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 reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves, salt marshes and massive sand dunes.
Kalpitiya Peninsula
Kalpitiya, located 130 km north of Bandaranaike International Airport, is a stunning coastal region on Sri Lanka’s western belt. Nestled between the Puttalam Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, the 48 km-long peninsula is known for its pristine sandy beaches and marine biodiversity.
Kalpitiya comprises 14 surrounding islands—including Battalangunduwa, Palliyawatta, and Dutch Bay—covering 1,673 hectares, and has been part of a tourism development project since 2008. Recognized as a marine sanctuary, Kalpitiya features bar reefs, mangroves, saltpans, and sand dunes, serving as vital breeding grounds for marine life. Its coastal waters attract dolphins, whales, sea turtles, making it a top destination for eco-tourism and marine adventures.
