About Kalpitiya records going far back reveal that the peninsula was associated with maritime trade and smuggling escapades since ancient times. It was first colonized by the Portuguese in early 17th Century. The arrival of the Dutch eventually resulted in the ousting of the Portuguese from here and elsewhere in the island. Historical records show that during the Dutch period of the island's colonial history, the northern end of the peninsula was used as a strategic base for a military garrison and naval outpost to monopolise trade supplies to the mainland. A well-preserved Dutch-era fort (incorporating an earlier Portuguese-era church) occupied by the Sri Lanka Navy, and a Dutch church remain today. Nearby at Talawila to the south, a vibrant annual festival keeps alive its Portuguese heritage, at the ancient St Anne's church festival, when thousands of Catholic devotees descend upon the tiny village to celebrate St Anne's Day on July 26.

Kalpitiya is located at the boarder of dry zone. Thanks to that it is still nicely green but has much less rain that the south of Sri Lanka. Usually, the only rainy month is November, but it rarely rains whole the day. The best beach season is from December to April, which is also the best time for any marine activities like scuba diving, snorkeling or dolphin watching because the ocean is calm and waves are smallest. From May to September there is more wind which is mostly appreciated by kite surfers and it also cools down the area.

Kalpitiya is a multi-ethnic, multi- religious and multi-cultural town, majority of Kalpitiya residents are Muslims, while Sinhalese are second largest in the town. Other small groups; Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, Burgher and Malay also living in the town.

Kalpitiya is most famed as being the best place in Sri Lanka for kitesurfing, attracting enthusiasts from all levels to test the winds on an exciting lagoon expedition. Besides being a haven for kite surfers, Kalpitiya is also known to be a popular place for snorkeling, diving and dolphin watching excursions too. It is made up of 14 islands; home to local fishing communities as the waters around Kalpitiya are thriving with marine life. Explore the sights and sounds of this quiet town during your holiday to Sri Lanka. 

Kalpitiya; though famous for kitesurfing along its gentle lagoon waters offers travelers a myriad of other things to do too. Explore ancient ruins at the Dutch Fort or spend the day on Kudawa Beach instead soaking up the sun, sand and surf.

Kalpitiya may be a simple village town, however, the attractions in Kalpitiya make it one of the more unique places in the western coast of the island. Possessing some immaculate lagoons, and nature reserves that are prime locations for adrenaline-filled activity, Kalpitiya will never cease to amaze the adventurous traveller.

Kalpitiya in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is a fast-growing tourist destination, consisting of 14 small islands over an area of approximately 16 square kilometres. It is located around 165 kilometres north of Colombo. The peninsula and its associated beaches are known for its stunning sunsets and relative seclusion, although that may change as the area grows in popularity.

A Lagoon of Fun-filled Activities

The lagoon is particularly well known for providing excellent kitesurfing and windsurfing weather conditions; the wind in the area can vary but is generally thought to be suitable for watersport activities throughout the season. The lagoons are huge, with generally still waters and a few small waves. There are courses available locally for kitesurfing and windsurfing, as well as kayaking adventures through the lagoon’s mangrove forests. Adventurous tourists can also participate in standup paddleboarding across the sea and the lagoon. 

Season to Visit

To take advantage of the best kiting weather, Kalpitiya Lagoon should be visited between the months of April to October. If visitors would rather enjoy a dolphin-watching excursion, aim to visit between November and April. However, if you want to spot sperm whales, embark on a safari to the depths of the Indian Ocean between the months of December to April, to increase your chances of spotting these graceful beasts! 

There are also several tours that take intrepid adventurers across the lagoon via a boat, with tour guides that can point out the different species of birds and animals spotted in the wilderness. There are also some historical sites that can be explored in the lagoon.

DUTCH CHURCH KALPITIYA

The Story of the Colonial Church

The history of the Dutch Church at Kalpitiya is an interesting one. The town was once known to the ancient Tamil people of Sri Lanka as Kav Putti. Located in the North-Western province of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya was a popular trading hub for the Arab merchants that passed through it centuries ago. Eventually, during the colonial era, the town was occupied by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and renamed to Kardiv Island, and subsequently bestowed to the Society of Jesus by the King of Portugal.

The reigning King of Kandy at the time, King Rajasinghe II, turned to the Dutch for help in reclaiming his land from the Portuguese. Subsequently, the Dutch conquered the area in 1659, but later refused to hand the town back to the king and instead constructed a fort that was completed in 1676. Kalpitiya was a strategically important location for the Dutch to control the external trade of the Kingdom of Kandy. Here, 350 meters from their fort, they built a small church.

British Occupation, Abandonment, and Renovation

When the British occupied the island at the end of the 18th century, the Dutch retreated to Colombo and the British found the fort abandoned save for one Dutch administrative officer, who surrendered to them.  Services at the church were stopped, and the building was subsequently used by Anglican missionaries. The church was renovated around 1840, and the belfry is the original one. The church was managed by the Archeological Department of Sri Lanka until 2010 when it was given to the Dutch Reformed Church.

The structure of the church is fairly simple; however, the most intriguing feature is the tombstones on the floor with various inscriptions and epitaphs to read.

KUDAWA BEACH

Kalpitiya is situated more than 150 kilometres north of Colombo, but it is quickly becoming a highlight of what Sri Lanka has to offer. Located in the country’s North-Western province in the Puttalam district, Kalpitiya is home to 14 small islands with a reputation for stunning sunsets and secluded visits. Kudawa Beach is one of the best beaches in the area, with calm waters all year round that makes it a perfect location for a quick dip. 

An Epicentre for Watersports

The beach serves as a hub for numerous water sports from kite surfing to boat rides along the lagoon or the sea. Set sail to the depths of the Indian Ocean on a whale and dolphin-watching excursion; a popular past-time in Kalpitiya. The surroundings are home to a diverse ecosystem from bar reefs and mangrove swamps to salt marshes and thriving waters. Visitors may also rent out a kayak to explore the beaches and lagoon for themselves.

Ideal Time to Visit

For the best watersport weather, tourists should plan to visit between April and October, when the waters are calm but the winds are perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. If watching dolphins and whales is the more attractive feature of the area for you, the best months to visit are between December and April.

Useful Information

If you’re simply looking to rest and relax on a strip of golden sands at the Kudawa Beach, ensure you pack refreshments and water to keep yourself hydrated. Sunscreen is also mandatory to avoid the risk of being burnt. For a quick escape or a nourishing meal, head to one of the nearby hotels and resorts located on the coast for a meal.

KALPITIYA DUTCH FORT

Sri Lanka has its own rich history and culture to display throughout the island, but it is also home to the remnants of various invasions from its past. The Kalpitiya Dutch Fort is one of many examples of these.

Colonial History

Kalpitiya was once a well-known trading hub for passing Arab merchants. In the mid-16th century, the Portuguese conquered the town and renamed it to Kardiv Island. Sri Lanka’s reigning monarch at the time, King Rajasinghe II from the Kingdom of Kandy, turned to the Dutch for help in retaking his land. However, after the Dutch invasion, the land was not returned back to the king. Instead, the Dutch began the construction of a fort which was completed in 1676. The location was a strategically important point that allowed the Dutch East India Company to control the Kingdom of Kandy’s external trade. 

Highlights of the Fort and its Utilisation

The fort is a square-shaped structure with walls that reach up to 4 meters high, and it was constructed using coral and limestone from the surrounding area. It features bastions at each of its four corners. In 1795, the fort was taken over by the British, who occupied it until the mid-19th century in 1859. During Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war, the fort was used as a base by the Sri Lankan Navy for its training and operational activity.