Chilaw

Chilaw (Sinhala: හලාවත, romanized: Halāvata, Tamil: சிலாபம், romanized: Cilāpam) is a city. in Puttalam District, North Western Province, Sri Lanka. It is governed by an urban council, whereas the outskirts are governed by a pradeshiya sabha of the same name. The town is located 80 kilometers away from Colombo via Negombo.

Etymology

The name Chilaw derives its name from its Tamil name Cilāpam, meaning pearl fishery.

Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary

Chilaw Beach Park

CHILAW SAND SPITS

Chilaw-Lagoon

Iranawila Beach

Kadolan museum

Munneshwaram Hindu temple

Tourists visit the well known Hindu temple located in Munneswaram, situated in the historic Demala Pattuva ("Tamil division") region of Puttalam District. The main festivals celebrated at the temple include Navarathri and Sivarathri. The former is a nine-day-long festival in honour of the presiding Goddess, while the latter is an over-night observation in honour of Lord Shiva. In addition to these two Hindu festivals, the temple observes the four-week-long Munneswaram festival which is attended by both Hindus and Buddhists. During the festival, traders sell hand-painted clay models of animals such as deer, money box tills and 'raban' (traditional hand drums) from stalls all over the town.

Murugan Temple

Murugan is the Hindu god of war, also known by the names Kartikeya, Skanda, Kumara and Subrahmanya. The son of Parvati and Shiva, he is predominantly worshipped as Lord Murugan in Sri Lanka by the country’s Tamil population.

The Temple’s Significance

Located just outside of the historic town of Madampe in the Puttalam district, a mere 15-minute drive from Chilaw, the Murugan Temple is a beautiful Hindu kovil that invites travellers with its colourful façade and the impressive statues at its entrance. Lord Murugan is the presiding deity of the temple. Known to some as the Little Kataragama Temple, it welcomes visitors with its large statues of Lord Murugan, Hanuman and Shiva at its roadside entrance. The temple also contains statues of the Goddess Parvati and of Ganesha.

What You Can Expect

Upon entering, worshipers can purchase traditional offerings to be used for their prayer rituals within the temple. There are washroom facilities within the temple’s compound and a vegetarian restaurant that serves food just outside of it. Visitors are advised to maintain silence, be respectful of the sacred space, and to note that photos are not allowed within the temple. Shoes should be removed before entering, and modest, conservative clothing should be worn.

Season to Visit

The best time to visit the temple is between the months of October and March, as the region where the temple is located experiences monsoon rains between April and September.

Muthupanthiya Beach