FAMOUS TEMPLES, WETLAND SANCTUARIES AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Chilaw

A Day Trip from Negombo

Located merely 65 kilometres along the principal Negombo-Puttlam road, Chilaw is a substantial and diverse urban centre with natural and sacred wonders, which can be thoroughly explored during a day trip from either Negombo or Puttlam. From the picturesque inlet and estuary of Chilaw, where one can discover the distinctive Chilaw sandpits, to the Chilaw Lagoon, beach park, and Silver Beach, as well as its revered sites including Munneswaram and the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and the lively Chilaw harbour and fish market, not to mention the breathtaking landscape of the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary-an avian paradise-Chilaw offers an abundance of remarkable activities for couples seeking to explore the Northwestern coastline.

Location and Best Times to Visit

The main Colombo Puttlam railway line gives direct access via rail to Chilaw, Waikkal, Nathandiya, Anawilundawa and Puttlam, making it easily accessible by rail or road.

Chilaw is an hour and 30 minutes from Negombo and almost equal distance if travelling from Puttalam in the North Western Province. It is easily accessible by road or rail. The best time to visit is between November to March.

Highlights

Munneswaram Hindu Kovil
Chilaw Beach Park/ Silver Beach
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Anawilundawa Wetland Park and Muthpanthiya Beach
Chilaw Lagoon and Sand Pits
Badrakali,Sohon Kali, Ayyanayaka and Ganesha Hindu Kovils
Sri Pushparamaya and Angulimala Maha Seya Buddhist Temples

The name is Chilaw originates from the Tamil word Cilapam, which means pearl fishery, as this area was once a thriving hub for pearl fishing as it had abundant oyster beds in the surrounding waters. However, in pre-colonial times, probably due to overexploitation of the Oysters beds and other environmental factors, Pearl fishing declined and was totally abandoned. Chilaw is renowned for its ethnic and religious diversity, boasting many famous Hindu kovils, Catholic churches, and Buddhist temples. A well-known story from Chilaw recounts how the sacred statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was discovered. Once, Chilaw was a heavily forested region, and it is said that one day a woman searching for firewood heard a cry from another lady saying, “Please take me.” The woman, seeking the source of the voice, found a statue of Mother Mary on a tree. She took it to the parish priest, who is believed to have recognised the voice as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is said that the original statue, which is over 150 years old, is still displayed in the church. Every year in July, the whole town celebrates the festival of Mother Mary with devout Catholics from all over the country.

The Munneswaram Hindu Kovil also celebrates two important festivals known across the island. The Navarathri festival is held over nine days, and Maha Sivarathri is also an important festival for Hindus. Besides the sacred space, Chilaw is also famous for its beautiful beaches, mangrove and lagoon ecosystem and as an important fishing town having access to both the sea and lagoon. Chilaw area is also home to many prawn farms that export their farmed prawns overseas.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

This church was built in 1851 and is over 150 years old, making it one of the country's oldest and most important churches for Catholics. Our Lady of Mount Carmel's original statue is believed to be inside the church and is venerated every year in July with a large festival. The church has beautiful architecture and stained glass windows, and the cathedral is the seat of the Chilaw Main Diocese.

Munneswaram Hindu Kovil

It is believed that the original kovil was first built in 1000 C.E. here in Chilaw. However, during the Portuguese rule, the kovil was destroyed, and a chapel was built in its basement. Once again destroyed in the 17th century, the kovil was rebuilt by the locals and renovated by a private benefactor in 1875. Musseswaram Kovil is an important Shaivite shrine, one of the Pancha Ishwaram Kovils, one of five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex includes five temples inside, with the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the others to Goddess Kali, Lord Ganesh, Lord Aiyanar, and a shrine dedicated to Buddha.

The temple is a significant site and stop for pilgrims on the Ramayana trail. It features beautiful architecture and intricate gopurams. Visited by both Buddhists and Hindus, the temple is regarded as one of the most sacred and important temples in Sri Lanka. The temple hosts two key festivals: Maha Sivarathri, which includes an overnight celebration in February, and the Navarathri festival, held over nine days.

Sri Pushparamaya Buddhist Temple

Locally known as the “Naga Temple,” this temple is also a teaching temple in the area known as a ‘pirivena’. It features a beautiful sculpture of Muchalinda, a Naga King (serpent) who coiled himself around the newly enlightened Lord Buddha as he meditated through a violent storm. It is said that Muchalinda as a sign of his devotion to Lord Buddha, came out of the earth and coiled his large body around the meditating Buddha and raised his cobra hood over the Buddha, protecting him from the rain and storm while he meditated, unperturbed by the storm. A popular Buddhist story, it has been depicted in art in famous Buddhist paintings. Many visitors stop to take photos of this fascinating sculpture.

Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary

Anawilundawa is one of only six prestigious RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka, showcasing a unique ecological tapestry. This diverse ecosystem provides an ideal breeding ground for an astonishing 150 species of water birds, fostering a thriving environment for avian life. Although less frequently observed, the ecosystem also serves as an important habitat for other wildlife, such as the rusty-spotted cat, the Indian otter, and the endemic slender loris. About a kilometre from the main sanctuary road lies the beautiful Anawilundawa lagoon.

Birdwatchers can expect to see herons, including the open-billed and great cormorant, alongside the white ibis and egret, as well as the captivating pheasant-tailed jacana and the purple swamp hen, to name just a few. In addition, there are over 20 resident mammal species and an astonishing 74 species of butterflies.

Chilaw Beach Park and Silver Beach

A landscaped green terrace that extends from the Chilaw rest house down to the beachfront is where Chilaw hosts its fun public festivities. There is room for vendors, kids’ activities, and people to enjoy. The beachfront is Chilaw’s most popular beach, with Silver Beach adjoining it. Silver Beach is said to have some of the most glistening, beautiful waves.

Sacred Hindu Kovils of Chilaw

In relative proximity to one another, the Badrakali, Sohon Kali, Ayyanayaka, and Ganesha kovils are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in Chilaw, as well as by devotees from across the island who visit these kovils to seek blessings and leave tokens requesting favours from the divine. These kovils feature stunning architecture and intricate gopurams, and one can admire sculptures.

Tips:

Many holy sites will require you to remove your shoes and wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
We recommend hiring a competent local guide to maximise your experience and knowledge.
Ensure to take plenty of water and stay hydrated. Chilaw tends to get hot and humid.
While buying tickets is not required, most visitors will make a “donation” to the collection boxes located at the shrines.

Conclusion

The sacred city of Chilaw, with its diverse mix of religious sites, beaches, wetland parks, and a stunning sea and lagoon setting, promises a journey of discovery, romance, and cultural immersion. Explore the places, stories and legends, sculptures, and statues that make Chilaw unique and interesting.