Occupying a peninsula that juts into the Indian Ocean, Kalpitiya is a laid-back town on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It was colonised by the Portuguese in the 17th century before the Dutch arrived and transformed it into a naval outpost and military garrison. In addition to its colonial ruins, Kalpitiya is becoming an increasingly popular kitesurfing destination.
Things to do in Kalpitiya
Dominating the waterfront is the Kalpitiya Fort, which was built by the Dutch in the 1660s. It overlooks the Puttalam Lagoon and protects what was once one of Sri Lanka’s most important cinnamon cultivation areas. Surrounding the remains of a Portuguese-built chapel, a barracks and a dining hall are defensive ramparts framed by four bastions.
Sweeping panoramas across Dutch Bay and the Puttalam Lagoon can be enjoyed from the Kalpitiya Lagoon Viewpoint, which is located a short drive south of the town centre. Boats can be rented for exploring the surrounding islands, which include Mattutivu, Ambanttativu and Neduntivu. On the other side of the peninsula is Kalpitiya Dote, an idyllic stretch of golden sand where you can swim and sunbathe throughout the year.
Kalpitiya is a popular destination for kitesurfing, with favourable wind conditions in its open lagoons. In addition to flying across the flat waters of Kalpitiya Lagoon, you can ride the onshore waves breaking across the sandbar at Donkey Point. May to October and December to March offer the best conditions for kitesurfing around Kalpitiya.
Getting around Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is around 3.5 hours’ drive from Colombo and three hours from Bandaranaike International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Long-distance buses connect to Kalpitiya and rickshaws are readily available for getting around the town. The centre of Kalpitiya can easily be explored on foot.