Attractions
LOCATION OF CALYPSO SUNSET
The Iranawila district is a beautiful place. It is close to Chilaw town in Puttalam District, in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. From here, you can travel to any part of Sri Lanka easily!
BEST PLACES TO VISIT
01
MUNNESWARAM TEMPLE
15 minutes’ drive
Munneswaram Temple is an important Hindu temple complex dating back to at least 1000 CE and linked to the Ramayana epic. It is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex contains five temples, including a Buddhist shrine. The central Shiva temple is the largest and most prestigious, while others are dedicated to Ganesha, Aiyanar, and Kali. The Kali temple is also popular with Buddhists. Today, many devotees are Sinhala Buddhists, though most Hindu temples here are administered by Tamil Hindu families, preserving centuries-old traditions.
02
MANAVARI TEMPLE
20 minutes’ drive
Nestled in Chilaw’s scenic landscapes, Manavari Hindu Temple is revered by Lord Shiva’s devotees and tied to Ramayana legend. Lord Rama is said to have built the temple after defeating Ravana, seeking to absolve his battle sins. On Lord Shiva’s advice, Rama installed lingams at five Sri Lankan sites, with one enshrined here. This lingam is believed to bestow divine blessings. The temple’s rich heritage, intricate architecture, and serene surroundings make it a significant spiritual site and a fascinating stop for those tracing Sri Lanka’s Ramayana connections.
03
LANKA MANGROVE MUSEUM
20 minutes’ drive
The Lanka Mangrove Museum is the world’s first museum dedicated to mangroves, offering interactive exhibits that highlight their ecological and cultural importance. Visitors can explore the biodiversity of mangrove forests, discover plant and animal adaptations, and learn how these ecosystems protect coastlines, support fisheries, and mitigate natural disasters. Displays also show mangroves’ role in traditional medicine and spiritual life. The museum promotes sustainable conservation and inspires action to protect these vital environments, making it a unique educational and nature-based attraction.
04
ANAVILUNDAVA BIRD SANCTUARY
35 minutes’ drive
Anavilundava is one of Sri Lanka’s six Ramsar wetlands, renowned for its rare blend of coastal, mangrove, and freshwater habitats. Covering 1,397 hectares, it contains nine interconnected lakes, including six large man-made tanks used for both irrigation and wildlife. The sanctuary is home to over 150 waterfowl species and several endangered animals, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Its unique ecosystems offer stunning scenery and abundant biodiversity in one compact area.
05
WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
2 hours’ drive
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its oldest national parks, covering 1,317 km². Famous for its “Willus”—natural rainwater-filled basins—it offers vital habitats for a variety of wildlife. The park is especially renowned for its leopard population; a 2015 camera survey recorded 49 individuals. Visitors may also spot elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. Wilpattu’s pristine wilderness and remote feel make for an unforgettable safari experience, combining scenic landscapes with excellent wildlife encounters.
Photo by Udara Karunarathna on Unsplash
06
KALPITIYA FORT & PENINSULA
2 hours’ drive
The Lanka Mangrove Museum is the world’s first museum dedicated to mangroves, offering interactive exhibits that highlight their ecological and cultural importance. Visitors can explore the biodiversity of mangrove forests, discover plant and animal adaptations, and learn how these ecosystems protect coastlines, support fisheries, and mitigate natural disasters. Displays also show mangroves’ role in traditional medicine and spiritual life. The museum promotes sustainable conservation and inspires action to protect these vital environments, making it a unique educational and nature-based attraction.
07
YAPAHUWA ROCK FORTRESS
2 hours’ drive
Yapahuwa served as Sri Lanka’s capital in 1272 under King Bhuvenakabahu, who built the fortress atop a 100-meter granite rock to safeguard the Sacred Tooth Relic. In 1284, South Indian invaders captured the relic, and the site was abandoned, later inhabited by monks. Today, visitors can climb to see its stone stairways, carvings, and panoramic views. This blend of fortress and palace offers a fascinating window into medieval Sri Lankan history and architecture.