The coastal town of Kalpitiya offers plenty of exciting activities and excursions to enjoy. Carrying traces of Sri Lanka’s coastal past and surrounded by beaches and natural spaces, Kalpitiya provides the best of the natural and cultural realms, making it one of the more intriguing towns in Sri Lanka. Here are some of the top attractions and excursions that you won’t want to miss when in Kalpitiya.
Wilpattu National Park
Those looking to venture a little way beyond Kalpitiya can treat themselves to a safari adventure at the Wilpattu National Park, the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in the country. Home to over 30 species of mammals and an array of plants across its trails and jungles, this impressive park will not disappoint those animal lovers eager for an adventure. Certain Kalpitiya resorts and hotels like the Dolphin Beach Resort provide guided tours to the park, where visitors can witness leopards, spotted deer, elephants and more.
Kalpitiya Dutch Fort
Established between 1967 and 1976, the Dutch Fort in Kalpitiya was used by the Dutch to store and ship treasures back to their homeland. The fort was under Dutch control for 90 years and then under British control for 60 years. Later on, it was used by the Sri Lankan navy during the country’s Civil War. Today, visitors to this ancient site can still witness the yellow bricks brought over from Holland to form the entrance arch; along with ruins of 4 bastions with guard posts, chapel walls, barracks and a prison. As such, the Kalpitiya Dutch Fort is a significant site to visit for those interested in the complex history of Sri Lanka.
Kite Surfing on Kalpitya’s Coast
Kitesurfing along Kalpitiya’s coast is one of the popular activities to enjoy in Sri Lanka. It is specifically enjoyed during the kite season from May to October, and from mid-December to mid-March. The coastal town offers kitesurfing lessons so that beginners can take up the exciting ride across the waters.
Scuba Diving in Kalpitiya
Scuba diving in Kalpitiya is best enjoyed between mid-October to mid-May. Kalpitiya is home to several dive centres that provide training and courses for beginner divers looking to explore the ocean depths. Once beneath the waters, divers will witness several species of colourful coral fish such as butterfly fish and parrot fish, as well as other marine animals like black tip reef sharks, dolphins, sperm whales and blue whales.
Whale Watching Tours
Those who prefer to stay above the ocean waters can still enjoy the sight of some of the most majestic ocean creatures. Whale-watching in Kalpitiya is one of the top Sri Lanka excursions to enjoy particularly between November and December, and March and April. Those who embark on a whale-watching tour will have the chance to spot Sri Lanka’s ‘big five’ whale species – the Blue Whale, Sperm Whale, Minke Whale, Melon-Headed Whale and the Dwarf Sperm Whale.