Chilaw

About Chilaw

Halfway between Negombo and Kalpitiya, Chilaw is a traditional Catholic and Hindu coastal town best known for the ancient Munneswaram Kovil, one of Sri Lanka's most important Shiva temples. Nearby Marawila offers wide golden beaches and quiet resorts, and the lagoon is a working hub for prawn farming and outrigger fishing.

Top experiences

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  Munneswaram Kovil

  One of five ancient Shiva temples in Sri Lanka — said to be visited by Rama himself.

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  Marawila Beach

  A long, quiet golden beach lined with palm trees and small family resorts.

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  Chilaw Lagoon & fish market

  A busy working lagoon of outrigger fishing boats and morning fish markets.

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  Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya

  Boat trip to spot spinner dolphin super-pods and seasonal whales.

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  Kite surfing on the lagoon

  World-class flat-water and wave kiting in Kalpitiya's steady winds.

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  Bar Reef snorkelling

  Sri Lanka's largest coral reef, teeming with tropical fish and turtles.

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  Wilpattu safari day trip

  Leopards, sloth bears and villus (natural lakes) in a quieter park.

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  Dutch Fort, Kalpitiya

  Small 17th-century Dutch garrison fort guarding the lagoon mouth.

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  Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw

  Ancient Hindu temple complex sacred to Lord Shiva.

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  St Anne's Church, Talawila

  Historic seaside pilgrimage church on the Kalpitiya peninsula.

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  Wilpattu National Park

  Sri Lanka's largest park — leopards, elephants and forested villus.