Perched on the edge of the one of the island’s largest natural lagoons, Puttalam is a brilliant gateway to the beautiful beaches and water-sport activities of the Kalpitiya Peninsula. Far from the well-trodden tourist trail, accommodation options in Puttalam are limited to simple guesthouses and a few special hotels. Our pick of the best places to stay in Puttalam offers heritage charm aplenty, as well as a wonderful base to discover an off-the-beaten-track destination with real appeal.

Legend has it that Prince Vijaya, the first of the Sinhala kings, landed on the northern side of the Puttalam Lagoon more than 2,500 years ago, entrenching it in Sri Lanka’s origin myth. Now famous for its salt production, coconut cultivation, and the plentiful fishing on its shimmering lagoon, Puttalam is a thriving regional town. Most of today’s residents are the Muslim descendants of Arab traders and fishermen, and the striking waterfront Mohideen Jumma Masjidh is well worth visiting. Traces, too, of the Portuguese and Dutch occupations can still be seen — not least through the naming of Dutch Bay, and the ruins of the Dutch Fort on the Kalpitiya side of the lagoon.

History aside, this is a superb spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Try your hand at fishing, spot pods of dolphins swimming in the lagoon, and head out to Kalpitiya for the best kite-surfing on the island. Marvel at myriad birds, deer, elephants and — if you’re very lucky — the ever-elusive leopards at Wilpattu National Park, just 20 miles to the north. Unlike many of Sri Lanka’s crowded national parks, a visit to Wilpattu is a brilliant opportunity to feel that you have a nature’s wonders almost to yourself.

Whether you’re eager to explore from the back of a jeep, to hit the water or to savour superb Sri Lanka specialities from thrumming hole-in-the-wall eateries, Puttalam is a wonderful, oft-overlooked area to discover. The best place to stay in Puttalam promises a laid-back hideaway for you to experience Sri Lanka at its most welcoming.

The Best places to stay in Puttalam

For Heritage Charm

• Bethany 101 is a beautiful six-room boutique hotel set in a 170-year-old family home. Think airy rooms with antique furnishings, planters’ chairs overlooking lush gardens, excellent local fare and verdant gardens. Pick this place for a charming insight into Sri Lanka’s fascinating past.

For a self-catering stay

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Puttalam is 2 and a half hours’ drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pickup with a reliable driver who knows the roads well.
• Alternatively, take the train from Fort Station in Colombo for a slow but scenic journey. Tickets are cheap and the journey will take around 4 hours, but it’s a wonderful way to admire the lush countryside. Regular buses are also available, but this can be a hot and unreliable way to travel.
• Temperatures in Sri Lanka hit their peak in April and May, when it can be very hot for sight-seeing. Do book well in advance if travelling during the high season — from November to March — as hotels fill up fast!

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to explore the best places to stay on the Kalpitiya Peninsula.
• Alternatively, see our pick of all the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Puttalam