The crimson sun had just dipped behind the mangroves in the distance, and the cool evening breeze washed over us. All we could hear were the gentle waves lapping against the pier we lay upon. Slowly and reluctantly, we emerged from the dream-like state of Shavasana (my favorite yoga position), concluding the most magical yoga practice. Tucked away on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya is a sliver of land that separates the Puttalam Lagoon from the Indian Ocean, and it feels like a slice of heaven.
Removed from the mainland, this windswept island town boasts unspoiled beaches, thick mangrove forests, and an abundance of dolphins. Kalpitiya offers a rich blend of adventure, biodiversity, and tranquility, making it a place that draws you back time and again. Here are some of the best things to do when you visit Sri Lanka’s most underrated beach town.

1: Kitesurfing

Kalpitiya is often regarded as one of Asia’s best kitesurfing locations due to its unique geographical position and strong, consistent winds. It's perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros, offering choices between flatwater lagoons and open seas. May marks the start of the summer kiting season, which continues until October, while the winter season runs from December to March. During this time, vibrant parachutes dot the cloudless skies, adding bursts of color to the shades of blue and green.
Even if you don’t kitesurf, it's an exhilarating sport to observe. Watch in wonder as surfers glide over the calm waters, and suddenly soar through the air! If you're up for the challenge, The Rascals Kite Resort offers a kitesurfing school equipped with all the necessary gear to ensure a fun and safe experience.

2: Dolphin & Whale Watching

Between November and April, the tranquil waters off Kalpitiya transform into a vibrant stage for marine life.

From spinner dolphins to sperm whales, blue whales, and even orcas, Kalpitiya is a fantastic place to spot these aquatic mammals.

I went dolphin watching in February 2022 and truly lucked out. Just 45 minutes into our boat ride, we encountered a pod of over 200 dolphins! It was an incredible sight to see them leap out of the water, twirl, and race alongside our boat. Unfortunately, we didn't spot any whales on that occasion, but there's always next time… 

3: Yoga

For a long time, I was cautious about doing yoga. There was something very cult-like about it, and I knew I'd hate myself if I ever “opened my chakras” and “connected with the universe” and whatnot. However, yoga at the gorgeous Anawasal completely changed my perspective and left me breathless—literally and figuratively.
This rustic five-bedroom boutique hotel is set on a one-acre plot surrounded by nature. Shibi, one of the owners and the in-house yogi master, hosts morning and sunset sessions in their open-air yoga shala overlooking the lagoon. It's the most magical place to reconnect with yourself while enjoying the coastal serenity of Kalpitiya. What makes things even dreamier is that during certain times of the year, bioluminescent phytoplankton float into the lagoon. If you stroke the ink-black water at night, it shimmers with electric blue sparks, making it hard not to feel connected to the universe in a place like this.

4: Lagoon Safari & Island Hopping

Embarking on a lagoon safari is a fantastic way to explore the dense mangrove forests, which are a haven for endemic and migratory birds. For an even more unique wildlife experience, take an early morning boat ride from Kalpitiya to Wilpattu National Park and discover
 Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park.
Kalpitiya Lagoon is scattered with tiny islets, and on our safari, we unintentionally did a bit of island hopping. After about an hour-long lagoon safari, we were heading back to our hotel when a huge crack of lightning split the sky, and the heavens opened up. It rained so heavily that our boat driver decided we should stop at one of the small islands until the storm passed. Most of these islands are uninhabited, but the one we stopped at, thankfully, had a tiny hut that we all cowered under. It was cold, wet, and windy, but after about 30 minutes, the rain ceased, and we were on our way. Even though it was not the most ideal ending to our safari, this experience was a highlight of the trip. 

5: Visit an Oyster Farm

For a unique local experience, visit the oyster farm near Kandakuliya on the eastern side of the peninsula. This woman-run community farm offers guided tours where visitors can observe oyster cultivation and learn about the environmental benefits of oyster farming. At the end of the tour, you can buy some oysters to eat there or take back with you. The tour provides insight into the lives of these hardworking entrepreneurial women who strive to support their families, making you appreciate where your oysters come from before you slurp them down.

6: Go Beaching

I like to think of myself as somewhat of a beach connoisseur, and in all my travels around the island, one beach stands out—Dream Spot. Located on the narrowest part of the Kalpitiya peninsula, it's a quiet, scenic beach that lives up to its name. This beach has the lagoon on one side and the turquoise ocean on the other, and it is only accessible by boat, making it ideal for those seeking a serene escape. With golden sands and gentle waves, Dream Spot was made for lazy beach days. Whenever I've visited, I've been the only person on the beach, but it's a very popular spot for kitesurfing, so it's buzzing during the season.
In a land far away from the hordes of people; far away from the urban sprawl; far away from the endless noise; there is a place unspoiled by people. A place where you’re one with nature, one with the universe even, and that place is Kalpitiya. It is pure magic.