Things To Do
in Puttalam
Nestled along the southern coast, Puttalam, India blends a laid‑back beach town vibe with a thriving fishing culture. Coconut groves, salt pans, and a busy harbor frame daily life as colorful boats drift in at dawn and depart at dusk. The town is a melting pot of Tamil and coastal flavors, where markets overflow with spices, seafood, and handicrafts.
Visitors can wander quiet lanes, watch spectacular sunsets, and use Puttalam as a gateway to nearby lagoons and nature trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea at the stunning Kalpitiya Beach. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while soaking in the serene views of the coastline. The morning sun reflects beautifully on the water, making it the perfect time to capture stunning photographs.
Head out to explore the vibrant local market for an authentic taste of Puttalam's culture. Savor a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a nearby restaurant, featuring fresh seafood caught from the nearby waters. After lunch, take a guided tour of the local fishing villages to learn about the community's way of life.
As the sun sets, find a secluded spot on the beach to watch the horizon change colors. Enjoy a beach bonfire while mingling with locals and other travelers over delicious grilled seafood. Conclude your day by stargazing under the clear skies of Puttalam, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Rise early and embark on a thrilling safari tour at Wilpattu National Park, known for its diverse bird species and wildlife. Bring your binoculars as you catch glimpses of rare birds and possibly spot leopards and sloth bears in their natural habitat. Breakfast in the park can be a delightful picnic with packed snacks amidst nature.
After a morning of exploration, stop for lunch at a rustic lodge near the park entrance. In the afternoon, continue your birdwatching adventure, discovering new species and learning about their habits from your guide. The park's serene lakes provide a stunning backdrop for afternoon wildlife sightings.
As the day winds down, return to your accommodation while keeping an eye out for grazing wildlife along the way. Enjoy dinner at your lodge, sharing stories with fellow travelers about the day’s events. Spend the evening unwinding by a campfire, discussing the beauty of nature in Puttalam.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $15-25 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-7 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal charm and scenic sunsets
- Fresh seafood and flavorful Tamil coastal cuisine
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Nightlife is modest compared to bigger cities
- Sea conditions can affect water activities during monsoon
- Limited public transport outside town centers
- "Vanakkam" - Hello
- "Nandri" - Thank you
- "Vanga" - Please come / Welcome
- "Sariyaa?" - Okay? / Is this alright?
- "Enakku oru coffee pidikkum" - I would like a coffee
- "Ippadi sollunga" - Please tell me in this way / Please explain
Places to Visit in Puttalam
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, palm-fringed shoreline with turquoise waters; ideal for sunrise and wide-angle coastal photography.
Historic lighthouse perched above the harbor; panoramic sea views and colorful fishing boats at dawn or dusk.
Pier and boat reflections at golden hour; great for silhouettes and moody seascapes.
Food in Puttalam
Puttalam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tangy fish curry made with tamarind, coconut milk, and spices; best served with steamed rice at a harbor-side eatery.
Must-Try!
Spicy coconut curry with prawns, ideal with rice, dosa, or appam.
Crispy fried fish with curry leaves and chilies; a popular beach snack and starter.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Freshly caught seafood sold by local fishermen; try fried fish and prawn skewers from nearby stalls.
Grilled fish, fritters, dosai, and coconut chutney along the shore; great for a quick bite after sunset.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples; remove shoes where required and observe local rules.
Greet with a polite Namaste or a nod; ask before taking photos of people or private spaces.
Respect quiet neighborhoods, avoid loud behavior near residential areas, and keep noise down at night in fishing hamlets.
Safety
Tipping in Puttalam
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5-10% is customary if no service charge is included. Small tips to guides, porters, and hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries; many places also accept cards and digital wallets (UPI, wallets) in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with strong sun. Carry water, apply sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon hours.
Southwest monsoon brings heavy rains and rough seas. Be prepared for wet conditions and possible flooding; check local advisories before coastal excursions.
Mild and pleasant, with cooler evenings. Ideal for outdoor exploration and long walks along the coast.
Puttalam at Night
Hiking in Puttalam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal hike with ocean views and golden sands; best during dry months and early morning for sunrise shots.
Forest trail in the Western Ghats foothills offering a rich array of flora and occasional wildlife sightings.
Rugged and scenic hikes through lush hill country with temples, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Puttalam by plane.
Major international gateway in Kerala; typically the closest well-connected airport for international travel.
Efficient hub with extensive domestic and international connections; a common option for longer trips.
Regional hub in Tamil Nadu with good domestic links; useful for connections to other Indian cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Tamil communities with strong fishing and agricultural livelihoods.
Families whose lives center around the harbor and sea, contributing to local markets and cuisine.
Visitors from other parts of Tamil Nadu and beyond, drawn by beaches and nature trails.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The prevailing sport across the region, with local matches often drawing crowds at schools and grounds.
Played in parks and beaches; informal leagues and pick-up games are common.
Popular in community halls and hotels; easy to pick up for visitors staying longer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puttalam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Tamil Nadu vegetarian options include dosa, idli, sambar, rasam; request no onion/garlic if needed.
Most vegetable curries can be made vegan by avoiding ghee and dairy; ask for oil-based preparations.
Rice-based dishes are typically gluten-free; confirm batters or breads contain no gluten.