Chilaw is a charming coastal town in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, well known for its golden beaches, fishing traditions, and rich cultural heritage. Located just about 80 km north of Colombo, Chilaw offers a perfect blend of relaxation, history, and local lifestyle. One of its most iconic attractions is the Munneswaram Hindu Temple, a centuries-old place of worship that draws devotees from across the island. Chilaw is also famous for its thriving fishing industry, with the scenic lagoon and bustling fish markets providing a glimpse into the daily life of local fishermen. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at small eateries while watching the colourful fishing boats return from the Indian Ocean. Nature lovers will appreciate the town’s proximity to Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers with its diverse wetland ecosystems. For those seeking leisure, Chilaw Beach offers peaceful sunsets and a calm atmosphere ideal for evening walks. The town is also a gateway to exploring nearby destinations such as Puttalam, Kalpitiya, and Negombo. Chilaw’s friendly community, authentic Sri Lankan hospitality, and relatively uncrowded tourist spots make it a hidden gem for travellers looking to experience the country beyond the well-known hotspots. Whether you are interested in cultural landmarks, coastal beauty, or a taste of authentic Sri Lankan life, Chilaw promises a memorable experience. With easy access by road or rail, this seaside town is an ideal stop for anyone exploring the western coastline of Sri Lanka.
Total Population
62,515
GN Divisions
49
🌊 Why is Chilaw – Sri Lanka Special?
A Blend of Coastal Beauty, Culture, and Community Life
Located along the western coastline of Sri Lanka, Chilaw is a lively town in the Puttalam District that perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its pristine beaches, thriving fishing industry, and rich religious heritage, Chilaw is both a vibrant economic hub and a warm, welcoming community.
🐟 Where the Ocean Meets Tradition
Chilaw’s heartbeat lies in its fishing culture. The town’s lagoon and coastline are home to colourful fishing boats, bustling fish markets, and skilled fishermen whose livelihoods depend on the sea. Fresh seafood is a staple here, from lagoon crabs to ocean-caught tuna, often enjoyed in traditional Sri Lankan curries.
🛕 Faith and Cultural Harmony
Chilaw is renowned for its religious diversity. The historic Munneswaram Hindu Temple attracts devotees from across the island, while serene Catholic churches and Buddhist temples reflect the town’s cultural harmony. Major religious festivals, including Navaratri, Vesak, and church feasts, unite the community in vibrant celebrations.
🍛 The Flavours of the Coast
The cuisine of Chilaw is a feast for seafood lovers. From spicy fish curries to lagoon prawns, every dish bursts with coastal freshness. Traditional sweets like kokis, aggala, and kavum add sweetness to festive occasions, often shared among friends and family.
📈 Progress Rooted in Heritage
While proud of its traditions, Chilaw embraces modern development. Local schools, small businesses, and improved transport links have strengthened the economy while keeping community bonds strong. Many families benefit from remittances sent by locals working abroad, helping build homes and fund social projects.
🤝 A Town That Welcomes All
Whether you’re visiting for a day or settling down, Chilaw’s people greet you with genuine warmth. From the laughter of children on the beach to the hardworking spirit of fishermen and shopkeepers, Chilaw is a place where every visitor becomes part of the story.
| GN Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 005 | Kurusapaduwa |
| 010 | Deduruoya |
| 015 | Manuwangama West |
| 020 | Manuwangama East |
| 025 | Nariyagama North |
| 030 | Parappanmulla |
| 035 | Weerapandiyana |
| 040 | Maha Vilattawa |
| 045 | Kanattawa |
| 050 | Nariyagama South |
| 055 | Urudayandaluwa |
| 060 | Thissogama |
| 065 | Thimbilla |
| 070 | Wattakkalliya |
| 075 | Weralabada South |
| 080 | Weralabada North |
| 085 | Egodawatta |
| 090 | Aluthwatta |
| 095 | Aluthwatta |
| 100 | Ichchampitiya |
| 105 | Munneshwaram |
| 110 | Thittakade |
| 115 | Mugunuwatawana |
| 120 | Kokkavila |
| 125 | Pulliyankadawara |
| 130 | Punchi Vilattawa |
| 135 | Karawitagara West |
| 140 | Karavitagara East |
| 145 | Dambakele |
| 150 | Weerakelewatta |
| 155 | Karavita |
| 160 | Mungandaluwa East |
| 165 | Mungandaluwa West |
| 170 | Ilippandeniya |
| 175 | Sawarana |
| 180 | Maikkulama |
| 185 | Pitipana East |
| 190 | Melpura |
| 195 | Pitipana North |
| 200 | Pitipana South |
| 205 | Weralabada |
| 210 | Welihena |
| 215 | Merawala |
| 220 | Inigodawela |
| 225 | Ihala Olidaluwa |
| 230 | Maradankulama |
| 235 | Olidaluwa |
| 240 | Ambakandavila |
| 245 | Kakapalliya |
- Police Station: 032-2222222/ 071-8591307
- Hospital: 032‑2222261
🌤️ Best Season to Travel Chilaw – Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Chilaw is generally between December and April when the weather is dry, sunny, and perfect for exploring the town’s beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and fishing villages. This period offers calm seas, making it ideal for enjoying the coastline and outdoor activities.
☀️ Peak Season (December – April)
- Warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall.
- Perfect for beach walks, sightseeing, and fishing tours.
- Ideal time to visit Munneswaram Temple and explore cultural festivals.
🌧️ Off-Peak Season (May – September)
- Inter-monsoon and southwest monsoon bring occasional heavy rains.
- Quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists.
- Good for budget travellers seeking peaceful surroundings.
🍂 Transition Season (October – November)
- Unpredictable weather with mixed sunny and rainy days.
- Lagoon fishing is still active; nature lovers may enjoy the lush greenery after rains.
📌 Travel Tips
- Carry light cotton clothing, sunscreen, and a hat during the dry season.
- Bring an umbrella or raincoat during rainy months.
- Check local festival dates for a richer cultural experience.
No matter the season, Chilaw offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality that makes it worth visiting year-round.
🛏️ Search Places to Stay in Chilaw
🗺️ Geographical Overview – Chilaw, Sri Lanka
Chilaw is a scenic coastal town located in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. Positioned about 80 km north of Colombo and along the A3 coastal highway, Chilaw serves as both a vibrant fishing hub and a gateway to cultural landmarks in the region. The town lies close to the mouth of the Deduru Oya River, which flows into the Indian Ocean, shaping its lagoon and rich wetland ecosystem.
The geography of Chilaw is defined by its golden beaches, fertile coconut plantations, paddy fields, and mangrove-fringed lagoons. The warm tropical climate ensures year-round greenery, while the coastal breeze brings relief even during hotter months. The surrounding rural landscapes support agriculture and fishing as primary livelihoods.
The Chilaw Lagoon is a prominent natural feature, sustaining diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and marine species. This mix of coastal and wetland ecosystems makes Chilaw an attractive location for eco-tourism and nature photography. Inland, the flat terrain gives way to slightly elevated coconut-growing areas, while the proximity to Deduru Oya offers vital water resources for irrigation.
Thanks to its strategic location between Colombo and Puttalam, Chilaw also serves as a convenient stopover for travelers heading toward Wilpattu National Park, the cultural triangle, or the northern coast. This unique combination of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance makes Chilaw a special destination in Sri Lanka’s coastal belt.
🌾 Local Economy & Agriculture – Chilaw, Sri Lanka
The local economy of Chilaw is built on a strong foundation of fishing, agriculture, and small-scale industries. As a well-known fishing hub in Sri Lanka, Chilaw’s coastal and lagoon-based fishing activities provide livelihoods for thousands of families. Colorful fishing boats line the beaches and lagoon, bringing in daily catches of fish, prawns, crabs, and other seafood that are sold locally and distributed across the island.
Agriculture plays an equally important role in Chilaw’s economic life. The surrounding fertile lands are home to extensive coconut plantations, making the region one of Sri Lanka’s significant coconut-producing areas. In addition, paddy cultivation thrives in nearby rural areas, supported by irrigation from the Deduru Oya River. Smallholder farmers also grow vegetables, fruits, and spices for local markets.
Chilaw is also known for its coir industry, where coconut husks are processed into rope, mats, and brushes for both domestic and export markets. This traditional craft has been a source of income for generations and remains an important part of the town’s identity. Furthermore, small-scale retail shops, service-based businesses, and tourism-related activities contribute to the town’s growing economy.
With its blend of traditional livelihoods and emerging economic opportunities, Chilaw continues to balance cultural heritage with modern growth. The close connection between its economy, natural resources, and community spirit ensures the town remains vibrant and resilient in the face of change.
🤝 Community & Culture – Chilaw, Sri Lanka
Chilaw is a vibrant coastal town where community life thrives on traditions, shared values, and cultural diversity. The people of Chilaw are known for their warm hospitality, welcoming visitors like family and creating a sense of belonging for anyone who steps into their town. This close-knit community is built upon centuries of shared heritage, where cooperation and mutual respect form the foundation of everyday life.
The cultural fabric of Chilaw reflects a harmonious blend of religious traditions, with Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam coexisting peacefully. Sacred sites such as the Munneswaram Hindu Temple and historic Catholic churches stand as symbols of this diversity. Religious festivals, from Vesak to the annual Munneswaram Festival, draw people from across Sri Lanka, filling the streets with processions, music, and vibrant cultural displays.
The arts, music, and dance traditions of Chilaw remain alive through local performances, school events, and community celebrations. Traditional drumming, folk songs, and colourful pageantry are integral to festive occasions. Many families pass down these skills to younger generations, ensuring that the town’s cultural identity remains strong.
Community spirit is also reflected in cooperative work, such as fishing crews working together at sea, farmers helping each other during harvest, and neighbours supporting one another during difficult times. This deep-rooted sense of unity is what makes Chilaw not just a destination, but a living example of Sri Lankan rural and coastal culture at its finest.
🏫 Education & Public Facilities – Chilaw, Sri Lanka
Chilaw offers a well-rounded network of educational institutions and public facilities that cater to the needs of its growing population. The town is home to several government and private schools, including leading institutions that provide education from primary to secondary level. Notable schools in the area include Chilaw M.M.V. (Madya Maha Vidyalaya), St. Mary’s College, and St. Anne’s College, all of which are known for academic excellence and extracurricular development.
In addition to schools, Chilaw has vocational training centres and tuition institutes that help students and young professionals gain practical skills in areas such as IT, language learning, and technical trades. These institutions play a key role in preparing the local workforce for both traditional and modern employment opportunities.
Public facilities in Chilaw are well-developed to support daily life. The Chilaw Base Hospital serves as the main healthcare centre, offering essential medical services and specialist treatments for the region. Several smaller government hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies ensure accessible healthcare for residents and visitors.
The Chilaw Police Station plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and law enforcement. Additionally, government offices, a public library, community centres, and sports facilities contribute to the social and civic life of the town. These resources ensure that Chilaw remains a well-equipped hub for education, healthcare, and community services in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province.
🚆 Transportation & Accessibility – Chilaw, Sri Lanka
Chilaw is conveniently located along Sri Lanka’s northwestern coastal belt, making it easily accessible by road and rail from major cities like Colombo and Puttalam. Positioned about 80 km north of Colombo, the town serves as a key stop for travellers heading towards the cultural triangle, Wilpattu National Park, or the northern provinces.
🛣️ By Road
Chilaw lies along the A3 Colombo–Negombo–Puttalam Highway, offering direct bus services and private transport options. Regular intercity and express buses operate daily from Colombo, Negombo, and other nearby towns. Taxis, three-wheelers (tuk-tuks), and ride-hailing services are widely available for short distances.
🚆 By Train
The Chilaw Railway Station is part of the Puttalam railway line, connecting the town with Colombo Fort, Negombo, and Puttalam. Trains provide an affordable and scenic travel option, especially for those coming from Colombo, with multiple daily services available.
✈️ Nearest Airport
The closest airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake, approximately 50 km south of Chilaw. From the airport, travellers can reach Chilaw within 1–1.5 hours by taxi, private car, or bus.
🚤 Local Transport
Within Chilaw, most travel is by three-wheeler, bicycle, or motorcycle. These options are ideal for exploring local attractions, nearby fishing villages, and rural roads. For longer trips, buses and private vans are available.
With its strong connectivity by road, rail, and air, Chilaw is a convenient and well-linked destination for both domestic and international travellers.
How to Reach Chilaw
Chilaw, located along Sri Lanka’s picturesque northwestern coastline in the Puttalam District, is well connected to the rest of the island by road and rail. Situated on the A3 Colombo–Negombo–Puttalam highway, Chilaw is a convenient travel hub for visitors exploring coastal towns, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural attractions in the region. Whether travelling from Colombo, Negombo, Kurunegala, or Bandaranaike International Airport, reaching Chilaw is simple and enjoyable. The table below outlines popular travel routes, distances, and estimated journey times.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 80 km | 2 – 2.5 hrs | |
| Negombo | 45 km | 1 – 1.25 hrs | |
| Kurunegala | 55 km | 1.25 – 1.5 hrs | |
| Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB) | 52 km | 1 – 1.25 hrs |
📍 Interactive Route Map
🌟 Experience the Coastal Charm of Chilaw
Chilaw, a captivating town along Sri Lanka’s scenic northwestern coastline, is a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and coastal beauty. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant fishing culture, and historical temples, Chilaw offers a unique mix of relaxation and exploration. From the tranquil waters of the lagoon to bustling markets filled with fresh seafood and local produce, the town captures the authentic charm of coastal Sri Lankan life.
Whether you’re drawn by its rich cultural heritage, including the famous Munneswaram Hindu Temple and centuries-old churches, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway by the sea, Chilaw delivers a memorable experience. Its welcoming community, delicious cuisine, and easy accessibility make it a perfect destination for both quick escapes and longer stays. Visitors can immerse themselves in a slower pace of life while still enjoying the comforts of modern amenities.
With its golden sunsets, rich traditions, and warm hospitality, Chilaw invites travellers to discover the heart of Sri Lanka’s coastal heritage. Whether you’re here for spiritual journeys, cultural encounters, or seaside relaxation, this charming town will leave you with cherished memories.
🛤️ Visit Chilaw — where the ocean meets tradition, and every moment tells a story.