Chilaw is located in the coastal region of the Puttalam district, surrounded by the Chilaw Lagoon running near the area. This city became prominent during the British era in the colonial period. Development commenced in Chilaw in the early 19th century under the supervision of British officials in the reign of Governor Edward Barnes during that period. Chilaw became famous and known for its unique combination of fishing and coconut cultivation, which were quite different from the other towns in the near provinces.

In the colonial period, British rulers wanted to ensure a smooth operational trade system regarding coconut and seafood exports from the western coastline to Colombo, so this town expresses one of the iconic spots for that purpose. One of the most iconic landmarks in Chilaw is the Munneswaram Temple, a famous Hindu temple believed to have been originally constructed a thousand years ago. This temple holds religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists and is a key pilgrimage site during the annual Munneswaram Festival. The temple showcases unique architectural features, including intricate carvings and a towering gopuram (entrance tower), and is a testament to the region's cultural diversity.

Chilaw is also known for its picturesque scenery, including the Chilaw Lagoon, which is 20 km long and filled with rich biodiversity. It is a significant area for fishing, and local farmers rely on the coconut plantations around the town for their livelihood. Special about this is that the lagoon remains largely undisturbed, and even up to today, the natural ecosystem has not been greatly affected. Apart from that, the lagoon still plays a major role in the local economy when it comes to fishing and agriculture.

When you travel to the northern regions or towards the Wilpattu National Park, you can see Chilaw located along the Colombo-Puttalam route at the 75th km post. It’s not only a town with a testament to the local cultural heritage but also blended with picturesque scenery, packed with coconut trees and the rich biodiversity of the lagoon. So Chilaw town is one of the best things to add to your bucket list, not only for a visit but because it’s a great spot for an evening walk and photography too.