Puttalam
North Western · Puttalam
Puttalam is a Sri Lankan travel destination known for lagoon, birding, salt pan, culture.
lagoon
Puttalam
Quick facts
Ideal stay
1 to 3 nights
Stay length
1-4 nights (2 recommended)
Timezone
Asia/Colombo
Elevation
5 m
Tourism region
North West Coast (Puttalam Lagoon Country)
Budget level
Budget to midrange
Recommended pace
Relaxed
Popularity
6/10
Crowd level
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Coordinates
8.031599, 79.830029
Data status
Generated starter requires verification
Linked attractions
10
Connectivity
Internet quality
Average
Mobile coverage
Good
Airports
Nearest airport
Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ)
Distance from airport
~90 km
Recommended arrival airport
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Recommended departure airport
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
History
Puttalam grew around its great lagoon as a centre of salt production, fishing, and coconut, settled over the centuries by Tamil, Muslim, and — from 1990, when they were expelled from the north — displaced Muslim communities. It is the gateway to Wilpattu and the arid northwest, with Sri Lanka's largest wind farms on its shores.
Climate
dry coastal
Best time to visit
Best months
Avoid
Good for
Interest scores
Wildlife
9/10
Culture
9/10
Photography
8/10
Relaxation
6/10
Nature
5/10
Food
5/10
Hidden gem
5/10
Adventure
4/10
Shopping
3/10
Nightlife
2/10
Beach
1/10
Known for
Nearby places
Map view
Puttalam location
See Puttalam and nearby attraction pins on the map.
Explore Puttalam in depth
Experiences
Experiences in Puttalam
Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems in Puttalam
Food & Dining
Food & Dining in Puttalam
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Puttalam
Getting Around
Getting Around in Puttalam
When to Visit
When to Visit in Puttalam
Budget
Budget in Puttalam
Safety
Safety in Puttalam
Travel Tips
Travel Tips in Puttalam
Suggested Itineraries
Suggested Itineraries in Puttalam
Nearby destinations
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