Title graphic for Thalawila St. Anne's Church with the church facade and pilgrims gathered outside

Travel Guide Contents

St. Anne’s National Shrine – Thalawila

Thalawila St.Anne’s Church, Kalpitya is one of the oldest and most visited Christian shrines in Sri Lanka. Devotees from all around the island go to the shrine at some point of the year. The annual banquet is held in the course of the first half of of the month of August. Thalawila St.Anne’s Church annual occasion is now more than 250 years antique and every 12 months attracts hundreds of pilgrims from all of the religions. Church is dedicate to St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus and very widely known for plenty miracles and blessings. Thalawila St. Anne’s Church During the festival time, most of the Christians are visiting the church with the hope of their personal miracle.

There are lots of facilities given for the pilgrims to set up there tents and to cooking their meals in under the trees. 20 acres of the area really gets crowd during the festival period. The Church is near the sea side and visitors keep in mind to have a bath in amazing beach.

Wide view of Thalawila St. Anne's Church down a tree-lined pathway in warm golden light

Things to know before you go

  • Main Annual feast held on First Sunday in August
  • Setup your tent for night Stay
  • This is a Religious place and wear the proper dress
  • Travel Duration : 2 Hrs


Ticket price of visiting St. Anne’s Church.

  • Free Entry to the church, with visiting hours generally 6AM to 7PM.


How to reach St. Anne’s Church | Route

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the main annual feast?

It’s traditionally held on the first Sunday in August, with the wider festival period running through the first half of the month. Since exact dates can shift, confirm the current year’s schedule before planning your trip.

Can I stay overnight during the festival?

Yes – pilgrims commonly set up tents and cook meals in the shaded 20-acre grounds during the festival period, when the site gets very crowded.

What should I know before visiting?

It’s a religious site, so dress appropriately. Entry was free at the time of writing with hours of roughly 6AM to 7PM, but confirm current hours before you go. The church is near the sea, and visitors often combine a visit with a swim at the nearby beach.

More in Kalpitiya

Combine this trip with Kalpitiya Dutch Fort or beach camping on Baththalangunduwa.