Kalpitiya
A remote sandy peninsula famed for dolphin superpods, world-class kitesurfing and lagoon safaris.
About Kalpitiya
A 100 km sandy peninsula north-west of Colombo, Kalpitiya is famous for its kitesurfing lagoons, pristine reefs and enormous pods of spinner dolphins offshore. Nearby Alankuda offers a laid-back beach hub, while sail-boat trips head out to the Bar Reef and dolphin-rich waters.
Top experiences
- Dolphin superpod boat trip
Encounters with pods of 1,000+ spinner dolphins from November to March.
Kitesurfing lagoonsSri Lanka's kitesurfing capital — flat lagoons and steady side-shore winds from May to October.
Bar Reef snorkellingSri Lanka's largest coral reef, teeming with reef fish and turtles.
Alankuda BeachThe laid-back beach hub of Kalpitiya, dotted with barefoot eco-lodges.
Kalpitiya Dutch FortA small but well-preserved 17th-century coral-stone fort overlooking the lagoon.
Dutch Reformed ChurchA whitewashed 1706 church next to the fort — one of Sri Lanka's oldest Protestant churches.
Things to do
Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya
Boat trip to spot spinner dolphin super-pods and seasonal whales.
Kite surfing on the lagoon
World-class flat-water and wave kiting in Kalpitiya's steady winds.
Bar Reef snorkelling
Sri Lanka's largest coral reef, teeming with tropical fish and turtles.
Wilpattu safari day trip
Leopards, sloth bears and villus (natural lakes) in a quieter park.
Attractions nearby
Dutch Fort, Kalpitiya
Small 17th-century Dutch garrison fort guarding the lagoon mouth.
Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw
Ancient Hindu temple complex sacred to Lord Shiva.
St Anne's Church, Talawila
Historic seaside pilgrimage church on the Kalpitiya peninsula.
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka's largest park — leopards, elephants and forested villus.
Kalpitiya in pictures
