rentrals. It is a new car with a compact SUV profile, city delivery to your Kalutara hotel, no credit card required, and basic coverage included free.
For the south coast circuit from Kalutara (Beruwala 10km, Bentota 25km, Hikkaduwa 50km, Galle 75km, Mirissa 110km) covering approximately 250 to 300km total, unlimited mileage means zero extra charge at return. Car rental Kalutara Daihatsu Taft unlimited mileage is the standout fleet feature.
The south coast starts here: Bentota, Galle and Mirissa by rental car
Kalutara’s position on the A2 coastal highway makes it the first major car rental base south of Colombo, and the natural starting point for the south coast road trip. From Kalutara, the entire southern coast circuit is accessible.
Beruwala is 10km south, 15 minutes, with the Kechimalai Mosque (the oldest in Sri Lanka) and a dawn fishing harbour. Bentota is 25km south, 35 minutes, with the Geoffrey Bawa garden circuit and river watersports. Hikkaduwa is 50km south, 1 hour, with coral reef and surf since the 1970s. Galle is 75km south, 1.5 hours, with the UNESCO Dutch Fort. Mirissa is 110km south, 2 hours, with blue whale watching from November to April.
E01 Southern Expressway access is via the Panadura interchange 12km north, giving Galle in under 1 hour from Kalutara. There are 4 no deposit cars available, zero upfront payment for the road trip that starts here. Car hire Kalutara Galle Bentota is the classic south coast run.
Where to go from Kalutara by rental car
Kalutara is the south coast’s opening chapter. The world’s only hollow stupa greets you at the bridge. The Bawa circuit starts 35 minutes south. The UNESCO Dutch Fort is 1.5 hours away. And the Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage covers all of it, the cheapest unlimited mileage car in Sri Lanka, delivered to your Kalutara hotel.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangatilaka Vihara (Hollow Stupa) | 2km | 5 min | World’s only hollow stupa, Jataka murals inside |
| Richmond Castle | 5km | 10 min | 1896 Edwardian mansion overlooking Kalu Ganga |
| Kalutara Bodhiya | 2km | 5 min | Sacred fig tree, sapling from Anuradhapura Sri Maha Bodhi |
| Beruwala | 10km south | 15 min | Oldest mosque in Sri Lanka (Kechimalai), dawn harbour |
| Bentota | 25km south | 35 min | Bawa circuit, river watersports |
| Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery | 30km | 40 min | Five sea turtle species since 1981 |
| Hikkaduwa | 50km south | 1hr | Coral reef, surf since 1970s |
| Horana | 19km east | 25 min | Pahiyangala cave (37,000 years), ClimbLanka |
| Galle | 75km south | 1.5hr | UNESCO Dutch Fort, via A2 or E01 |
| Colombo | 43km north | 1 to 1.5hr | Capital city, A2 or E01 |
| Mirissa | 110km south | 2hr | Blue whale watching November to April |
Kalutara is the south coast’s opening chapter. The world’s only hollow stupa greets you at the bridge. The Bawa circuit starts 35 minutes south. The UNESCO Dutch Fort is 1.5 hours away. And the Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage covers all of it, the cheapest unlimited mileage car in Sri Lanka, delivered to your Kalutara hotel.
Car rental prices in Kalutara, what to expect
53 cars, all city delivery, all no credit card. 4 no deposit. 32 full insurance. 10 new cars. One manual car (Datsun redi-GO, cheapest but MANUAL). Prices depend on the car selected and the season, and they update daily.
Manual, lowest price$21.29/dayDatsun redi-GO, MANUAL TRANSMISSION NOT automatic
Cheapest unlimited in Sri Lanka
IMPORTANT: The Datsun redi-GO at $21.29 per day is the cheapest car in the Kalutara fleet but it is MANUAL TRANSMISSION, the only manual car among all 53 available. If you need an automatic (recommended for Sri Lanka’s left hand traffic), choose from the remaining 52 cars starting from $22 per day. The Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage is the outstanding choice for multi day south coast road trips: no kilometre limits, city delivery, new car, and free basic coverage included.
Driving Sri Lanka’s south coast from Kalutara
Sri Lanka drives on the left. 52 of the 53 Kalutara cars are automatic. One car, the Datsun redi-GO, is manual transmission, avoid it unless you are experienced with manual left hand driving. An IDP (International Driving Permit) is recommended.
What you need to rent a car in Kalutara
Car rental in Kalutara, frequently asked questions
The Gangatilaka Vihara is a white three storey Buddhist stupa at the southern end of the Kalutara bridge over the Kalu Ganga river. It is believed to be the only hollow stupa in the world. Most Buddhist stupas are solid structures containing a relic chamber, but the Kalutara stupa is hollow inside. The interior is decorated with murals of the Jataka tales, and a smaller dagoba sits at the centre. It was built in the 1960s on the foundations of a Portuguese fort. Car rental Kalutara Gangatilaka Vihara is a 5 minute drive from the town centre.
The Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage is the cheapest unlimited mileage rental car in all of Sri Lanka on Rentrals. It is a new car with a compact SUV profile, city delivery to your Kalutara hotel, no credit card required, and basic coverage included free. For the south coast circuit from Kalutara (Beruwala 10km, Bentota 25km, Hikkaduwa 50km, Galle 75km, Mirissa 110km) covering approximately 250 to 300km total, unlimited mileage means zero extra charge at return. Car rental Kalutara Daihatsu Taft is the standout fleet feature.
Yes. The Datsun redi-GO at $21.29 per day is the only manual transmission car among all 53 available in Kalutara. It is the cheapest car in the fleet, but it requires a manual gearbox. If you need an automatic transmission, which is recommended for Sri Lanka’s left hand traffic, choose from the remaining 52 cars starting from $22 per day. The Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage is automatic and is the best value choice for multi day road trips.
Yes. There are 4 no deposit cars available in Kalutara from $22 per day. These cars require zero upfront payment at booking. You pay only at pickup. This is useful for budget travellers and anyone who prefers not to pay a deposit in advance. All 53 cars in the Kalutara fleet have city delivery and no credit card required. The 4 no deposit cars are automatic and come with full insurance available.
Galle is 75km south of Kalutara, about 1.5 hours via the A2 coastal highway. You can also take the E01 Southern Expressway via the Panadura interchange 12km north of Kalutara, which gets you to Galle in under 1 hour. The drive passes Beruwala (10km), Bentota (25km) and Hikkaduwa (50km). Car rental Kalutara south coast makes Galle a comfortable day trip. The UNESCO Dutch Fort is the main attraction in Galle.
Yes. All 53 cars include city delivery to your hotel or guesthouse in Kalutara. You do not need to pick up the car from an airport or depot. Give your accommodation address at booking and the car comes to you. This saves time and makes the start of your south coast trip easy. City delivery car rental Kalutara is standard on every car. This is especially useful for early departures to Galle or Mirissa.
The classic south coast day trip from Kalutara is Beruwala (10km, 15 minutes), then Bentota (25km, 35 minutes), then Hikkaduwa (50km, 1 hour). You can continue to Galle (75km, 1.5 hours) if you have a full day. The Daihatsu Taft unlimited mileage at $29.29 per day covers the whole circuit with no kilometre anxiety. If you have less time, Bentota alone is a good half day trip with river watersports and the Bawa garden circuit.
The best beach weather on the southwest coast is November to April, when the southwest monsoon is not active. The southwest monsoon runs May to September and brings rain to this coast. However, the Gangatilaka Vihara, Richmond Castle, Kalutara Bodhiya and the Kalu Ganga river boat tours are accessible year round. Car rental Kalutara is available in all seasons. The Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day with unlimited mileage is the best value for any multi day trip, regardless of season.
The Kalu Ganga or Black River is one of Sri Lanka’s four major rivers. It originates at Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada, 2,243m), the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka, and flows 145km southwest to meet the Indian Ocean at Kalutara. The extraordinary geographical fact is that the river’s source and its mouth at the sea are theoretically visible from the same vantage point at the Kalutara bridge. This may be the only river in Sri Lanka where this can be said. River boat tours from the Kalutara riverfront explore the lower Kalu Ganga.
No. 52 of the 53 cars in the Kalutara fleet are automatic. One car, the Datsun redi-GO at $21.29 per day, is manual transmission. It is the cheapest car in the fleet but it requires a manual gearbox. If you need an automatic transmission, which is recommended for Sri Lanka’s left hand traffic, choose from the remaining 52 cars starting from $22 per day. The Daihatsu Taft at $29.29 per day is automatic and has unlimited mileage.
Richmond Castle is an ornate two storey Edwardian mansion built in 1896 at Palatota on a hill beside the Kalu Ganga river. It was built by Don Arthur de Silva Siriwardane, a wealthy local landowner. It has historic gardens, ornate interior woodwork, and a hillside position overlooking the river. It is one of the most atmospheric colonial buildings on the southwest coast, yet almost no foreign visitors go there. Car rental Kalutara Richmond Castle is a 10 minute drive from the town centre, about 5km.
Book online through Rentrals. Choose your car, select city delivery, and pay a small deposit (15 to 20% of the total) at booking. The rest is paid at pickup by cash or debit card. No credit card is required for any of the 53 cars. 4 cars have no deposit required at all. Free cancellation is available on 22 cars. Full insurance is available on 32 cars. The Daihatsu Taft unlimited mileage at $29.29 per day is the star pick. Book ahead for the November to April beach season.
Car hire across Sri Lanka
Kalutara is the south coast’s opening chapter. Every location below has options on Rentrals Sri Lanka.