Kalpitiya Beach
Located near the North Western coastal town of Puttalam, Kalpitiya’s desolate landscapes and empty stretches of idyllic beaches are the stuff of picture poastcards. Kalpitiya is the best beach on Sri Lanka’s north Western coast and though it has remained on the second tier of choices for most visitors to Sri Lanka, it is quickly gaining attention as an emerging hotspot.
Kapitiya’s history is deep and long. The very origins of the modern Sri Lankan nation state are said to have begun close by when the exiled Indian prince Vijeya landed on these shores over 2000 years ago.
The area was also occupied by the Portuguese and to this day you can see the remains of the fort they built in Kalpitiya, fortifying and securing the lucrative trade that came from this part of Sri Lanka.
The fort is located in the Kapitiya town right at the top of the peninsula. It is a cosy and friendly place and a great way to rub shoulders with the locals who are some of the most friendliest in Sri Lanka.
A sandy headland keeps the Kapitiya lagoon sheltered from the vagaries of the Indian Ocean, providing a tranquil spaces of blue waters and sandy beaches that stretch for miles on end.
These conditions make it ideal for kitesurfing. The wind blowing in from the peninsula offers fantastic opportunities for exciting rides that are smooth and consistent. Kalpitiya is also popular for other water sports activities such as stand up paddling, diving and surfing.
Kapitiya is also a whale and dolphin watching paradise and one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see these beautiful marine mammals. On good days you can see pods of dolphins exceeding thousand members, a veritable swarm of happy creatures jumping out of the water all around you.
You can also go snorkeling here to get up and close to the marine life in Kalpitiya, meeting colorful fish, manta rays and even reef sharks and the occasional turtle. If you want a taste of more wildlife, tak a safari with a tour operator in Kalpitiya to the nearby Wilpattu National Park, where you can see leopards, elephants and other animals.
The hotels and restaurants in Kalpitiya are famed for their excellent service offering and fine Sri Lankan food, needless to say, seafood is their speciality. They are exquisitely designed properties and every resort in Kalpitiya invariably has a unique flavor that will make your stay there special.
Some of the resorts we recommend include The Kite Kuda Camp, Villa Sante, Leopard Trails Camp Wilpattu, Anataya Resort and Spa Chilaw and Elements Beach and Nature Resort.