Home · Places · North Western

heritage · North Western

Munneswaram Kovil Temple — Puttalam

Cover photo: Zoshua Colah (Unsplash)

District

Puttalam

Province

North Western

Best for

Hindu pilgrims and culture travellers; thousand-year Shiva complex with festivals

Map

See it on the map

About this place

On the Chilaw-Wariyapola road just outside Chilaw town, about 80 km north of Colombo. Open roughly 6am-1pm and 4-7pm, free entry; the August-September festival and February full-moon days are colourful but crowded. Dress modestly and remove shoes.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Thousand-year Shiva complex of five temples including a Buddhist shrine; open daily roughly morning and evening worship hours.
• Dress modestly and remove shoes; photography rules vary by shrine — ask first.
• The July/August-September festival and February full-moon days are colourful but very crowded; book rooms early.
• Non-Hindus are welcome in outer precincts; follow priest guidance at inner sanctums.
• Combine with Chilaw town crab curry and the Anawilundawa wetlands nearby.

How to travel there

On the Chilaw-Wariyapola road just outside Chilaw, ~80 km north of Colombo; direct buses/trains Colombo-Chilaw, then a short tuk-tuk ride.

Where to stay

Chilaw town — budget to mid-range hotels and pilgrim resthouses; festival periods book out early.

Nearby places

Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, St Anne's Church, Talawila, Kalpitiya Kitesurfing Lagoon, Panduwasnuwara Ancient City

Read the full guide →