Kalpitiya located 130 km north of CMB Bandaranayke Airport, is an exquisite coastal region located in the Western coastal belt north of Colombo. Kalpitiya is a peninsula set in between the deep lagoon of Puttalama to the east and Indian Ocean to the west. Kalpitiya is an unrivalled marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats ranging from bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves swamps, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches.
The 14 islands of Battalangunduwa, Palliyawatta, Vellai I, Vellai II, Vellai III, Uchchamunai, Ippantivu, Periya Arichchalai, Sinna Arichchalai, Eramutivu, Sinna Eramutivu, Eramutivu West, Kakativu and Mutwal (Dutch Bay) together make up 1673 hectares of land.
Kalpitiya peninsula -48 km long and 6-8 km wide- is studded with fine sandy beaches.
In addition to the Kalpitiya peninsula, 14 islands about Kalpitiya are encompassed in the Kalpitiya tourist development project envisaged in year 2008.
Kalpitiya Dolphins
Kalpitiya, that affords the opportunity to view large pods of Dolphins often numbers running to hundreds, is becoming a celebrated location in Sri Lanka of the lovers of Spinner Dolphins.
Kalpitia Whales
Kalpitiya for its presence of Sperm Whales and an occasional Blue Whale alone is a world class attraction of marine life. Whales are regularly seen around the Kalpitiya Peninsula. Interestingly it was only from around February 2010 that Kalpitiya is finally considered as a destination to catch the sight of the majestic whale. Boat trips are regularly taken off Kalpitiya Peninsula to a off-shore site to catch the sights of Sperm whales, the largest toothed whale in the world, can be seen off-shore of the reef. The Sperm Whale, in the hunt of Giant Squid, dives several hundred meters in the ocean. Kalpitiya Peninsula with its continental shelf provides an ideal habitat to the Sperm Whale.
The season to view Sperm Whale at Kalpitiya
The season to view the Sperm Whale at Kalpitiya Peninsula is between December and mid-April.
The sight of Blue whale too could be possible occasionally.
The season for the beaches at Kalpitiya: October to May
Bar Reef at Kalpitiya
Bar Reef, the largest coral reef (307 square km) in Sri Lanka that can be reached in an hour's boat trip from Kalpitiya, serves the ideal sea for keen scuba divers and snorkelers. The beautiful reef, exceedingly rich in bio-diversity, is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as offering sighting of manta rays, reef sharks and the occasional turtle.
The coastline at Kalpitiya
Boat Rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of watching the colourful evening sunsets.
Alankuda Beach at Kalpitiya
The first beach at Kalpitiya that was developed within the Kalpitiya mega tourist development project is Alankuda Beach. Boat trips are regularly taken off the beach at Alankuda and head out to sea to see Sperm Whale. The best sight to see at Alankuda are the lovely dolphins.Half a day excursions from Kalpitiya: St.Anne's Church, Thalawila.
One day Excursions from Kalpitiya: Wilpattu Sanctuary, Historical Dutch Fort and Church Anuradhapura - Ancient City
Kalpitiya in history
Kalpitiya is believed to have been a pivotal trading hub and was christened ‘the island of Cardiva’ by the Portuguese.
Source;http://www.lanka.com/sri-lanka/kalpitiya-928.html
Kalpitiya Tourism www.visitkalpitiya.com
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