Information
City: PuttalamCountry: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Puttalam, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Puttalam, a lively coastal town in Sri Lanka’s Northwestern Province, greets visitors with the scent of salt on the breeze.The place draws people in with rugged cliffs above a glittering sea, a vibrant culture, and a past steeped in history.Perched on the edge of Puttalam Lagoon, just a short stroll from the Indian Ocean, this spot blends wild beauty, rich culture, and the simple pleasure of watching waves curl onto the sand.Puttalam sits about 160 kilometers north of Colombo and roughly 40 kilometers below the Jaffna Peninsula, resting on the southwest edge of the Puttalam Lagoon where salt flats shimmer in the sun beside quiet beaches and wetlands.The air is warm year-round, turning especially hot and dry when the long dry season sets in.Temperatures usually sit between 27°C and 32°C (about 81°F to 89°F), warm enough that the air feels heavy on your skin.Puttalam gets most of its rain during the southwest monsoon from May to September, when the air feels heavy and damp.For sunny days and calm seas, November to April is perfect for exploring or relaxing on the beach.This coastal town’s history stretches back to ancient times, with traces of early settlements still found in the area.This area once thrived on salt production and fishing, its air often sharp with the smell of drying fish.During colonial times, the Portuguese and later the Dutch took control of the salt trade here.The Dutch once built forts here, their weathered stone walls still standing as reminders of the past.Today, Puttalam buzzes with trade, driven by salt pans glittering in the sun, busy fishing boats, and fertile fields yielding fresh produce.Key attractions include:Puttalam Lagoon, one of the area’s most stunning natural sights, is a wide, glassy stretch of water running along the coast, where flamingos and herons glide in during migration season.It’s perfect for boat rides through the quiet wetlands.About 30 km north lies Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s oldest and one of its largest, famed for its mirror-like “Villu” lakes and home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and countless birds-best seen on a safari along its well-kept trails.In town, the 17th-century Dutch Fort, though weathered and crumbling in places, still stands as a striking reminder of the island’s colonial past.Nearby, the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary shelters lagoons, marshes, and forest, offering rich birdlife, peaceful walks, and vivid photo opportunities.Travel 40 km northwest to Kalpitiya for kite surfing, dolphin watching, or a kayak trip on its lagoon, then wander its quiet beaches at sunset.Just outside Puttalam, Thalawila Church draws pilgrims with its graceful architecture and serene grounds, especially during its vibrant annual festivals.And not far away, the ancient Munneswaram Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be over 2,000 years old-remains one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Hindu sites.Puttalam draws Hindu pilgrims and travelers seeking rich cultural and spiritual experiences, from joining temple rituals scented with incense to exploring its wild and scenic treasures.Head out on a thrilling safari in Wilpattu National Park, where you might glimpse a leopard slipping through the trees or an elephant grazing by a waterhole.Bring binoculars to the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary or Puttalam Lagoon for birdwatching, especially when flocks of migratory birds sweep across the sky.For sun and surf, Kalpitiya and nearby beaches offer swimming, kite surfing, or the simple pleasure of warm sand between your toes.Step into the past at the Dutch Fort, Munneswaram Temple, and Thalawila Church to uncover colonial and religious history.Slow the pace with a nature walk or boat ride around Puttalam Lagoon, where the air is still and wildlife thrives.You can reach Puttalam easily by road from Colombo in about four to five hours, with good connections from other towns across Sri Lanka.The A3 highway links Puttalam with Colombo, and smaller local roads branch off toward nearby towns.You can hop on a bus from Colombo-or from any of several other towns-to reach Puttalam.If you’re traveling on a budget, the bus is an easy, wallet-friendly choice.Trains run from Puttalam’s station to Colombo and other major cities, making it simple to connect.Around town, you’ll see tuk-tuks buzzing past for quick trips to markets or nearby sights, while renting a car or van works best for exploring farther afield, especially the wildlife parks and coastal villages.Puttalam’s food reflects its seaside roots-think grilled prawns still warm from the fire, rich coconut fish curry, or kottu roti chopped and sizzling on a metal griddle.You can find everything from budget guesthouses with just the basics, to mid-range hotels with air‑conditioned rooms, to beach resorts where you can watch the sun sink over Kalpitiya.If you’re in the area during festival season, don’t miss the Esala Perahera in nearby Anuradhapura, with its dancers, drummers, and vibrant, temple-bound processions.
Landmarks in puttalam
