Kalpitiya is a coastal town located in western region of, Puttalam District. The Kalpitiya peninsula consists of a total fourteen islands.
Kalpitiya is a coastal area located in the northwestern province of Sri Lanka and takes approximately 4 hours to reach by car from Colombo. It’s renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and excellent conditions for water sports, particularly kite surfing.
The Kalpitiya peninsula consists of many islands and 14 have been earmarked to be developed as sustainable tourist resorts.
Apart from water sports, Kalpitiya is one of the best locations for dolphin watching. During certain times of the year Whale watching is also a possibility especially when these magnificent creatures migrate through the area.
The nearby Wilpattu National Park, one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, is also a popular attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
Overall, Kalpitiya offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Sri Lanka’s northwest coast.
Relax on the golden beaches of Kalpitiya is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to get a dip in the sea and unwind. The clean and quiet surroundings make it a family friendly place suitable for swimming, lazing around and watching the stunning sun set.
Kalpitiya is one of the best places in the world for kite surfing, due to its consistent winds and shallow waters. The ideal period for this sport is between November to March when the sea is calm and the waves are not too rough. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kite surfer, you can enjoy the thrill of gliding over the waves. Equipment can be hired from several places in the town at reasonable rates.
Take a boat tour from Kalpitiya to witness the magnificent whales in their natural habitat. During the season (typically from November to April with peaks in November/December and March/April), you may spot the sperm whale and the blue whale considered the largest mammal in the world. These magnificent creatures’ surface from time to time making it a spellbinding experience. A boat ride would cost around USD 130 for two people.
Kalpitiya is home to a large population of dolphins, virtually thousands including spinner dolphins and bottle-nose dolphins. These massive pods of dolphin’s swim alongside the boat showing off their playful and sociable nature.
Watching these amazing dolphins perform and entertain you is a truly humbling experience.
Explore the underwater world of Kalpitiya by snorkeling or diving. The coral reefs teem with colorful fish, turtles, and other marine life, offering fantastic opportunities for underwater photography. The period November to March is ideal as the waters are calm.
Embark on a boat trip to explore the picturesque islands scattered around Kalpitiya peninsular. Visit places such as the Bar Reef, Dutch Bay Island, and Pearl Island to discover secluded beaches, mangrove forests, and vibrant coral reefs.
The Wilpattu National Park is located approximately two hours from Kalpitiya and
considered the largest and oldest National Park in the country. It is home to a large number of wildlife found in Sri Lanka such as the elephants, sloth bears, spotted and barking deer, wild boar, sambur , water buffalo and the elusive majestic Sri Lankan Leopard which is an endemic sub species. Wilpattu is considered to have the highest concentration of Leopards and they can be spotted both during dawn and dusk prowling around or basking by the numerous natural lakes in the jungle.
Wilpattu is a haven for bird lovers since many endemic species Jungle Fowl, large populations Painted Stork, Owl, Terns, Gulls, Eagle and Heron and migratory species who make their home in Sri Lanka during winter can be spotted.
Several reptiles such as mugger crocodiles, monitor lizards, Indian pythons Cobra, rat snake and the star tortoise and soft shelled turtle and several species of butterflies are also common sight.
Explore the mangrove forests of Kalpitiya by taking a guided boat tour. Learn about the importance of mangroves where various large and extensive types of trees up to medium height and shrubs grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in both tropic and subtropic climates. Visitors can also learn about the coastal ecosystems which plays a significant role in replenishing various fish population for the coastal and lagoon fish industry. You can also and spot wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and reptiles along the way.
Experience the beauty of Kalpitiya under the stars by camping on the beach or in a nearby nature reserve. Listen to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and fall asleep to the gentle sea breeze.
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, Kalpitiya offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveler’s interests.
Baththalangunduwa the second largest island which is accessible from Kalpitiya and covers an area of approximately 145 hectares. It is approximately a 32 km journey on a boat from Kalpitiya and takes about 3.5 hours. This island is very popular among local tourists for camping activities. The untouched natural beauty and the large beach area are the main reasons to visit this island.
Kudawa beach is also another popular camping site among kite surfers and is located about 2 km away from the main road. Although the water is shallow caution should be exercised before stepping into the sea and assistance form the local fishermen or villagers need to be sought as some areas could be deep and dangerous.
Birdwatching in Anawilundawa bird sanctuary approximately 1 hour from Kalpitiya and occupying 1397 hectares of forest land comprises nine interconnected gigantic tanks which offer a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts where you can spot over 150 species of waders and water birds plus reptiles, mammals and amphibians.
The uniqueness of Anawilundawa is its immediate proximity to three vastly different ecosystems; the seacoast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks making it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka. (Ramsar – site is a wetland designated to be of importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands)
This unique ecological setting has made it a favourable nesting and breeding ground for diverse species of birds including both resident and migratory birds. Resident birds can be spotted throughout the year while migratory bords can be seen between October to April.
This is a great place to watch the birds in their natural habitat and take hordes of photographs.
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