Tranquil, laidback, serene, coastal bliss; all these words sum up what one can expect to find when holidaying in the town of Chilaw, tucked away along Sri Lanka’s North-West coast. The town is also a place where one can gain an insight into the island’s rich culture and heritage so look to stay at Chilaw hotels such as Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw which makes an ideal base from which to set off on your adventures to local attractions.
Popular with visitors and the scores of devotees who congregate here during the festival season, the Munneswaram Temple is a religious site that is both historic and linked with the lives of the people of the town. With its origins believed to date back to 1000 CE, this temple complex is in actual fact made up of five temples with the main one dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Ganesha, Kali and Ayyanayake have temples dedicated to them as well, while there is a Buddhist temple here too. A great time to visit Munneswaram Temple is during its annual festivals; Navarathri and Sivarathri are two popular religious events, though the main festival is undoubtedly the four-week long Munneswaram Festival.
Another religious attraction in the town is the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral. Also known as the Chilaw Cathedral, this sacred site dates back more than 200 years and features a statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel which is connected with a local legend. Here too, festivities abound during what is known as the feast season where one can witness celebrations including the town being adored with various decorations.
Make sure to also head to the Anawilundawa sanctuary which is within easy reach of Chilaw. This Ramsar designated wetland has a rich biodiversity, especially when it comes to birdlife be it indigenous or migrant species. Bird watchers can be on the lookout to spot all manner of avifauna here including the Sri Lanka jungle fowl, herons, teals, woodpeckers and raptors.
Of course you cannot forget the Chilaw Beach which is an attraction in itself and where you can enjoy lazy days in the sun. It is also the perfect place to end the day as you take in the glorious vistas of a spectacular sunset.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
