Marawila

Marawila is a coastal town in the Puttalam District of North Western Province, located about 10 km south of Chilaw. It is a developing beach resort area with a long stretch of sandy beach lined with hotels and guesthouses. Marawila is a quieter alternative to Negombo and is popular with domestic tourists and package travellers.

The area is known for its coconut palms and fishing villages. Marawila Beach is clean and relatively uncrowded. The beach has golden sand and is good for swimming during calm conditions. Climate is tropical, best visited December–March.

By Plane

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB IATA) is 60 km south.

By Train

Marawila Railway Station is on the Colombo–Puttalam line. Trains from Colombo Fort take about 1.5 hours (Rs 200–400).

By Car / Road

Marawila is 70 km from Colombo via the A3 highway. Buses from Colombo take 1.5 hours.

Tuk-tuks. The beach area is walkable.

Marawila Beach — A long golden-sand beach with calm water. Marawila Lagoon — A small lagoon at the southern end of the beach. Fishing villages — Traditional fishing communities along the coast.

Swim and relax on the beach. Take a boat trip on the lagoon. Visit local fishing villages.

Beachfront restaurants serve seafood and Sri Lankan cuisine.

King coconut water.

• Budget: Guesthouses from Rs 2,000–4,000/night.
• Mid-range: A few beach hotels from Rs 4,000–7,000/night.
• Upscale: Limited; most luxury is in Negombo or Chilaw.

Fresh seafood from local fishermen.

• Chilaw (10 km north, 15 min) — Coastal town with Munneswaram Temple.
• Negombo (30 km south, 35 min) — Beach town and airport.
• Waikkal (15 km south, 20 min) — Beach hotel area.
• Puttalam (45 km north, 1 hr) — Lagoon and salt pans.