Tucked northwest of Colombo, Puttalam District is a secret treasure for those keen to explore Sri Lanka beyond the typical tourist trail.
This sparsely populated region is a mosaic of cultures (Moorish, Tamil, Christian and Sinhala) and beautiful and wild, with looming rocks rising sharply from the earth and dreamy wewas (reservoirs) with their circling storks and eagles, flashing kingfishers and beautiful water lilies.
The area is rich in birdlife, especially in reserves like Anawilundawa near Chilaw, and it straddles the dry and wet zones, making it an unusual hotspot for nature lovers. Two major highlights here are the vast Wilpattu National Park—renowned for its leopards and wild terrain—and the biodiverse Puttalam Lagoon. Kalpitiya, on the peninsula’s edge, offers laid-back beach retreats, exceptional dolphin watching (Oct–Apr), and world-class kitesurfing (May–Sep). Though less classically scenic than southern bays, Kalpitiya’s wide sandy shores offer solitude and dramatic sunsets for those looking to truly escape.
Venture inland to find The Mudhouse, an eco-retreat offering village-style simplicity and immersive local experiences near the hauntingly beautiful Paramakanda Rock Temple. Explorers on two wheels will love the freedom to roam the rural surroundings. The region is also steeped in legends and history, with sites like the ruined capital Pandus Nuwara—famous for its long-haired princess tale—and Yapahuwa’s rock citadel adding cultural intrigue. With limited tourism, Puttalam remains one of Sri Lanka’s most genuine and untouched provinces. For a deeply rewarding travel experience, far from the crowd and full of natural and cultural treasures, this is the place to go.
