Ocean and Wildlife

Kalpitiya is a distinct lagoon in Puttalam district in North Western Province of Sri Lanka, which is consist of 14 islands and has a total area of 16.73km². Most of the people in this area are fishermen and is a leading dry-fish production area of the country.

Moreover, Kalpitiya was famous for pearls in the history. But, after recognizing this area as a hotspot for marine mammals it is now emerging as a gorgeous tourist terminus. It is a supreme marine ecosystem with a diversity of habitats ranging from bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves, salt marshes and massive sand dunes.

Kalpitiya Peninsula

The Kalpitiya peninsula, Kalpitiya Islands and Kalpitiya Beaches are a much visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka. Kalpitiya is located 130 km north of the Bandaranayke International Airport in Katunayake, while it 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 Puttalam to the east and the magnificent Indian Ocean to the west.

The Kalpitiya peninsula is 48 km long and 6-8 km wide while it is studded with fine sandy beaches which make you yearn for a beach holiday. In addition to the Kalpitiya peninsula, the 14 islands around it are encompassed in the Kalpitiya tourist development project which was envisaged in year 2008. 

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 which belongs to Kalpitiya. 

Kalpitiya area is now developing as an attractive tourist destination.Besides, it’s specified as a marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats ranging from bar  reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves swamps, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches. It provides breeding grounds for many species of fish and crustaceans. The coastal waters are also home to spinner, bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even the elusive dugong that are of great appeal to potential tourists.