Travel destinations
Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya
Once a hidden gem tucked away in the North-Western province of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya has rapidly become one of the trendiest spots to burst into the country’s tourism scene. Located in the Puttalam district, this once quiet fishing town is now buzzing with activity. Known for its stunning natural beauty and unique ecosystem (from bar reefs to sand dune beaches), Kalpitiya offers a blend of adventure and serenity.
Kalpitiya isn’t just about stunning beaches and kitesurfing, it’s a treasure trove of history, culture and biodiversity. Once a hotspot for ancient maritime trade and a smuggler’s den, the region has roots dating back to the Portuguese, Dutch and British eras. It was a strategic base for a military fortress and naval garrison to control trade supplies such as salt and cinnamon. The Dutch Fort and the Dutch Reformed Church are a testament to the lingering imprint of the colonial enterprise. The Portuguese heritage is kept alive even today with celebrations of St. Anne’s Day at Talawila, drawing thousands of Catholic pilgrims from across the island.
Beyond history, Kalpitiya is also a nature lover’s dream come true with its many bar reefs, saltpans, flat coastal plains, mangrove swamps, salt marshes and sand dune beaches. With this diverse ecosystem and habitats, Kalpitiya is home to all kinds of fish and crustacean critters. That’s not all - Kalpitiya also has 14 islands that beckon you to explore.
Kalpitiya has also carved a name for itself on the global map as one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Asia. Whether you are here for history, adventure or simply unwind, Kalpitiya serves up the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.
Things to Do in Kalpitiya
Kitesurfing
Receiving steady and reliable winds 9 months out of 12, Kalpitiya is one of the best kitesurfing spots in Asia. It’s not called the ‘wind capital of Asia’ for no reason.
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Want to see pods of dolphins and sperm whales? Kalpitiya gives you the fantastic opportunity to watch dolphins swimming alongside and diving under your boat. March offers the best chance to spot whales.
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Kalpitiya and discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Wilpattu National Park
Take a trip to Wilpattu National Park (Sri Lanka’s largest national park) from Kalpitiya. It’s a wildlife haven with 31 species of mammals including elephants, deer and crocodiles. Its unique Villus (natural lakes) are also a sight to behold.
Bird Watching
Kalpitiya is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Cycle across the peninsula or take a guided tour to witness an incredible array of migratory birds.
Dutch Fort & Reformed Church
Step back in time by visiting the Dutch Fort built in the late 1600s and explore the Dutch Reformed Church.
Kayaking
Paddle through Kalpitiya’s scenic waterways, navigating through mangroves and lagoons. It’s a unique way to take in the stunning landscape.
Weather
The best time to visit Kalpitiya is during the dry season, which runs from October to May. With an average annual temperature of 28 °C, the weather is consistently warm, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. While temperatures don’t fluctuate much, May tends to be the hottest month and January the coolest. Rainfall is generally low during the dry season, making it perfect for kitesurfing, dolphin watching and simply exploring.
Geographic Overview
Kalpitiya, as a peninsula with 14 islands, offers a unique coastal experience. Located approximately 130 kilometres north of the Bandaranaike International Airport, it is ideally positioned between the Puttalam Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, offering diverse and scenic landscapes. Its many habitats include bar reefs, mangroves, coastal plains and sandy dunes.
Hotels and Food Spots
Hotels
Dolphin Beach
A luxurious tented beach accommodation with 9 unique tents scattered across lush grounds and a chic area for relaxation.
Koddu Kalpitiya
Located just metres away from the beach, this hotel is a collection of colourful cabanas and villas.
Villa Sante
Surrounded by palms, lagoons and a tranquil atmosphere, this hotel is a boutique villa that combines luxury and the natural beauty of Kalpitiya.
Bar Reef Resort
Set over 2km of private beach, this rustic yet charming accommodation with private villas and cabanas is a perfect spot for dolphin and whale watching right from the resort.
Elements Resort
A peaceful getaway surrounded by tropical vegetation, a private beachfront and serene lagoon views.
Restaurants
Windywaves Beach Restaurant (at Kitesurfing Beach Resort)
Offers a buffet-style mix of Sri Lankan and European dishes, from vegetarian to seafood options using fresh, local ingredients.
The BNKR Cafe
Sip on a cup of coffee while indulging in healthy snacks, salads, pizzas and tacos – all made with fresh, local ingredients. Gluten-free, vegan and paleo options are available.
Lagoonies Cafe
This lagoon side cafe and bar offers fresh, healthy dishes with Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern flavours.