Tour Blog: Kalpitiya - Sri Lanka’s Hidden Coastal Paradise
Tour Blog: Kalpitiya - Sri Lanka’s
Hidden Coastal Paradise
By Fathima Humaira Sharfraz
Table of Contents
1. How to Reach Kalpitiya from Colombo?
2. Kalpitiya’s Highlights and Its Importance
3. Things to Do and Sights to See in Kalpitiya
4. Where to Stay in Kalpitiya?
5. What to Eat and Where in Kalpitiya?
6. Kalpitiya Through the Eyes of Locals and Tourists
7. Is Kalpitiya Worth Visiting?
8. References
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How to Reach Kalpitiya from Colombo?
Getting to Kalpitiya from Colombo is rather easy than you would expect. There are multiple options available and you could also enjoy the beautiful view of tall coconut trees nearly touching the skies and stunning crystal-like lagoons spread across Sri Lanka’s northwest coast.
You can find the list of transportation options from Colombo to Kalpitiya with current costs below:
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Kalpitiya’s Highlights and Its
Importance
Kalpitiya may not be as famous as other beach destinations in Sri Lanka, but it has a lot to offer for those who venture there. It is a rich mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
Kite Surfing Capital: Kalpitiya is known as one of Asia's best kitesurfing spots, attracting adventure enthusiasts from all around the world. The consistent winds from May to September create the ideal conditions for both beginners and professionals.
Dolphin and Whale Watching: The Kalpitiya lagoon and offshore waters are home to a wide range of marine life. Between November and March, you can see large groups of dolphins and even the occasional blue whale, a thrilling experience that rivals with Mirissa’s offerings.
Wilpattu National Park: Located just a short drive from Kalpitiya, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national park. It’s famous for leopard sightings and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect day trip for nature lovers.
Kalpitiya Dutch Fort: A reminder of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, the fort offers a glimpse into the Kalpitiya ’s rich history. Built in the 17th century by the Portuguese and later taken over by the Dutch, the fort shows how important the area was in the past. A look back in time: The Kalpitiya fort was built to control the Kingdom of Kandy's external trade and the large Muslim trading community in the area.
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Things to Do and Sights to See in Kalpitiya
Take a boat tour from Kalpitiya’ s harbor to see the dolphins. The sight of hundreds of Spinner dolphins, jumping and playing is truly magical. If you visit between November and April, you may also be able to spot whales, including the blue whale and sperm whale. The sight of these magnificent whales bursting from the water, twisting and splashing back into the ocean is calming and majestic to watch.
Boat tour cost: Around LKR 6,000–8,000 (USD 20-40) per person.
2.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, local schools like Kitesurfing Lanka offer lessons. As you glide across the waves with the fresh breeze hitting your face, you feel the adrenaline rush and excitement burst inside of you. The most ideal time for Kitesurfing would be between May and October in summer and mid of December to March in winter.
Lessons cost: Starting at LKR 12,000 (USD 40) with rental equipment provided.
3.
This 300-year-old Roman Catholic church is a pilgrimage site with a serene atmosphere, perfect for quiet contemplation. It is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest Christian shrines and they host vibrant festivals, especially during Easter.
4.
A lesser-known historic site, the Kalpitiya Fort offers a remembrance of the colonial past. The fort’s simple, aged walls speak volumes of its history.
5. Relax on Alankuda Beach
This unspoiled beach shows the originality and natural beauty of the town. It offers powdery sands and is perfect for relaxing or enjoying a seafood feast at a beachfront restaurant. The suitable time to visit beaches in Kalpitiya would be around March to April.
6.
Spend a few hours exploring the Kalpitiya Lagoon by taking a guided boat ride through the mangroves and birdwatch, and enjoy the peaceful waters along with the scenic surroundings.Guided boat ride cost: Around LKR 7000 (USD 30)
7.
Kalpitiya is close to Wilpattu National Park which is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. You can see Sri Lanka’s leopards, elephants, sloth bears and a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
Half day Safari Cost: Around LKR 20,000 (USD 70) per person, including jeep rental and park fees.
Where to Stay in Kalpitiya?
Kalpitiya offers a range of accommodation options, from affordable to luxury. Below are the accommodations from different categories with price range and suggestions.
Price Range – LKR 3,500 - 10,000
(USD 10 - 30) per
night
Recommended Places –
Hiru Villas and Kitesurfing Kalpitiya, De Silva Wind Resort
Price Range – LKR 10,000 - 25,000
(USD 30 - 75) per night
Recommended
Places
– Atara Lagoon Kalpitiya, Club ManGo - Eco Chic
Resort
Price Range – LKR 25,000 - 60,000
(USD 75 - 185) per
night
What to Eat and Where in Kalpitiya?
Kalpitiya offers a wide variety of local Sri Lankan dishes with significantly focusing on seafood. If you are someone who has never tried Sri Lankan dishes before, be prepared to be engulfed by the rich flavor and savory seafood dishes that makes your mouth water just by its aroma and once you take a bite of the flavorful authentic traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, you just cannot hold yourself back until you’ve tried them all.
You can see below the prices to expect from
each category, ranging from finest and exquisite dining to warm and comforting
street foods and what type of food you would get.
Luxury Dining: High-end Resorts or Hotels
Price - LKR 3,500 - 6,000
(USD 10 - 18) per person
Meals – Traditional Rice and
Curry, Seafood Buffets, Pasta, Grilled Meat and several International Cuisine.
Mid-range Dining: Local Restaurants
Price – LKR 1,000 - 2,500
(USD 3 - 7) per meal
Meals – Seafood and Traditional Sri Lankan Cuisine
and many other International Cuisines including Italian, European and Asian
cuisines.
Price – LKR 300 - 800
(USD 1 - 2.50) per meal
Meals – Simple local dishes like
Kottu or Roti, Rice and Curry, Hoppers, String
Hoppers, Local specialty—Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry), Buns, Burgers, Noodles,
Pizzas, Sandwiches, Milkshakes, Samosas and Short Eats.
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Kalpitiya Through the Eyes of Locals and Tourists
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Definitely! Kalpitiya offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty. From thrilling kite surfing and vibrant marine life to tranquil beaches and stunning sunsets. Its unspoiled charm, eco-friendly tourism and unique experiences like dolphin watching make it a hidden gem in Sri Lanka. Whether you're an adventurer, a nature lover or simply seeking peace away from the crowds, Kalpitiya has something special to offer for everyone. It’s still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, meaning you can be one to enjoy the area’s beauty without the crowds.
What do you think? Will Kalpitiya be YOUR next travel destination?
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References
· Kalpitiya Fort (2024) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalpitiya_fort#:~:text=Instead%2C%20they%20commenced%20construction%20of,trading%20community%20in%20the%20area.
(Accessed: 27 November 2024).
· (No date) Colombo to Kalpitiya Peninsula - travel via
train, bus, taxi, and Car. Available at: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Colombo/Kalpitiya-Peninsula
(Accessed: 07 December 2024).
· Lanka, D. et al. (no date) 105 hotels in Kalpitiya,
Sri Lanka., Booking.com. Available at: (Accessed: 07 December 2024).
· (No date) Is it worth travelling to Kalpitiya -
Kalpitiya Forum - Tripadvisor. Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1404719-i13610-k6005307-Is_it_worth_travelling_to_Kalpitiya-Kalpitiya_North_Western_Province.html
(Accessed: 07 December 2024).
· Adventurous Kate (2024) 14 fun things to do in Cavtat,
Croatia, Adventurous Kate. Available at: https://www.adventurouskate.com/cavtat-croatia/
(Accessed: 07 December 2024).
· T, P. (2018) Complete guide to planning a Thailand
trip! places to visit, what to do, and travel tips for Thailand,
CompleteCityGuides.com Travel Blog. Available at: https://completecityguides.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-thailand-and-planning-a-trip-there
(Accessed: 07 December 2024).
· Chatura, T.W. (2024a) විජය ආපූ තැන | කල්පිටිය KALPITIYA | Travel with Chatura, YouTube. Available
at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RGUiPAwcEQ
(Accessed: 07 December 2024).
· Rodrigo, S. and Shehaan (2022) The undiscovered travel paradise in Sri Lanka | Kalpitiya (We Cycled here), Sheneller, YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOF4IPuLQBY (Accessed: 07 December 2024).
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