Kalpitiya has gained its name of fame as a wind destination perfect for kiteboarding. However, the area has plenty to offer on non-windy days, or if you are not into kitesurfing. Since we aim to list all Kalpitiya things to do, we also include Kiting as one of the top activities.

If you are looking for more suggestions, check our 2-week itinerary in Sri Lanka and our travel tips and things to know before traveling to Sri Lanka.

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Top Kalpitiya Things to Do

So while kiteboarding has been what put Kalpitiya under the eyes of many water sports fans, there is more to do in and around the sleepy fishing village.

Kalpitiya Kitesurfing

Kalpitiya has become a popular kitesurfing destination. With two wind seasons, flat lagoons to ocean waves, beginner to expert kiteboarders can find the perfect conditions to improve their skills. Learn to kiteboard in Kalpitiya Lagoon, go on a day trip or overnight on one of the numerous islands like Vellai island, or go on a downwind session from Donkey Point or Dream Point for a thrilling experience.

Kiteboarding

Check our post on Top Kitesurfing Spots in Kalpitiya for more details.

Kalpitiya Dolphin-Watching

During the winter months, large pods of Spinner dolphins roam the Indian ocean. Go on a dolphin cruise and be prepared to be amazed to see hundreds of dolphins passing by your boat! Whale-watching is also a favorite activity during these months.

Dolphins Watching Cruise

Scuba-Diving

Sri Lanka’s largest coral reef, Bar Reef, is easily accessible from Kalpitiya with a 30-minute boat ride. Kalpitiya diving is best done during the winter months when the water is flatter and offers the best conditions.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is probably one of the top things to visit in Kalpitiya vicinity. Go early in the morning for a chance to see Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, and the star of the park, Sri Lankan leopards. Options to do only a morning or an afternoon safari are available, but we would recommend a full day for a better chance to see the elusive animals. During our morning safari, we got incredibly lucky to see four Wilpattu Leopards!

Leopard in Wilpattu National Park

Traditional Ayurvedic Massage

What a better way to relax and treat yourself than a well-deserved massage while discovering one of the oldest medicinal systems. 

Kalpitiya Lagoon Kayaking

Check the mangroves around the Kalpitiya lagoon, search for one of the mangrove crabs, or listen to the different birds as you pass by slowly. Winter would be a good season given the flatter waters, but you can also check during the summertime when the wind is down.

Kayaking on Kalpitiya Lagoon

Bird-Watching in Kalpitiya Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is considered to have the largest feeding flocks. On a good day, you can observe up to 70 different types of birds, residents, and migrant birds alike. Many live in the mangroves and swamps, others near-shore seabirds prefer the coastal plains.

Brahmini Kite

Day Trips from Kalpitiya

Explore Sri Lanka and discover its ancient history and architecture by visiting Sigiriya Fortress, Anuradhapura Ancient Royal City, Kandy, Colombo, and more. Multi-day trips can also reach Trincomalee for diving or simply whale-watching in winter. You can rent a car with a driver for an optimal sightseeing time. One of the places to visit in Kalpitiya for sure!

Anuradhapura Ancient Royal City

Scooter, motorbike or tuk-tuk rentals

A car with a driver is an excellent option to wander mind-free, but renting your mode of transportation will give you the freedom to explore on your own. While places like Anuradhapura Ancient Royal City can be reached within a day, staying overnight gives you more time to explore the area.

Tuk-tuks

Kalpitiya Village Life

Fishing is the livelihood of most villagers in Kalpitiya. Wander by the fishing huts, check the drying fish, the villagers cleaning and fixing the nets, and learn about how important the culture and industry are for Kalpitiya. Most of the small shops, banks, and ATMs are within the few streets around Kalpitiya town.

Fishermen fixing their nets

Village Life

Kalpitiya Hotels

You can find a wide range of Kalpitiya accommodation, from budget Kalpitiya guest house options to luxury Kalpitiya resorts. Many Kalpitiya beach hotels are kite centers.

We stayed at the Valampuri Kite resort for a while, with charming cabins right by the water, perfect for a week or two stay. As we wanted lodging with accommodation for a more extended stay, we then moved to the Kalpitiya Villas managed by our friend Juud.

Kalpitiya Weather

There are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. From December to March, the monsoon is in the northeast, from June to October in the southwest. The rain will make outdoor fun and travel challenging.

Have you been to Kalpitiya? What was your experience or preferred thing to do in Sri Lanka? Share with us your adventures!

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