Why Kalpitiya will steal your heart
On a long, sandy peninsula on Sri Lanka's west coast, between a wide lagoon and the Indian Ocean, lies Kalpitiya. It's a haven for nature lovers and adventure-seekers, and it's still refreshingly unspoilt.
Kalpitiya is famous for its dolphins. From roughly November to April, boats head out at dawn in search of huge pods of spinner dolphins, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, leaping and spinning around the boat. It's an exhilarating experience. You may also see other dolphin species and, occasionally, whales.
The peninsula is also one of the top kitesurfing spots in Asia. Strong, steady winds during the windy seasons (roughly May to October, and again December to March) blow across the flat, shallow lagoon, which makes it perfect for learning. Several schools offer lessons for complete beginners.
Offshore, the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary protects coral and fish, and it's good for snorkelling and diving in calm conditions. Back on land, stay in a beach cabana, eat seafood fresh from the fishing boats, and watch the sun sink into the ocean.
Kalpitiya combines beautifully with a safari in Wilpattu National Park, which is close by, and with the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
