Kalpitiya is a collection of 14 islands situated in the North Western province of Sri Lanka. The place is rapidly becoming a hotspot for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, especially those passionate about kite surfing.
The region is enveloped by expansive lagoon waters and consistent wind conditions, which create the perfect place for sports such as kite surfing. People from across the world flock to Kalpitiya, one of the world’s best destinations for beginners to learn the sport. Professional instructors and kite surfing schools are available to guide anyone willing to learn. Even if you’re a seasoned kite surfer who wants to try out new conditions, this is the perfect place.
The feeling of being propelled by the wind, droplets of water bouncing off your skin, and riding the wave, make kite surfing a thrilling sport that people will keep returning to. Throughout the day, several surfers put on their suits, apply sunscreen, pump air in their kites, grab their surfboards, and swish into the water toward the horizon. You’ll see numerous kites soaring in the sky, making the dull sky vibrant and colorful.
Before we take a trip down memory lane, let us quickly take you through all the details of the Kalpitiya Lagoon. How to kite surf? What are the prices? What is the best time to visit? We’ll answer all these questions and more. So let’s dive right into it.
Kite Surfing In Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka
Table of Contents
Kalpitiya Lagoon
The Kalpitiya Lagoon is lined with sandy shores on one side and coconut palm trees and resorts on the other. The kite surfing spot is situated 3 Km from the village, and you can reach the place by walk or a tuk-tuk. What’s fascinating is that the lagoon has butter-flat water with a maximum depth of 6 feet. You will spot several migratory birds and donkeys around the lagoon.
How To Reach Kalpitiya?
By Air
Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (Airport code: CMB, 140 Km) is the nearest airport to Kalpitiya. Head to the Colombo bus stand from the airport and take a bus to Kalipitya. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi, which will be expensive.
By Rail
Puttalam railway station (45 Km) is the nearest railway station. However, few passenger trains stop at this station. A few of the most frequent ones are passenger trains from Colombo Fort. They pass by and stop at Puttalam every day. From Puttalam, you have to take a bus to Kalpitiya.
By Road
From the Colombo bus stand, hop onto a bus to Puttalam and get down at Palavi junction. If you’re coming from Jaffna, take a Colombo bus (Route 87) and step down at Palavi junction. From the Palavi junction, there are frequent buses available to Kalpitiya.
Where To Stay & Eat In Kalpitiya?
The stays closer to Kalpitiya Lagoon are expensive, and the cost of living is quite high. The price of rooms starts from $10 at night and becomes steeper during peak seasons. You can choose rooms from the kite school or rooms near these schools. I stayed at Araliya Villa, whose rooms were quite spacious. Their hospitality is one of the best in the region, and I was pretty satisfied with my stay.
Few shops are located near the lagoon, and the resorts are quite expensive. However, the shops and restaurants in the Kalpitiya Village (2 Km) offer great food that’s easy on the pockets. So you can take free cycles provided by your place of stay, ride to the village, and have sumptuous meals.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in the Kalpitiya village. So, do not worry about withdrawing cash when needed.
Network Availability
I was using Dialog, and it worked well in Kalpitiya. SLTMobitel has an equally good signal in Kalpitiya. I’m unsure how good Airtel and other regional network operators are.
Price
A beginner’s course is priced at €450 (Approx.). You get a 4-day class (12 hours) with individual instructors and an international certificate of completion. If you already know the sport and want to rent surf gear it will cost you €45 per day. Besides these, there are numerous packages available that cover different features, facilities, and accommodations. You can check out the official websites of kite surfing schools for a comprehensive understanding of the pricing.
Season
In the Summer season (May to October), the wind averages 18-20 knots, while in the Winter season (mid-December to mid-March), the wind picks up in the afternoon and ranges between 15 to 25 knots. During both seasons, the weather remains dry, warm, and windy, making Kalpitiya the perfect hotspot for kite surfers. The best time to surf is between July and August.
The combination of steady winds, expansive beaches, and professional kite surfing schools make these destinations an apt place for honing your skills or embarking on a new adventure.
Kite Surfing Schools
IKO-certified instructors will pave the path for you to become an independent and safe kite surfer. The schools offer group and private lessons tailored to your skills, grasping abilities, and progress. They provide courses for surfers of different calibers. Whether you’re a beginner starting from scratch or a pro at kite surfing, the schools will offer lessons suitable to you.
What’s intriguing is that these lessons will be conducted in various languages, including French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, and Sinhalese, to name a few. You can call them directly or send your queries on WhatsApp.
Other Activities In Kalpitiya
During the winter months, from mid-December to January, you can watch dolphins and whales near the shore. Many people also offer Dolphin boat tours, snorkeling, and diving tours during the early hours.
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