Car rental in Puttalam gets you a car in the capital of Puttalam District, about 134km north of Colombo on the shore of a 327 km² lagoon. The turn off for Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest national park, is on the road north of town, the Kalpitiya peninsula with its dolphins and kitesurfing is about 45km away, and Bar Reef lies offshore with 156 recorded coral species.
Rentrals has 5 cars here from $35.15 a day, every one of them automatic, with full insurance available, city delivery included and no credit card needed.
5 cars from $35.15/day
No credit card required
City delivery on every car
1,400km included
What you get with Rentrals in Puttalam
Why rent a car in Puttalam?
No bus runs to Wilpattu’s main gate, and morning safaris start at dawn. Dolphin boats at Kalpitiya leave early too, from beaches about an hour north of town. With your own car you leave when you want and don’t wait for a shared transfer to fill up.
Anuradhapura is about 75km east on the A12, the same road that passes the Wilpattu turn off, so one car covers the whole northwest loop. All cars automatic , which helps on sandy village roads and in slow traffic through market towns.
When you rent a car in Puttalam, every car includes city delivery and needs no credit card.
Wilpattu National Park: Sri Lanka’s largest, north of Puttalam
Wilpattu covers about 131,693 hectares, making it the largest national park in Sri Lanka. It was protected as a sanctuary in 1905, became a national park in 1938 and is part of a Ramsar listed wetland.
The park is known for its villus: shallow, sand edged lakes that fill with rain and draw animals in the dry months. Leopards are seen regularly, and studies have counted well over 100 in the park. Elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, sambar and mugger crocodiles also live here, along with painted storks, lesser adjutants and Sri Lanka junglefowl.
Wilpattu gets far fewer jeeps than Yala, so sightings are calmer. The main entrance at Hunuwilagama is about 40km from Puttalam, roughly 50 minutes, via the A12. Private cars can’t drive inside, so park at the gate and hire a jeep there. For car rental from Puttalam to Wilpattu, leave by 5am to be at the gate when it opens.
Kalpitiya: spinner dolphins and kitesurfing, about 45km north
The Kalpitiya peninsula runs north from Puttalam, about 45km and roughly 1 hour by car. Boats leave from Alankuda and nearby beaches for dolphin trips, best from December to April when the sea is calm.
Spinner dolphins here gather in very large pods, sometimes numbering hundreds or more. Bottlenose and other dolphins are also seen, and in season boats sometimes spot sperm whales and blue whales.
The flat lagoon and steady wind make Kalpitiya Sri Lanka’s best known kitesurfing spot. The main season runs from May to October, with a shorter season from about mid December to mid February. In Kalpitiya town, the Dutch fort is now used by the Sri Lanka Navy, and a Dutch church from the early 1700s still stands. St Anne’s church at Talawila holds its main festival in late July.
With Puttalam car hire for Kalpitiya dolphins, you can reach the beach for an early boat and still drive back via the lagoon in the afternoon.
Bar Reef: 156 coral species off Kalpitiya
Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary covers about 306.7 km² off the Kalpitiya peninsula and was declared in 1992. Surveys have recorded about 156 coral species and 283 fish species, along with reef sharks and sea turtles.
Dive and snorkel trips run from Kalpitiya to sites mostly 12 to 20m deep. The sea is calmest from about December to April. Crown of thorns starfish and warming water have damaged parts of the reef, so ask operators which sites are in the best condition.
To get there, drive to Kalpitiya and join a boat. For Puttalam car hire to Bar Reef, book your dive the day before so you know where to meet.
Puttalam Lagoon: salt flats and mangroves
Puttalam Lagoon covers about 327 km², running about 28km long and up to 12km wide, but only 1 to 2m deep on average. The Kala Oya and Mi Oya rivers feed it, and mangroves and seagrass beds line much of the shore. There are 16 islands in the lagoon.
The flat land around the water is used for salt pans, prawn farms and rice. The white salt heaps and shallow pans look best in the low light of early morning and late afternoon. Herons, egrets and flamingos feed in the shallows in the right season.
The lagoon edges the town itself. With a car you can follow the shore road towards Kalpitiya and stop wherever the light is good.
Puttalam to Anuradhapura: the northwest loop
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 75km east of Puttalam, roughly 1h 30min to 1h 45min on the A12. The same road passes the turn off for Wilpattu, so you can do a morning safari and reach Anuradhapura by afternoon.
From Colombo, a loop through Puttalam, Wilpattu and Anuradhapura takes 2 to 3 days, adding Kalpitiya if you have time. From Anuradhapura you can continue to Sigiriya or across to Trincomalee.
The 1,400km included with every car covers the full northwest loop with plenty to spare.
Choosing the right car in Puttalam
Honda Fit Shuttle
The cheapest car, an estate with space for luggage, kite gear or dive bags.
Toyota Aqua
A hybrid with low fuel use for the long drives to Colombo or Anuradhapura.
Toyota CHR, Mitsubishi ASX or Raize
SUVs with more clearance for sandy roads on the Kalpitiya peninsula.
BMW 520
A luxury saloon for long, comfortable drives on the main roads.
Toyota Land Cruiser 200
A large SUV for groups and the full northwest loop.
Car rental prices in Puttalam: 5 automatic cars from $35.15
All 5 cars in the Puttalam fleet are automatic, with no manual cars at all. Every car comes with city delivery and needs no credit card, and most have a low deposit. These are the models listed on the booking widget; availability changes, so check which are free for your dates.
| Car | Transmission | Key detail | Price/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Fit Shuttle | Automatic | Cheapest, estate body, low deposit | $35.15 |
| Toyota Aqua (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit, low fuel use | $37.15 |
| Toyota CHR (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit | $52.15 |
| Mitsubishi ASX (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit | $52.15 |
| Toyota Raize (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit | $52.15 |
| BMW 520 | Automatic | Luxury saloon | $87.15 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (SUV) | Automatic | Large SUV, low deposit | $137.15 |
| All cars automatic | |||
Car rental in Puttalam starts at $35.15 for the Honda Fit Shuttle. Cancellation terms vary by car, so check each listing. Prices update daily.
Driving from Puttalam: northwest coast and Cultural Triangle distances
Puttalam sits where the A3 coast road from Colombo meets the A12 to Anuradhapura. Times below are typical in daylight.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilpattu (Hunuwilagama gate) | about 40km | 50 min | Leopards, elephants, villus |
| Kalpitiya | about 45km | 1h | Dolphins, kitesurfing, Bar Reef, Dutch fort |
| Chilaw and Munneswaram | about 45km | 1h | One of the 5 ancient Ishwarams |
| Marawila | about 70km | 1h 30min | Quiet beach, fishing boats |
| Anuradhapura | about 75km | 1h 30min to 1h 45min | UNESCO ancient capital via the A12 |
| Kurunegala | about 90km | 2h | Ethagala rock, ancient sites |
| Negombo | about 95km | 2h | Beach town near the airport |
| Colombo | about 134km | 2h 30min to 3h | Via the A3 coast road |
On the A3 south you’ll also pass Nattandiya, and Colombo Airport is close to Katunayake. Further north are Mannar and Jaffna.
Munneswaram temple near Chilaw
About 45km south of Puttalam, Munneswaram is one of the 5 ancient Ishwarams, the most sacred Shiva temples in Sri Lanka. A temple has stood here since at least 1000 CE. Portuguese forces destroyed it in 1578, and local worshippers rebuilt it; the present structure dates from the 1750s.
The complex includes a Kali shrine visited by Buddhists as well as Hindus. The temple’s 28 day festival runs through August and September, when traffic around Chilaw is heavy on procession days.
Driving in Puttalam: what to know
- Sri Lanka drives on the left. All 5 Rentrals cars in Puttalam are automatic .
- Elephants sometimes cross the A12 near Wilpattu, especially at dusk. Slow down and keep your distance.
- Some roads on the Kalpitiya peninsula are sandy at the edges. Keep to the tarmac and avoid parking on soft sand.
- Lorries carrying salt and fish use the coast road early in the morning. Overtake only on clear straights.
- Speed limits for cars are generally 50km/h in towns and 70km/h on open roads.
- Fuel is available in Puttalam and Kalpitiya. Fill up before Wilpattu.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and the minimum driving age is 18.
Wilpattu safaris: practical tips
- Gates open at about 6am. Leave Puttalam by 5am.
- Book a jeep and driver in advance through your hotel or a local operator.
- A half day drive covers the nearer villus; a full day reaches deeper into the park.
- Bring water, snacks, a hat and binoculars. There are few facilities inside.
- Keep quiet and stay seated near animals, and ask the driver not to crowd them.
- From February to October the tracks are dry and sightings are most reliable.
What you need to rent a car in Puttalam
Documents
Passport, your home driving licence and an International Driving Permit. Sri Lanka asks foreign drivers to have the IDP endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or to hold a temporary local permit from the Department of Motor Traffic.
Age
Drivers must be 18 or older. Some suppliers set their own minimum age, which shows on the car listing.
Payment
Car rental in Puttalam with no credit card. Pay 15 to 20% at booking and the balance at pickup, plus the supplier’s security deposit.
Cover
Full insurance is available, with tiers shown at booking. Check each listing for its cancellation terms.
How booking works
Compare
Pick your dates and compare the 5 cars by price, deposit and size.
Reserve
Pay 15 to 20% online. Booking is instant, with no credit card required.
Delivery
The car comes to your hotel or address in Puttalam.
Handover
Check the car face to face with the supplier, pay the balance and drive away. No hidden fees.
2 days around Puttalam
A plan for the dry season that covers the sea and the park.
Day 1: Kalpitiya
Day 2: Wilpattu and Anuradhapura
Best time to visit Puttalam
December to April
Calm sea for dolphins and diving at Kalpitiya and Bar Reef.
February to October
The main season for Wilpattu, with dry tracks and animals at the villus.
May to October
The main kitesurfing season on the Kalpitiya lagoon.
October to December
The wettest months. Some park tracks can close after heavy rain.
What to keep in the car
- Seasickness tablets and a light jacket for early boats
- Binoculars and a long lens for Wilpattu
- A hat, sun cream and plenty of water
- A scarf or mask for dust on jeep safaris
- Towels and a mat for wet kite or dive gear
- Cash in rupees for boats, jeeps and park tickets
Suggestions from Rentrals
Book early
With only 5 cars here, the cheaper models go first. Reserve as soon as your dates are fixed.
Choose the Fit Shuttle for gear
At $35.15 it’s the cheapest car and the easiest to load with kite or dive bags.
Leave for Wilpattu by 5am
Animals are most active early, and the first jeeps in have the tracks to themselves.
Book dolphin boats the day before
Operators set off early, and confirming the meeting point saves time on the morning.
Combine Wilpattu and Anuradhapura
They share the A12, so a morning safari and an afternoon in the ancient city fit one day.
Avoid the A12 at dusk
Elephants cross near the park in the evening. Plan to arrive before dark.
Fill up in Puttalam
Fuel stations thin out on the roads to Wilpattu and the peninsula.
Photograph the car at handover
The inspection is face to face. Take photos of each side, the wheels and the fuel gauge before you set off.
Car rental in Puttalam: frequently asked questions
How much does car rental in Puttalam cost?
Car rental in Puttalam starts at $35.15 a day for the Honda Fit Shuttle, with a low deposit and no credit card needed. The Toyota Aqua is $37.15, and SUVs such as the Toyota CHR, Mitsubishi ASX and Raize are $52.15. All 5 cars are automatic. Prices change with the season and update daily.
Are the cars in Puttalam automatic or manual?
All 5 cars in the Puttalam fleet are automatic, with no manual cars at all. That helps on the sandy roads of the Kalpitiya peninsula and in slow traffic through towns. Every car also includes city delivery and needs no credit card.
How far is Wilpattu National Park from Puttalam?
The main Hunuwilagama gate is about 40km away, roughly 50 minutes via the A12. Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park, at about 131,693 hectares, and much quieter than Yala. Private cars can’t enter, so you hire a jeep at the gate.
How do I get from Puttalam to Kalpitiya for dolphin watching?
Drive about 45km north, roughly 1 hour. Boats leave from Alankuda and nearby beaches in the early morning. The best season is December to April, when the sea is calm and large pods of spinner dolphins are common.
What is Bar Reef and how do I get there?
Bar Reef is a marine sanctuary of about 306.7 km² off the Kalpitiya peninsula, declared in 1992. About 156 coral species and 283 fish species have been recorded there. Drive to Kalpitiya and join a dive or snorkel boat; most sites are 12 to 20m deep.
How far is Munneswaram temple from Puttalam?
About 45km south, roughly 1 hour, near Chilaw. It’s one of the 5 ancient Ishwarams of Shiva in Sri Lanka, with a 28 day festival in August and September.
Can I drive from Puttalam to Anuradhapura in a day?
Yes. Anuradhapura is about 75km east on the A12, roughly 1h 30min to 1h 45min. The road passes the Wilpattu turn off, so you can fit a morning safari and an afternoon at the ancient city into one day. The 1,400km included easily covers it.
When is the best time to visit Puttalam?
December to April is best for dolphins and diving. Wilpattu is best from February to October. Kitesurfing peaks from May to October. October to December brings the most rain.
How far is Puttalam from Colombo?
About 134km, usually 2h 30min to 3 hours on the A3 coast road. Negombo and the airport are about 95km away, roughly 2 hours.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Puttalam?
Yes, plan on it. Sri Lanka asks foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or a temporary local permit from the Department of Motor Traffic. Bring your home licence and passport too. The minimum driving age is 18.
Is city delivery available for car hire in Puttalam?
Yes, every car includes city delivery. The car can be brought to your hotel or address in Puttalam. Add the address and time when you book. The damage inspection takes place face to face at handover.
Can I book a car with a driver in Puttalam?
Yes. Rentrals lists self drive and with driver options. A driver suits long days to Wilpattu and Anuradhapura, or anyone who’d prefer not to drive on the left. Availability and price depend on the car and your dates.
Rent a car in other Sri Lanka destinations
Planning a longer route? Rentrals has cars in 64 more towns across Sri Lanka. Choose a region to see them.
North and northwest
Cultural triangle
Colombo and west
South coast
Book your car in Puttalam
5 automatic cars from $35.15 a day, with no credit card, city delivery on every car and 1,400km included. Compare the fleet above and pick the car that fits your northwest trip.
Puttalam car rental guide