Kalpitiya

Placed in between the magnificent Indian Ocean to the west and the Puttalm lagoon to the east, the Kalpitiya peninsula is a tight-knit fishing community located just about 170km from Colombo. Made up of fourteen unspoilt islands and golden sandy beaches, Kalpitiya is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Sri Lanka and is remarkably untouched by the growing tourism industry. However for the lucky traveler who takes the time to explore the region, Kalpitiya is perhaps the perfect place for a beach holiday and offers a number of interesting things to do.

Rich in a diversity of habitats from mangrove swamps to bar reefs, flat coastal plains, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches, Kalpitiya is an unrivalled marine sanctuary that is believed to have been a significant trading hub in the ancient times. Sri Lankan history also reveals that King Vijaya, who founded the Sinhalese, first landed on the shores of Kalpitiya further adding to the city’s historical significance.

Top things to do in Kalpitiya

WATER SPORTS – Kalpitiya is one of the best known places for kite-surfing in Sri Lanka and is famous for a wide range of water sports like stand up paddling, boat riding and sailing, skate-boarding or simply surfing. And as the peninsula is located only one hour’s boat ride from Sri Lanka’s largest coral reef, Kalpitiya is also widely enjoyed among scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The best season for scuba diving and snorkeling is from late November to May, while May to September is the ideal time for kite-surfing in Sri Lanka.

KALPITIYA DUTCH FORT – Used as a military base to control the cinnamon and lucrative salt trade in the late 1600’s, the Kalpitiya Dutch Fort is an iconic architecture that is definitely worth a visit. With massive walls made out of coral and limestone, the best times to visit the old fort is a dawn; when the sun rises over empty lagoon and the remnants of the old walls.

LAGOON TRIPS AND BIRD WATCHING – The peninsula is a haven for bird lovers and offers adventurous lagoon bird watching excursions. Relaxing boat rides along the lagoon is the best way to explore the coastline and is also famous among those visiting this beautiful city.

WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING – Owing to the regular siting of these majestic creatures, Kalpitiya is surely becoming a celebrated location in Sri Lanka. With reasonable prices and the opportunity to view large pods of dolphins, sperm whales and the occasional blue whale submerging and reemerging from the blue waters; Whale and Dolphin Watching in Kalpitiya should definitely be on the to-do-list when visiting Sri Lanka.




Written By: Kavisha Perera