Standing proudly beside the Kalu River bridge, the Kalutara Bodhiya is a deeply sacred Buddhist site famous for its ancient Bodhi tree and a massive, unique hollow stupa that devotees can walk inside.

Why visit Kaluthara bodhiya

• A Sacred Sapling with Ancient Roots: The Kalutara Bodhiya is believed to be one of 32 saplings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. This tree in Anuradhapura is the oldest documented tree in the world, tracing its lineage back to the original Bodhi tree in India under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
• A Site of Contested History: Due to its strategic location by the Kalu River, the site of the sacred Bodhi tree was converted into a fort by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Dutch and British colonial powers also used the premises for military and administrative purposes.
• Saved from Demolition by Public Protest: In the 19th century, the British government planned to remove the Bodhi tree to build a railway bridge. However, due to strong protests from the Buddhist public, they decided to construct the bridge without harming the tree.
• The Modern Chaitya's Unique Design: The great chaitya (stupa) built on the site has a unique design that follows the structure of a "wata da ge" (circular shrine). The foundation stone was laid in 1964, and the massive structure was completed and opened to the public in 1976.
• Run by a Philanthropic Trust: The sacred site is managed by the Kalutara Bodhi Trust (KBT). Founded in 1951 by Sir Cyril de Zoysa, this non-profit organization's mission is not only to protect the Bodhi tree but also to provide humanitarian assistance and support education and health sectors throughout Sri Lanka.