Chilaw is a famous seaside town situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It has a beautiful lagoon. Chilaw is located a few hours north of Colombo and can easily be reached by either bus or car. There are many places of interest in Chilaw for tourists to see, such as the natural lakes, fish markets, temples and the famous Hindu Kovil. The Anantaya Resort and Spa is a five star Chilaw beach resort, where luxury meets comfort. This hotel is tucked away in a piece of paradise, among the turquoise dazzling ocean, mangrove-fringed lakes and the golden sun kissed beaches. Cocooned in serenity and exclusivity, this unique hotel offers impeccable services, elegant and stylish accommodation.
Raja Mahaviharaya in Chilaw attracts fervent Buddhist worshippers to its stupa, particularly those from Colombo to the south. The temple, rebuilt in the 18C and 19C after many trials and tribulations, boasts superb religious paintings by a renowned artisit. The Morning fish market in Chilaw is a must visit place. The deserted beach in this peaceful fishing town, located at the mouth of a lagoon on the west coast, livens up in August during the feast day at nearby Munneswaram Temple, attracting many Hindus. Every year people flock to Chilaw to observe the Munneswaram Festival. Traders sell various hand painted animals made out of clay such as the deer, money box tills and ‘raban’ (traditional hand drums) from stalls all over the town, during the Munneswaram Festival. The main festivals celebrated at the temple include Navarathri and Sivarathri. The former is a nine-day-long festival in honor of the presiding Goddess, while the latter is an over-night observation in honor of Lord Shiva. In addition to these two Hindu festivals, the temple has a festival of its own, the Munneswaram festival, a four-week-long event attended by Hindus and Buddhists.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
