Overview
The Chilaw Lagoon — the estuarine lagoon at the mouth of the Deduru Oya river — is one of the most productive fisheries on the western coast and a complex ecological system where the freshwater river meets the coastal salt water in a zone of exceptional biological diversity. The lagoon supports enormous populations of fish and crustaceans that sustain Chilaw’s traditional fishing fleet, and the mangrove margins and tidal flats provide habitat for herons, kingfishers, and waders. The lagoon’s ecological productivity is visible in the scale of the fishing fleet — hundreds of wooden boats moored at the lagoon harbour.
Highlights
- Highly productive estuarine lagoon supporting a major western coast fishing fleet
- The complex ecology of freshwater-saltwater mixing
- Mangrove margins with herons, kingfishers, and waders
- Hundreds of wooden fishing boats — a remarkable working waterfront
- The Deduru Oya river enriching the lagoon with highland nutrients
- Traditional cast net and fixed net fishing visible throughout the day
- Excellent fresh seafood available from the lagoon harbour area
- Connected to the Puttalam Lagoon and Anawilundawa to the north
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings for fishing activity. October–March for migratory birds.
Activities
- Fishing fleet photography at the harbour
- Birdwatching at the lagoon margins
- Informal boat trip
- Fresh seafood at the lagoon harbour
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Location | Chilaw, Puttalam District |
| Type | Estuarine lagoon (Deduru Oya) |
| Best Time | Early mornings, October–March |
| Distance from Colombo | 90 km |
| Famous For | Fishing fleet, fresh seafood |
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