Things To Do in Kalpitiya

What to do in Kalpitiya when there is no wind

Have you ever heard of Kalpitiya? This small town on the western coast of Sri Lanka might not be as well-known as some of the country’s other tourist destinations, but it’s definitely worth a visit. From beautiful beaches to exciting water sports, Kalpitiya has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll show you the top things to do in Kalpitiya, including what to see and the best activities to enjoy.

Take a walk around the authentic, rustic streets of Kalpitiya town where you will see locals and fisheries go about their daily chores, maintaining methods they have used for generations. Venture deep into their dark, mysterious shops, it is an amazing and surprising experience! There are tours of interest: Historical tours taking you to Kalpitiya’s Dutch Fort and Dutch Church where you go back in time to colonial Sri Lanka era. Or tours of nature to National Parks to see wild, local animals in their natural habitat, such as elephants, leopards, crocodiles and tropical birds. You can take a boat safari and go dolphin or whale watching; diving; snorkeling; kayaking, or just grab a bicycle or scooter and explore neighbouring villages and idyllic beaches.

In Kalpitiya we have consistent wind during both Summer and Winter seasons making excellent kitesurfing conditions. (see link below for Season details)

Kalpitiya lagoon is known as one of the best spots in the world to learn kitesurfing. Apart from Kalpitiya lagoon, there are many kite spots you will enjoy around Kalpitiya. Click on links at the bottom of this page for more information about individual kite spots.

Activities to do in Kalpitiya

THE TOP TEN ACTIVITIES TO DO IN KALPITIYA APART FROM KITESURFING

TOP TEN ACTIVITIES TO DO IN KALPITIYA WHEN THERE IS NO WIND

1 – DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING

During the months of November and December, just 5-10 km offshore, there are hundreds and sometimes thousands of dolphins in giant pods, wanting to show off for you, the most common being the Spinner dolphins but you will also see Bottlenose, Risso and Humpback dolphins riding the waves along side of you.

Check out the main seasons for dolphin watching in Kalpitiya

2 – DIVING 

Kalpitiya is also one of the best areas in Sri Lanka for diving during the months from November to April. The reef has great biodiversity and a lot of places yet to be discovered. You can see a lot of beautiful marine life off the bar reefs, such as butterfly fish, parrot fish or blacktip sharks. The reef covers about 307 square kilometers and is ideal for novice divers. In addition, during these months, in the waters of Kalpitiya, you can also see dolphins, Sperm whales and sometimes Minke and Blue Whale (the biggest mammal in the world).

3 – DUTCH FORT AND DUTCH CHURCH

Navy personnel of Kalpitiya take you on tour around the old Dutch Fort, telling stories of history, taking you back to colonial Dutch era. In an effort to free the port from the Portuguese the King of Kandy, King Rasjasinha II, sought assistance from the Dutch, who in 1659 conquered the area but did not return it to the King, instead they commenced construction of a fort in 1667, which was completed in 1676 … and the stories continue. Fascinating! The Dutch Reformed Church is situated between the town of Kalpitiya and the Dutch Fort and was built by the Dutch in 1706. It is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. Free entry into the Dutch Church and times of entry are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both places are of great interest and importance during the colonial era in Sri Lanka.

4 – WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK SAFARI

Taking approximately 2 hrs jeep ride from Kalpitiya to Wilpattu National Park, you get to explore the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, which boasts around 106 natural rainwater lakes spread throughout the park. Best time to visit is between February and October where you will see elephants, leopards, sloth bear, deer, endemic birds and amazing fauna in this amazing park jungle. A great day away to discover the beauty of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Cost depends on tour organiser. Opening hours 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.

5 – WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK AND RIVER BOAT

Take a boat ride to enter Wilpattu National Park and experience Kalpitiya’s marine life and Wilpattu’s wildlife, both in a single day. You get the best of both worlds. Cost depends on tour operator.

6 – FISHING

There are many fishing tours, from deep sea fishing to local fisherman trips with nets. Experienced fishermen will take you to the best spots in the rich waters of Kalpitiya and show you how it is done ‘local style’. They will make your fishing experience in the Indian Ocean a memorable and worthwhile one. Deep sea fishing in Sri Lanka will make you want to come back once more to hook your next catch. You may be lucky enough to see dolphins swimming alongside of you. Best period for fishing is from November to mid April.

7 – KAYAKING/CANOEING

Enjoy the tranquility as you glide slowly over the flat waters of Kalpitiya lagoon, meandering deep into mangroves to explore the sounds of local wildlife, feeling at one with nature, trying to spot wild occupants in their local habitat. This is a peaceful way to go birdwatching whilst passing tiny villages along the ocean edge. You may spot dolphins in their natural ocean habitat if you are lucky. Give a wave to local fisheries as they haul in their catch of the day. Kayaking and canoeing on Kalpitiya lagoon, or on the ocean can either be a lazy, tranquil day or an energetic work out . Life jackets must be worn at all times and don’t forget your hat, sunglasses and sun protection.  You can kayak any time of the year on the lagoon. Best time on the sea is November to mid April.

8 – KUDAWA BEACH

Kalpitiya town is surrounded by idyllic beaches and lagoons and one of the best beaches is Kudawa Beach. It is shaped in the shape of a bay giving you calm sea. The sandbank between the lagoon and ocean is long and clean with the beach widening to a paradise of coconut groves on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Romantic sunset walks, swimming, jogging, escaping reading your favourite novel, watching fisheries catching fish or just relaxing, Kudawa is the perfect beach for you to enjoy a day, or even an hour, of deep aqua green Indian Ocean, warm golden sand and the gentle sound of waves from the ocean.  There are no eateries/cafes on Kudawa Beach, so take a picnic and plenty of water with you. You will also need lots of sun protection as there is no shade on this beautiful beach.

9 – PADDLE SURF KALPITIYA LAGOON

Do you have good balance and like to maintain your fitness? Paddle boarding on the lagoon, or on the ocean, can be great fun in many ways; sightseeing, exploring mangroves, fishing, even paddle board yoga! Paddle boarding is an all round body fitness exercise with balance and paddling at the same time.  You can paddle board on Kalpitiya lagoon when there is no wind. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sun protection.

10 – BICYCLE AND SCOOTER HIRE

Grab a bike and cycle the local roads and pathways of Kalpitiya. Seeing how the locals live and where they work is embracing culture to the maximum. Children will come running towards you with beaming smiles, wanting to practise their English. Animals along the roadside; herds of goats, cows idly chewing the cud, ox, donkeys and local dogs will ignore you as you stop to take photos. Take in the noises, especially the wailing mosques and places of worship, as you pass through local villages. They are all part of your neighbourhood.  You can explore more by hiring a scooter to reach further destinations along the coast or inland. To ride a scooter in Sri Lanka you need additional to your international driving licence, or home country driving licence, a Sri Lankan driving permission certificate. You get this at the Department of Motor Traffic in Colombo and it costs around 30 USD and takes about 3-4 hours to obtain.

things you can do in Kalpitiya

At Margarita Village, we can organise numerous trips for you around Sri Lanka. From one day, up to two weeks and even longer, if you so require. Thanks to the experience of our driver and the comfort of our vehicle you will enjoy Sri Lanka like no one else.   You will have our undivided attention.

Take a swim at unspoiled beaches, discover temples and ancient cities, enjoy unusual landscapes and observe nature in its purest form. Each place in Sri Lanka is a magical and different place, where the diversity of cultures and the multitude of landscapes allows this island to give you everything you need, to live one of the best experiences of your life.  Simply tell us what your idea of travel is; what you would like to see, where you would like to go and after discussing and confirming ideas together, we will do the rest to ensure you have a holiday of a lifetime!