The Kalpitiya peninsula lies an hour north of Negombo, sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and the Puttalam Lagoon. Along the 40km long spit, interspersed by sleepy fishing hamlets, lie quiet, unspoilt beaches which have yet to see any form of commercialisation. Kalpitiya is fast becoming a popular destination for adventure seekers. November to April is when the seas are at their calmest and this period is excellent for dolphin and whale watching. Of particular note are the super-pods of spinner dolphins which can number in their thousands. From May to October, the winds pick up with the onset of the monsoon and turn it into a kite-surfers paradise. Offshore, the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary, Sri Lanka’s largest reef offers excellent diving and snorkeling.
Bar Reef is the most famous & largest coral reef in Sri Lanka. This deeper sandstone reef can be explored in a glass bottom boat or by experienced divers.
Wilpattu National Park, which literally means land of lakes, is Sri Lanka's largest park & home to many animals including leopards, sloth bears & elephants.
Anawilundawa Wetland is a designated RAMSAR site, with large populations of waterfowl & waders. With 168 species recorded here, its a haven for birdlife.
A wonderful area to see aquatic birds, both local and migratory, the Chilaw Sand Spits is a unique nearshore environment of lagoons, sandbanks and dunes.
Anuradhapura is the earliest recorded capital city of Sri Lanka, a title which it maintained for close to a thousand years. Now a World Heritage site with immense dagobas & elaborate stone sculptures.
Yapahuwa Kingdom had a short time as the capital of the island. It was in the middle of a large trade network amd its urban sprawl surrounding the rock.