Chilaw is a town in the north-western province of Sri Lanka, located about 80 km from Colombo. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, as it boasts a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a stunning natural beauty. Chilaw is also known for its fishing industry, its coconut plantations, and its salt production. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Chilaw has something for you. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Chilaw on your next trip to Sri Lanka.
Best Time to Visit Chilaw
Chilaw has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C, and the rainfall is moderate. However, there are some variations depending on the season and the monsoon. The best time to visit Chilaw is from January to March, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, you can visit Chilaw from April to June or from September to December, when the weather is still pleasant, but there may be some showers and thunderstorms. You should avoid visiting Chilaw from July to August, when the south-west monsoon brings heavy rains and strong winds, making the sea rough and unsafe.
Another factor to consider when planning your trip to Chilaw is the festivals and events that take place in the town. Chilaw is a multicultural and multi-religious town, with a mix of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. Therefore, you can witness various celebrations and ceremonies throughout the year, such as:
- Vesak: This is the most important festival for Buddhists, as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It is celebrated in May, and it involves lighting lanterns, offering flowers, and visiting temples.
- Munneswaram Festival: This is the most famous festival in Chilaw, as it attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. It is a Hindu festival that honors Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, and it takes place in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar. It involves a procession of chariots, elephants, and dancers, as well as rituals and offerings at the Munneswaram Temple.
- St. Anne's Feast: This is a Christian festival that celebrates the patron saint of Chilaw, St. Anne. It is held on July 26, and it involves a mass, a procession, and a fair. It is also a time for family reunions and pilgrimages.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Chilaw
Chilaw has a lot of attractions to offer to travelers who are interested in exploring its culture, history, and nature. Here are some of the top places to visit in Chilaw:
Munneswaram Hindu Temple
This is the most famous and sacred place in Chilaw, as it is one of the five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Sri Lanka. It is also believed to be the site where Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic, prayed to Shiva after killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. The temple complex consists of five temples, each dedicated to a different deity, such as Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Ayyanayake, and Kali. The temple is known for its architecture, its carvings, and its festivals, especially the Munneswaram Festival, which lasts for 28 days and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm, and the entrance is free.
Chilaw Lagoon
This is a scenic lagoon that lies between the town and the sea, and it is surrounded by mangroves and marshes. It is a great place to enjoy the views of the water, the birds, and the fishermen. You can also take a boat ride on the lagoon, and explore its biodiversity and beauty. The lagoon is also a source of livelihood for many locals, who catch fish, crabs, and prawns from the water. The lagoon is accessible throughout the year, and the boat ride costs about 500 LKR per person.
Chilaw Sand Pits
This is a unique and fascinating place to visit in Chilaw, as it is a bird-watching paradise. The sand pits are shallow lagoons that are formed by the accumulation of sand from the sea, and they create a habitat for various species of birds, such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and egrets. You can also spot some marine conservatories, such as turtles and dolphins, in the water. The sand pits are located about 10 km from the town, and they are best visited in the morning or evening, when the birds are more active. You can also hire a guide or a binocular to enhance your experience.
Silver Beach
This is a beautiful beach that is located about 3 km from the town, and it is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in Chilaw. The beach has golden sands and blue waters, and it is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can also enjoy the views of the sunset and the fishing boats from the beach. The beach is also lined with coconut trees, hotels, and restaurants, where you can find some refreshments and accommodation. The beach is open throughout the year, and the entrance is free.
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
This is a nature reserve that covers three distinct ecosystems, namely freshwater, brackish water, and marine water. It is located about 15 km from the town, and it is a part of the Ramsar Convention, which is an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands. The sanctuary hosts a variety of flora and fauna, especially birds and butterflies, such as painted storks, spoonbills, kingfishers, and peacocks. You can also spot some mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, such as monkeys, deer, crocodiles, and turtles. The sanctuary is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entrance fee is 60 LKR per person.
Murugan Temple
This is a colorful temple that is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and the son of Shiva and Parvati. It is located in the town center, and it is one of the oldest temples in Chilaw. The temple is known for its striking gopuram, which is a tower that is decorated with statues and carvings of gods and goddesses. The temple is also known for its festivals, such as Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram, which involve processions, rituals, and offerings. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm, and the entrance is free.
Chilaw Fish Market
This is a lively and bustling place to visit in Chilaw, as it is the main hub of the fishing industry in the town. The fish market is located near the lagoon, and it is where you can see the fishermen bringing their catch from the sea, and selling them to the buyers. You can also buy some fresh fish, crabs, and prawns from the market, and enjoy them at the nearby restaurants. The fish market is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entrance is free.
Dutch Fort
This is a historical and cultural attraction in Chilaw, as it is a remnant of the colonial era in Sri Lanka. The fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century, and it was used as a military and administrative center. The fort is made of coral and limestone, and it has a moat, a drawbridge, and a bastion. The fort is also home to a museum, which displays some artifacts and information about the history and culture of Chilaw. The fort is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is 100 LKR per person.
St. Anne's Church
This is a religious and architectural attraction in Chilaw, as it is one of the most revered and visited churches in Sri Lanka. The church is dedicated to St. Anne, the patron saint of Chilaw, and it is believed to have miraculous powers. The church was built in the 18th century, and it has a Gothic style, with a dome, a spire, and stained glass windows. The church is also known for its feast, which is held on July 26, and it attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists. The church is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entrance is free.
Chilaw Clock Tower
This is a landmark and a symbol of Chilaw, as it is a prominent feature of the town. The clock tower was built in 1945, and I will continue the article as follows:
- it is a tribute to the soldiers who died in World War II. The clock tower has a height of 40 feet, and it has four clocks, each facing a different direction. The clock tower is also a meeting point and a landmark for the locals and the visitors. The clock tower is accessible throughout the year, and the entrance is free.
Travel Packages for Chilaw
If you are looking for a hassle-free and convenient way to explore Chilaw, you can opt for one of the travel packages that are available for the town. These packages include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided tours, and they cater to different budgets, preferences, and durations. Here are some of the travel packages for Chilaw that you can choose from:
- Chilaw Day Tour: This is a one-day tour that covers the main attractions and activities in Chilaw, such as the Munneswaram Temple, the Chilaw Lagoon, the Chilaw Sand Pits, and the Silver Beach. The tour also includes a boat ride, a bird-watching session, and a lunch at a local restaurant. The tour costs about 10,000 LKR per person, and it includes a private vehicle, a driver, a guide, and entrance fees.
- Chilaw Weekend Getaway: This is a two-day tour that offers a relaxing and enriching experience in Chilaw, with a stay at a beach resort, a visit to the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, and a participation in the St. Anne's Feast. The tour also includes a cultural show, a bonfire, and a barbecue dinner. The tour costs about 20,000 LKR per person, and it includes a private vehicle, a driver, a guide, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees.
- Chilaw Cultural and Nature Tour: This is a three-day tour that combines the culture and nature of Chilaw, with visits to the Murugan Temple, the Chilaw Fish Market, the Dutch Fort, and the St. Anne's Church, as well as the Munneswaram Temple, the Chilaw Lagoon, the Chilaw Sand Pits, the Silver Beach, and the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary. The tour also includes a boat ride, a bird-watching session, a cultural show, a bonfire, and a barbecue dinner. The tour costs about 30,000 LKR per person, and it includes a private vehicle, a driver, a guide, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees.
Conclusion
Chilaw is a charming coastal town in Sri Lanka that has a lot to offer to travelers who are looking for a relaxing and enriching experience. From temples and forts to lagoons and beaches, Chilaw has something for everyone. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that take place in the town, and witness the diversity and harmony of its people. If you are interested in visiting Chilaw, you can book one of the travel packages that are available for the town, and enjoy a hassle-free and convenient trip.
Chilaw is a hidden gem that you should not miss on your next trip to Sri Lanka. Book your trip to Chilaw today, and share your experience with us on our social media channels.