Things to do in Kalpitiya
- Kitesurfing: The biggest attraction of Kalpitiya is kitesurfing. Ranked 4th in the Redbull list for the best kitesurfing spots around the world and considered the best spot in Asia for kitesurfing. Kalpitiya offers 7 different spots such as Kalpitya lagoon, Vella Island, mini-Vella, Dream spot, Donkey point, Kapaladi lagoon, and Magic Sand during the winter season. These spots lie within a 20 km radius. Consistent wind and flat water are common here and kite surfers ranging from beginners to advanced can have a complete blast here.
- Kalpitiya Lagoon: Kalpitiya Lagoon, situated in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is a kitesurfing haven. The lagoon is particularly known for delivering 20 to 30 knots of wind during the season. Many pro riders have used Kalpitya lagoon as a training ground and you will be astonished by the local talent shredding out in this lagoon. Travellers can find many schools to get certified under IKO for kitesurfing and rent good quality gear from one of them. Accommodations ranging from affordable to luxurious ones can be found easily.
- Kappalady beach: Overlooking the Gulf of Mannar, Kappalady beach is one of the lesser-known beaches in Sri Lanka. This beach is bright blue like a cloudless sky. Travellers can spend time relaxing on the beach and have a nice sunbathing session. For those looking for an adventure, Kappalady beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling. opportunities.
- Kappalady Lagoon: Although smaller than the Kalpitiya Lagoon, Kappalady lagoon is an amazing spot to kite. The shallow waters of this lagoon make it very beginner friendly. This lagoon offers a great time to the advanced riders as well. Kappalady offers many kite schools, hotels, and restaurants. Travellers can enjoy kayaking trips around the mangrove forest and some parts of the lagoon.
- Wipattu National Park: Situated 60 kilometers from Kalpitya, it takes around 2 hours to reach on land and about 90 minutes in a boat. Travellers who choose to travel by boat can enjoy bird watching. This national park is one of the oldest and most protected national parks in Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of natural lakes, sand-rimmed water basins, or depressions that fill with rainwater. Main residents of Wipattu national park include elephants, leopards, bears, peacocks, monitor lizards, mugger crocodiles, common cobra, rat snakes, Indian python, pond turtle, and soft-shell turtles. For bird-watching enthusiasts, this national park nests the painted stork, the open bill, little cormorant, and Sri Lankan junglefowl along with species of owls, terns, gulls, eagles, and kites.
- Kudawa Beach: Kudawa beach can be considered an epicenter for water sports. Be it a hardened adventurer or a traveller seeking an adrenaline rush this is the beach to be. This beach offers many options like kitesurfing, wing foiling, kayaking, and full moon kitesurfing (Dec to March). Experienced kite surfers can ride upwind from Kudawa beach to Kalpitya lagoon in 5 minutes. This beach offers surf schools for learning and renting gear along with many restaurants, resorts, and cafés. Travellers can find many different options for stay and food considering their budget.
- Anuradhapura: The sacred city of Anuradhapura is situated 70 kilometers from Kalpitya. Travellers can take a taxi from Kalpitya or Kudawa and reach within 2 hours. The city was established around a cutting from the tree of enlightenment the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. Located on the banks of the Aruvi Aru River, Anuradhapura is preserved as an archaeological park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travellers can enjoy meditation and learn the art of Vipassana in this city along with many other things.
