St. Anne's National Shrine - Thalawila | සා. ආනා ජාතික සිද්ධස්ථානය - තලවිල | புனித அன்னம்மாள் தேசிய யாத்திரை ஸ்தலம் - தலவில்ல image

St. Anne's National Shrine - Thalawila | සා. ආනා ජාතික සිද්ධස්ථානය - තලවිල | புனித அன்னம்மாள் தேசிய யாத்திரை ஸ்தலம் - தலவில்ல

Tourist attraction Catholic church

One of the Best Places To Visits in Puttalam


Address

Talawila Road, Sri Lanka

Contact

+94 322 261 000

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: 5:30 to 6:30 AM, 7 to 8 AM, 11 AM to 12 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (35) visit (12) Lanka (11) Anne' (10) shrine (9) Catholic (8) August (8) Shrine (8) Anne (8) peaceful (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ruwan P. 1 year ago on Google • 149 reviews
    This is one of the most venerated shrines among Catholic devotees. The foundation stone was laid in 1837 and completed in 1843. The little chapel was built in 1877. For more than 150 years this church has attracted thousands of pious devotees from every province of Sri Lanka. Located beside the Stunning views of the Talawila beach. Very calm, quiet, silent, and peaceful place. The ideal place to spend a few days. There are many houses available near the church and you can rent them at a very convenient price. Ample parking space available. Enough washroom and toilet facilities are available. Fish market and vegetable markets are located nearby.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charith F. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of the oldest & most venerated Catholic churches in Sri Lanka. It's really calm around the area... Other than Catholics, non-catholics of various religious groups come to worship.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yasas W. 3 years ago on Google
    This is the oldest church in Sri Lanka. The surrounding is really calm and peaceful. But it might get a lot crowded in the season. The beach near the church is also beautiful.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Merril A. 5 years ago on Google
    Very secret place where lot of miracles happens... Normally two major feasts take place... one in March and one in August.. Some parishes do also have their own time to visit this church.. Almost a camping experience and now hotels and rooms seems to be building up rapidly.. If you need a miracle to be happened.. go to this church.. I found some old pics, thought of uploading for you to see and feel how this church was those days and a pic to see how it is today..
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 MADE BY C. 2 years ago on Google
    It's very historical church in srilanka over a 250years, on seasonal time (fiesta on March) is very crowded like no place to breathe in, but wonderful place to visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Meuranga W. 1 year ago on Google • 149 reviews
    A famous shrine and a main place of visit for catholic community in Sri Lanka. So much to see and explore even for anyone. Church is beside a small beautiful beach. Got ample parking all around and roads are well paved. You are not allowed to wear anything short even for gents. However if you go with shorts, the security will provide you with a sarong or a piece of cloth to wear. Good place to visit early morning or evening.

  • 5/5 Ruvinda Sameera P. 6 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    A sacred church of great pilgrimage value. Located in a peaceful environment
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pasindu D. 2 months ago on Google • 49 reviews New
    My pilgrimage to St. Anne's National Shrine in Thalawila was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a sense of peace and tranquility. The shrine is beautifully maintained, with lush gardens and a serene atmosphere. I spent several hours exploring the shrine, visiting the various chapels and prayer areas. I was particularly moved by the statue of St. Anne, which is said to be miraculous. I lit a candle and prayed for my family and friends. I left St. Anne's National Shrine feeling refreshed and renewed. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited this sacred place. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a spiritual retreat or a place to simply pray and reflect.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jimreeves S. 3 months ago on Google • 103 reviews New
    It's one of very devoted and blessed places. It's a Catholic church and supervision by archdiocese. We can see a lot of people from all over the country together at the feast of st. Anne's in August first week every year. It's interesting and joyful movements through the festival week and the whole of August.

  • 5/5 Lasantha S. 3 months ago on Google • 100 reviews New
    Religious place of Catholics Had a quick visit during our #roadtrip #mothermary

  • 5/5 Samantha D. 2 months ago on Google • 89 reviews New
    One of the most visite prilgramge place by local Cathoics.

  • 5/5 Kasun S. 2 months ago on Google • 83 reviews New
    This is an ancient Catholic church in sri Lanka. Only second to Shrine of our Lady of Madu. Thaumaturgy ancient mother Mary's statue in the church. Also, anyone's can visit this religious place and should behave well and wear properly.

  • 4/5 Suranga Sampath B. 2 months ago on Google • 83 reviews New
    Church

  • 5/5 Chalinda Hettiarachchi G. 9 months ago on Google • 65 reviews
    A great, peaceful religious place. You will have to come and stay for a few days to experience.

  • 4/5 Dilan K. 6 years ago on Google
    One of the most ancient christian shrine in sri lanka. There are two identified stories about origin of this place and folks started from 17/18th centuries. Stunning view. Very peaceful and calm in off season time and its too crowded in festival time. Doesnt matter your religion, but this place is love to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deshan A. 1 year ago on Google
    A place of worship, natural environment, Participate in religious activities, calmly and close to the ocean. church's staff is very friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sudeepa H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Thalawila St. Anne's church is one of the oldest Catholic church in the country. There are two stories about the formation of the church. The most popular account is about a European sailor who got shipwrecked near the coast of Kalpitiya. He had been aboard a Portuguese ship dedicated to St. Anne. After his survival he vowed to build a church dedicated to St. Anne in gratitude for saving his life. The second story is of a poverty stricken Portuguese man who went in search of employment from Mannar to Colombo. During his return journey he felt a sleep and saw St Anne's in his dreams commanding him to build a church at the sight. The construction of the present church began in 1837 by Fr. Pedro Caetano. Today the church is visited by many Catholics in the country specially during the annual 7 day feast in the first week of August.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruvinda s. 3 months ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    St. Anne’s Church in Thalawila is one of the most ancient and wonderful of all Christian shrines in Sri Lanka. A place visited by thousands of pilgrims in every day. Close to Kalpitiya, the St.Anne’s Church is easy to access with the roads in good condition and offering some stunning views of the Talawila Beach in peace

  • 5/5 Sithara S. 4 months ago on Google
    Calm and quite place with numerous religious specialties.

  • 1/5 Shalini S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely disappointed about the way police at the gate behaved on the people who came for worship. Was wearing a dress below the knee length (not even a short) and they wanted us to wrap ourselves with cloth while the police uniform itself was shorter than what I wore. I have been here countless times and never heard this absurd rules. This is not the church I used to come as child and never expected this from a Catholic Church. Date 29.01.2023

  • 5/5 Anusha V. 1 year ago on Google
    Blessed!!! I have been visiting this Shrine for more than 30 years...so blessed to ge here. Most of the catholics living in coastal area used to visit here. People usually stay for more 2 days...before Church feast.there are 2 feasts celebrations annually. One on march and other on August.... St.Anns blessings are always with us.

  • 5/5 Wasana D. 7 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    A religious place. Located in a natural environment near the beach. A place that calms the mind.

  • 5/5 Thilan U. 10 months ago on Google
    I recently had the most awe-inspiring experience at St. Anne's National Shrine in Thalavila. From the moment I stepped inside, the tranquil atmosphere washed over me, instantly filling me with a sense of peace and serenity. The stunning architecture and intricate artwork adorned every corner, captivating my senses and transporting me to a place of divine beauty. As I explored the shrine, I couldn't help but feel a profound connection to something greater than myself. The ethereal light streaming through the stained glass windows illuminated the space, casting vibrant hues on the polished floors and creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors. Each step I took seemed to deepen my spiritual journey, as if the very walls whispered stories of faith and devotion. The highlight of my visit was witnessing a heartfelt mass led by the devoted priests. The powerful hymns and melodic chants echoed through the halls, stirring my soul and bringing tears of joy to my eyes. The sense of community and shared devotion was palpable, and I felt truly blessed to be a part of such a profound spiritual experience. Outside the shrine, the beautifully manicured gardens provided a tranquil oasis for contemplation and reflection. I found solace in the peaceful ambiance, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. It was a moment of serenity that will forever remain etched in my heart. St. Anne's National Shrine in Thalavila is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary of peace and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether you seek solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of respite from the outside world, this sacred place will leave an indelible mark on your soul. I am truly grateful for the profound experience I had and will cherish the memories forever.

  • 5/5 Chasiy 1 year ago on Google
    An ancient Christian church with a historical value. A large number of pilgrims pay homage in March and August months.

  • 5/5 Yohan P. 1 year ago on Google
    The very first national catholic shrine in Sri Lanka. Located in the Kalpitiya peninsula. Come for the worship. Dedicated the shrine to St. Anne's (Jesus's grandmother).

  • 1/5 Darshana S. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been visiting the church from my childhood for more than 30 years. Last visit was with my brother who visited SL for vacation. New Fr. has changed the rules as males can't enter the church premises with decent shorts. There has to be proper method to implement such rules as people would not know until they vist the premises spending hours of ride. Very unprofessional fr.

  • 5/5 Uchi P. 1 year ago on Google
    Weekend Holy mass will be conduct at 7am and 11am (only). It is a must to wear decent clothes by all pilgrims. Apart to this the church administration has published notices to adhere in public areas.

  • 5/5 Piumal K. 1 year ago on Google
    Oldest Catholic Shrine in Sri Lanka. This picture describes the Christmas tree in front of the church

  • 5/5 Pierre F. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of main church in Sri Lanka for Catholics and it’s dedicated to St. Anne’s.Thalawila St. Anne's church is one of the oldest Catholic church in Sri Lanka. There are two stories about the formation of the church. The most popular account is about a European sailor who got shipwrecked near the coast of Kalpitiya. He had been aboard a Portuguese ship dedicated to St. Anne. After his survival he vowed to build a church dedicated to St. Anne in gratitude for saving his life. The second story is of a poverty stricken Portuguese man who went in search of employment from Mannar to Colombo. During his return journey he felt a sleep and saw St Anne's in his dreams commanding him to build a church at the sight. The construction of the present church began in 1837 by Fr. Pedro Caetano. Today the church is visited by many Catholics in the country specially during the annual 7 day feast in the first week of August.

  • 4/5 Kiara Achini W. 4 years ago on Google
    Holy shrine for Catholics. Many non-Catholics too visit this Shrine for praying for good health and wellness. Calm environment. Pretty scenic trees everywhere in the Church premises. If you visit this place, don't expect clean and proper washrooms.

  • 5/5 JANITH MADUSHANKA METTASINGHE A. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the oldest church in Sri Lanka. The surrounding is really calm and peaceful. But it might get a lot crowded in the season. The beach near the church is also beautiful.

  • 5/5 Tyrone W. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best places I love to go and very happy I was able to go for the 260th August celebrations this year despite all the difficulties owing to the prevailing situation in the Country🙏😇


Call +94 322 261 000 Open on Google Maps

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