spot guide

Asia -Sri Lanka

Kalpitiya

The Most Popular Place To Kitesurf In Sri Lanka

Updated: November 2, 2018

Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka is one of the best places to kitesurf in the world. From accommodation in Kalpitiya, to top local food in Sri Lanka and infomation on different kitesurf spots around the area that showcase why Kalpitiya is known as one of the best kiteboarding locations in Asia. Shallow, warm water in the lagoons AND GREAT WIND STATISTICS make Kalpitiya the perfect place to learn how to kitesurf and progress your kiteboarding skills.

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Dusty red dirt streets pass thick patches of coconut palms and wandering, seemingly wild, donkeys; don’t write it off as rural farmland, you’ve reached the mecca of Sri Lanka kiteboarding. Kalpitiya offers some of the best kiteboarding in Sri Lanka. The lagoons are famous among wind lovers for good reason; the consistent, Steady and strong winds here are drool-worthy. shallow flat water lagoons make it equally a great place to learn how to kitesurf and an excellent place to advance your kitesurfing, particularly freestyle riding, further.

Local Kitesurf information

air temperature

Average During Peak Season: 30 °C

water temperature

Average During Peak Season: 25 – 32°C

Kalpitiya Lagoon

Vella Island

Kappalady Lagoon

Donkey Point

wind speed

Peak Season: 20-25 Knots

Popular Kite Sizes: 8m – 12m

Sri Lanka is known for consistent and reliable wind. However, wind consistently shuts off when there is a full moon. This typically will be the three days bordering the full moon, though it’s not uncommon for it to be up to a week. The full moon is a monthly holiday in Sri Lanka known as the Poya.

The Changing of the Seasons

There are two wind seasons in the Kalpitiya area. May through October, wind blows from the Southwest. December through March, wind blows slightly lighter from the North/Northeast.

Kalpitiya Lagoon

ability level

This is a popular place to learn to kitesurf due to the shallow and flat water. There are a lot of kitesurf schools to choose from.

This a great place for kiteboarders to start riding unhooked and practicing wakestyle due to the availability of rescue boats.

Intermediate and advanced riders can get away from the crowds by riding in the ocean.

water conditions

There are a few places where the sand bar extends into the water creating areas of very flat water. Along the shoreline the flat water will be extremely busy with lessons from the many schools.

In the summer season the lagoon can get pretty choppy, with less chop in the winter.

The ocean side starts with a small shore break straight into open water. It is choppy but uncrowded.

wind

Wind in the lagoon, particularly during the summer months, tends to be gusty. Wind on the ocean side will be more steady then the lagoon.

In the winter season the lagoon will have steadier wind.

special considerations

This lagoon is the main kitesurf spot in Kalpitiya and can be very crowded // Watch out for trash // Vehicles frequently drive along beach, we saw a few scooters get tangled up in lines // There are sharp shells in the lagoon, wearing booties helps mitigate cuts // Please respect the local fisherman and steer clear of them while on the water. Kiting is restricted to between 09:00 and 17:00 to ensure fisherman are able to maintain their livelihood.

Launching & Landing

This is the main lagoon in the area, and where most of the schools and all inclusive resorts set up their bases. Due to the area’s popularity, it’s usually pretty easy to find a kind stranger to help launch and land you! If you are visiting the area through a resort, this service is typically included with your stay. Most schools set up on the sandbar between the ocean and the lagoon. It is possible to launch from the opposite (Eastern) side of the lagoon, but during the summer months the wind can be spotty and this is only recommended for confident riders.

Kitesurf Sri Lanka Kalpitiya — Rig and launch from inland side of lagoon in winter season. Windsurfers launch from here any season

Kappalady Lagoon

ability level

This lagoon is perfect for all ability levels. The lagoon is separated into two sections by a sandbar and fallen bridge. There are not many riders in the ocean, making it a great place for both advanced and intermediate level riders.

water conditions

In the summer, many advanced riders set up here due to the area often experiencing steadier winds and flatter waters than Kalpitiya lagoon. On busy days up to twenty kiters can be found here doing unhooked and big air tricks.

wind

In the summer, winds here can be cleaner and more steady than in Kalpitiya. Occasionally, wind speeds here may be a couple knots stronger, as well.

special considerations

Kappalady is a relatively small lagoon, and can get crowded fast // Watch out for trash // Booties are helpful in crossing the water to walk along the sandbar, the water crossing is the site of a fallen bridge and there are remnants in the water // Please respect the local fisherman and steer clear of them while on the water. Kiting is restricted to between 09:00 and 17:00 to ensure fisherman are able to maintain their livelihood.

Launching & Landing

After crossing to the sandbar, walk along the beach to the small hut located between the sea and the lagoon. The hut is located directly across from the large Kite House Cafe kitesurf resort.

Vela Island

ability level

This area is only accessed by boat and recommended for beginners only if going with a school. Most tours include a safety boat which is a great tool to use in order to push your riding to the next level. On our trip, some people were learning unhooking due to the availability of the boat in case things went awry.

water conditions

A 2.5 kilometer long sandbar creates a large bay. On the offshore side there is flat water and choppy waves onshore, keep in mind the wind direction rotates seasonally.

Shallow areas are sporadic throughout the riding area.

wind

Wind at Vela Island tends to be steadier and stronger than in Kalpitiya by 5-10 knots.

special considerations

Watch out for trash // There are many dogs roaming around // Keep an eye out for fisherman & nets // Watch for boat traffic // If the conditions are right, some tours will allow you to do a downwinder across the open sea, with a safety boat follow. In the winter it runs from Vella back to Dutch Bay Point. In the summer it will be the opposite direction.

Launching & Landing

On most tours, boats anchor on the sand and set up at one of the many huts on the island. There is a width of a couple of meters worth of sand next to the water to set up your gear on.

Kitesurf Kalpitiya Sri Lanka — Packing up the tuk tuk for an amazing day

Donkey Point

ability level

While some schools run shuttles to Donkey Point, to our knowledge, none of these are beginner lessons.

water conditions

Wave height depends on wind and tide conditions, however, waves here tend to be choppy & small to medium at best.

wind

Wind will be similar speed to nearby Kalpitiya Lagoon. Ocean side tends to have steadier winds in both summer and winter season.

special considerations

Watch out for trash // Take caution if kitesurfing into the late hours as there are military bases nearby // There can be a strong shorebreak here

Launching & Landing

Prepare for solo wave riding here as it’s very rare to see a fellow kitesurfer out of the lagoons. There is plenty of space to set up along the beach.

Above we’ve listed the main four popular kitesurfing spots in the Kalpitiya area. There are other spots all along the coast, but these are spots that if you are accessing for the first time we recommend a guided tour. Some spots can be difficult to get to and others can be restricted due to military presence.

Kitesurfing in the enormous Puttalam lagoon is possible. Consider going with a guide as there are many fishing related obstacles and restricted military zones.

After the November rainy season, small lagoons can pop up around the area offering up a variety of flat water options for the month of December.

Lessons & Rentals

Finding a kitesurfing school in Kalpitiya will be a breeze! There are quite a few reputable kitesurf schools here if you are in need of a kiteboarding lesson in Kalpitiya or gear rental. Typically, kitesurf rentals and lessons are coordinated through your place of stay. Due to the relaxed remoteness of the area, the schools here typically serve as your go-to restaurant, accommodation, and rental center all in one! We’ve listed some popular kitesurfing schools in Kalpitiya below, however, new schools and resorts are consistently being added to the round up and may be worth checking out. As always, a certified school with well maintained gear is the top priority when choosing a school that is best for you!

De Silva

De Silva runs offers a wide range of lessons from beginner to intermediate for various durations. Gear rental is avialable as well; De Silva is the only place in Kalpitiya to rent windsurfing equipment and offer windsurfing lessons.

Kitesurfing Lanka

Kitesurfing Lanka offers many lessons as well as organized trips around the region. There is a wide range of kite lessons avaiable from beginners to supervised riding. Costs decrease the more hours you commit to. Rental is also available.

The Kite Rascals

Kite Rascals prides itself on safety; lessons here include VHF walkie talkies for great communication. Vella island kite clinics are available as well as custom kite trips. Rent kitesurf gear here as well as pick up good deals on used kiteboarding gear!

Kalpitiya Kite Doctor

Looking to get some of your kiteboard gear repaired while in Kalpitiya? Check out the Kalpitya Kite Doctor, his work comes highly recommended! It may be possible to coordinate other repairs through your guesthouse, though many locals refer to the Kalpitiya Kite Doctor to get fixed up and back out on the water!

AAA Kalpitiya Town Kite Shop

If you find yourself in Kalpitiya town, you may stumble upon AAA kite shop located on Palavi-Kalpitiya Road near it’s intersection with Muhathuwaram Road. You can’t miss the large K-I-T-E sign on top of the building. Hours here are incredibly variable. They have a selection of gear and clothing available for purchase and have the ability to organize kitesurf lessons and trips.

Ruuk Village

Ruuk Village offers Core Kites and Crazyfly gear rentals and runs kiteboarding trips all over Sri Lanka including Hikkaduwa, Mannar, Arugam Bay, downwinders and trips to other lagoons. They offer numerous lessons including a “zero to hero” package that comes with room and board.

Non-Wind Activities

Kalpitiya is a fairly rural area, with kitesurfing and whale watching being the main tourism infrastructure. During our visit, we did hear rumour that the government has plans for developing the area and there are numerous foreign investors intending to bring changes to the area. As of 2018, there are no wild and wacky water parks or roller coasters, but time will tell what the future has in store! Nor how this will impact the wonderful chill vibe of lovely Kalpitiya.

Wilpattu National Park

Sri Lanka’s most northern National Park is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Riverboat safaris and jeep safaris are offered and can be booked in Kalpitiya. The park is around a 2 hour drive from Kalpitiya, though going with a guide is recommended as they usually are very knowledgeable on animal hot spots. It’s possible to arrange a jeep safari or boat safari; prices remain consistent among the guesthouses in Kalpitiya.

Winter Water Fun

During winter, conditions in the Indian Sea make for a lovely time to explore the water, both under it and on top! Local guides will organize dolphin and whale watching tours during this time. Spinner Dolphins are active in this area from October through April. We were told that seeing upwards of 200 dolphins is not unheard of! The winter season is also a great time to snorkel or dive off the coast at Bar Reef, one of the largest reefs in South Asia! Guesthouses are usually your best bet to arrange tours in Kalpitiya, prices seemed to be pretty consistent regardless of where you book.

Anuradhapura Ancient City

Even farther out of the Kalpitiya limits is the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Once the capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is most notable in modern Sri Lanka for its well preserved ancient ruins. If cultural exploration and temple meandering gets you stoked, then consider taking the journey here.

Keep in mind that entrance to the ruins will set you back $25 USD per person.

Stay

Getting There

airport, Language & Currency Information

Nearest International Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Negombo, Sri Lanka

Language: Sinhalese and Tamil are the official languages, however basic English is somewhat common especially among those who work in tourism.

Learning a few phrases such as hello in any local language goes a long way and will surely earn you some smiles.

Sinhalese: Hello-Ayubowan // Thank You-Istuti

Tamil: Hello-Vanakkam // Thank You-Nanri

(We used Ayubowan and Istuti most often during our stay in Sri Lanka.)

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupees (Rs or LKR)

The airport is a great place to withdraw local currency. Please see our note on ATMs in Kalpitiya below

Vaccines & Visa Information

Visa Information: Visas are available on arrival but require you to wait in an additional line to get approved which could take 10 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the time and day. We chose to do an E-Visa ahead of time. As citizens of the United States we were granted a 30 day visa for $35; we were approved within a couple of days. We simply printed out the confirmation and handed it to the agent upon arrival. Thinking of overstaying your Sri Lankan visa? We heard from multiple people that Sri Lanka takes this very seriously; overstaying a visa here could come with a $100 a day penalty. We were unable to confirm this with officials, but decided not to take any chances ourselves!

Click on the links below for further information

Recommended Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, & Rabies

Rabies

Scroll Over To Find Out Whether Or Not Getting A Rabies Vaccine Is Right For You.

We had a bit of a rabies scare at one point in our trip. We ended up visiting a hospital in Kandy during the wee morning hours only to be laughed out of a consultation room (apparently, cat scratches are not always deserving of a rabies vaccine!). While each case is different, through our little adventure we were informed most rabies vaccines are typically started as a series of shots after a potential transfer of rabies. Check with your medical provider to see what they would recommend. If possible, see if you can get your home providers email information so you can easily contact them abroad!

Japanese Encephalitis

Scroll Over To Read About How We Got Our Vaccines Abroad

We've been told by numerous medical advisors that this is only a concern if you are staying for a duration of greater than 30 days in rural areas. We chose to get the vaccine due to our extended itinerary and visits to rural areas throughout Southeast Asia. These shots were quite expensive in the United States and we decided to get the vaccine in Kandy, Sri Lanka! We had a great experience and were able to save some money. IAMAT is an excellent resource for finding English speaking doctors abroad.

Click Here To Check Out IAMAT

ATMs in Kalpitiya are located along the Palavi-Kalpitiya road near the police station. There are two main ones, Ceylon Bank and People’s Bank. Our card was denied multiple times at one, but worked just fine at the other. We called our bank, Charles Schwab, to see what the issue was. They recommended to try the other ATM, which worked just fine! After this experience, many locals informed us that sometimes just one ATM will work. If you are having issues, it could be beneficial to try both ATMs. When we withdrew during bank opening hours, the staff inside of People’s Bank were very kind and helped us switch out some larger bills for smaller ones.

Travel To Location

Below are some options for travel from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Kalpitiya town. Please keep in mind, as there are numerous guesthouses, routes will vary slightly once in Kalpitiya.

Private Taxi

This is the fastest and easiest option, which is most welcome after a long-haul flight. Many guesthouses will arrange this for you. We paid 8,000 Rupees for two people and our luggage, this included a 500 Rupee toll fee to use the expressway in Colombo.

There are numerous taxis outside of the airport, prices vary as well as car conditions.

Railway

After the train you can take a tuk tuk to destination or bus to town

To take the train, you will need to first make your way to Katunayake Railway Station. This is a very short distance, about five kilometers, and a taxi or tuk tuk will be the easiest option. From Colombo Fort there are three trains with service to Palavi Station daily, two of which run seven days a week. Once in Palavi, bus #7 runs hourly to Kalpitiya, costing about 75 Rupee per person. You can catch the #7 bus next to the Palavi railway station. Please note, there is less space on the buses for large bags. We were able to store both of our 130L Osprey Transporter duffel in the back of the bus; fitting a large kiteboard bag on a bus in Sri Lanka will be a bit of a challenge, though not unheard of.

Available Seven Days A Week

Train #3404: Departs Katunayake 05:09 – Arrives 08:09

Train #3411: Departs Katunayake 09:14 – Arrives 12:28

Available Monday – Friday

Train #3417: Departs Katunayake 13:04 – Arrives 15:43

Price: Third class tickets cost 90 Rupees per person for all of the trains mentioned above.

Bus

After the bus you can take a tuk tuk to destination or bus to town

To catch a bus to Kalpitiya from the Negombo area first make your way to the Katunayake bus station, a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from the airport. There are frequent buses which head towards Kalpitiya. Typically, bus schedules in Sri Lanka are a loose concept with buses leaving when they are full. Look for a bus headed North, common ones include Jaffna, Anuradhapura, or Puttalam bound transports. Ask around for a bus that will stop in Palavi or Puttalam. From those two stops, there are buses which run very frequent to Kalpitiya. Bus #7 runs hourly to Kalpitiya, costing about 75 Rupee per person. You can catch the #7 bus next to the Palavi railway station. The main bus station in Kalpitiya is close to the police station. There are plenty of tuk tuks here throughout the day to hire for the rest of the route to your accommodation.

Prepare for an adventure! Sri Lanka buses are, among other things, an inexpensive way to get around and a great way to catch up on the latest Bollywood film or cricket match. They can be confusing; surrounded by varying information and full of random stops. Our best advice is to talk to the bus conductor when boarding and paying for your ticket. Confirm where you want to go, and communicate with them what stop you need to depart at. Pay attention and stay on top of the route to make sure you don’t miss your stop. We’ve had buses nearly pull away with our gear still inside. Having Google Maps pulled up (if you load directions while you have WiFi, often they will stay up without any data or connection) is an invaluable tool for recognizing where you are in relation to your final destination. With that being said, buses are a great way to get around and take in the local culture.

If you are more comfortable with booking prior to arrival in Sri Lanka, the button below will take you to a private website where it is possible to book a luxury bus from Katunayake to Puttlam. We did not use this service, but include it here for your convenience. Keep in mind these will be more expensive and you will still need to seek transport to Kalpitiya from Puttalam.

After you book your accommodation we recommend reaching out to see what kind of transportation they offer as well as getting contact information for the establishment for some on the go questions. This is helpful if the taxi or tuk tuk driver is having a hard time locating the accommodation as they will usually ask for a phone number so that they can call for directions.

Travel By Tuk Tuk

Tuk tuks are a classic mode of transportation in Sri Lanka, and definitely a unique experience. They are great for shuttling in and out of Kalpitiya town as well as organizing kitesurfing trips. Many tuk tuk drivers are more than willing to drop you off at a kitesurfing spot and return back at an agreed upon time to retrieve you. If you are a confident rider eager to explore, it could be possible to organize your own downwinder by communicating the pick up site and time with your tuk tuk driver.

Accommodation

There are multiple areas to stay throughout the Kalpitiya area; new resorts are popping up frequently. The choice comes down to if you want to stay at a kite specific resort or not. If you do prefer a kite specific resort consider if you want to stay at a place which includes full room and board and transfers to kite spots. Keep in mind, regardless of where you stay, at most sites transport to a launch spot is necessary. When you stay with an all inclusive kite resort, transport to the kite spots typically runs on a schedule and is included in the stay. Below we’ve listed a range of resorts that are very kitesurf friendly in the Kalpitiya area. Please note we have listed prices in the local currency. Some resorts list prices in Euros and U.S. Dollars, we’ve converted those amounts to the current exchange rate as of October 2018.

Budget

Kite Life Resort

A low key guesthouse hosted by Ruwan, fellow kiter and helpful guide. This was where we chose to stay during our time in Kalpitiya. The breakfasts here are amazing and authentic, definitely our favorite part of our stay. Ruwan is full of information and is great at helping set up travel to the various kitesurfing spots around Kalpitiya. He also advised us of information that we could not find online, for example a direct bus from Kalpitiya to Mannar.

~ 3,500 LKR / per night

Kite House Cafe

The best location on Kappalady lagoon, staff at Kite House Cafe are extremely helpful in setting up kitesurfing lessons and great non-wind excursions. The vibe here is very relaxed, with prices ranging from $15 to $23 per night to stay in Kite House’s tents or bungalows with breakfast included. You can launch right from the resort no transportation necessary. If there is a light wind day we saw kayaks and sups going out into the lagoon, though we do not know if this was an extra charge or not.

2,500 – 4,000 LKR / per night

mid-range

Ruuk Village

Looking for a unique place to stay in Kalpitiya? Ruuk Village just may be it! This off the grid camp focuses on providing sustainable accommodations close to the Kalpitiya main lagoon. They’ve even made the awesome effort to ban plastic from their grounds. Prices range from 25 euros – 71 euros per person, including the option to sleep in a Volkswagen camper bus!

5,000 – 14,000 LKR / per person

Kitesurfing Lanka

One of the more well known kitesurf resorts in the area, kitesurfing Lanka comes highly rated for it’s strong community vibe and friendly atmosphere. Choose deluxe tents, bungalows or a large multi bedroom villa. Kitesurfing Lanka runs numerous organized trips and hosts open mic nights as well as frequent BBQ’s at their camp.

You can also set up a trip to their sister resort in Mannar.

6,900 – 11,900 LKR / per night

high-end

The Kite Rascals

This spot is one of the most luxurious in the area. Modern rooms, a pool, and a picturesque wooden deck stretching out over the Kalpitiya lagoon make Kite Rascals a next level spot to base your kitesurfing adventures out of. Accomodations range from 75 to 100 euro and include full board. Kite Rascals will even deliver lunch to the lagoon for those who want to maximize time on the water!

14,800 – 19,800 LKR / per night

De Silva

De Silva is a popular resort with two different locations, their Wind Resort and Palm Resort. Wind Resort has a wonderful location on Kalpitiya lagoon with spectacular sunset views. The onsite bar and volleyball courts create a fun community vibe. Choose from cabana or large guesthouse for lodging options. The Palm Resort is located 200 meters from the Wind Resort and offers more upscale accommodation. Ideal for families and couples, the grounds feature a pool with the options of full board or breakfast only.

Wind Resort: 6,900 – 35,000 LKR / per night

Palm Resort: 7,900 – 26,800 LKR / per night

eat

In Sri Lanka, it’s all about the fresh and the spicy. Formidable seasons provide access to consistently fresh vegetables year round. Bold spices blend together, bringing out an intriguing blend of flavors in dishes that range from inexpensive finger foods to a feast of curries. The staples of Sri Lankan food are rice, coconut and spices. Be prepared to be astounded at the varieties of food that can be created with these three pillars! Keep an eye out for deviled dishes, mouthwatering sweet and spicy concoctions that showcase the unique and intriguing flavors Sri Lankan cuisine brings to the table.

Top Local Eats

Anything Coconut

Coconut lovers rejoice! An insane amount of food is derived from coconuts in Sri Lanka, from noodles, to pastries, to pol sambol; the classic chili spiced sidekick to any truly authentic breakfast here. Eat or drink your way into a tropical dream state. Keep an eye out for the almost neon orange king coconut, and mentally prepare your taste buds to be spoiled. Drinking the sweet nectar of the king coconut has surely ruined us for any other coconut water from here on out!

Rice & Curry

Ahh, the bedrock of Sri Lankan cuisine. Boldly spiced and every bit mouthwatering, the curry in Sri Lanka is quite unlike curry elsewhere. In fact, it differed greatly all over the island. From beautifully spiced vegetables to delicate slices of fish marinating in tumeric bliss, this is a meal worth trying wherever you visit in Sri Lanka. Typically, curry is a lunch specific meal and many great local spots are likely to run out later in the day. After picking your choice of protein (vegetable only is an option, including jackfruit curry at many spots) prepare for a table filled with small bowls of tasty side dishes. Some of our favorites were beetroot, fresh green beans, and the always scrumptious garbanzo beans!

Short Eats

In Sri Lanka, fast bites from local counters are referred to as short eats. However, feel free to order a bunch and turn your meal into a long feast, we certainly did! Hoppers are among the most common of Sri Lankan street foods. Served plain or with an egg cooked in them, these crunchy bowl shaped treats are derived from none other than, (drumroll please) COCONUTS! Coconut milk, mixed with rice flour and eggs and cooked in small cast iron bowl shaped pans create these delectable delights. String hoppers share the name but are quite different! String hoppers look almost like small nests of angel hair pasta. Both styles of hoppers are commonly served with a small assortment of curry sauces, dahl and pol sambol. Samosas are a common short eat as well as rotti, a classic Sri Lankan street food consisting of soft flatbread with various fillings wrapped up inside.

In Kalpitiya, it is likely that you will be eating at or near your guesthouse. Given the rural area, guesthouses are very accommodating with providing meals. Often times it is included in the price of your stay. The town of Kalpitiya is a small city, primarily bustling with locals with not much infrastructure for tourism. It is in these types of conditions, however, that more often than not some amazing food can be found! If you find yourself venturing into Kalpitiya town, below are some of our recommended spots on where to eat in Kalpitiya. But first, check out some of our delicious and authentic Sri Lankan breakfasts we enjoyed at Kite Life Resort!

Kalpitya Town

Star Hotel

We lucked upon Star Hotel during a city-wide power outage. This place was serving up the goods in the dark! The fried rice here is incredible, and with a side of warm rottis the total cost set us back a mere 200 Rs. Prepare to eat to your heart’s content among locals in this small and humble shop.

Price: Fried Rice & Plain Rotti 200 Rs

Halal Food

THE place for hoppers and curry in Kalpitiya. Like most curry spots in Sri Lanka, the dishes are made ahead of time, left to simmer on a heated buffet. Order with staff and they will bring the dishes to you. A common hangout for locals sipping milk tea and lounging around. This shop also offers a small selection of various snacks.

Price: Plain Hoppers 15 Rs // Egg Hoppers 45 RS

Bakery Cart

Ah, bakery carts, the heartbeat of Sri Lanka! Listen for the sounds of these special tuk tuks as they make their rounds. Typically playing “Fur Elise” from a speaker, in Kalpitiya these carts passed even the most rural of areas usually very early in the morning or around 18:00. The pizzas were veggie dense and wonderful, as were the chicken samosas. Grab a sugar bun (or two!) for desert!

Price: Pizzas 35 Rs // Chicken Samosa 35 Rs

Kalpitiya Village Restaurant

Not feeling a journey into town? Kalpitiya Village Restaurant is one of the few eating establishments located close to Kalpitiya lagoon. Take in the view of the salt flats nearby and enjoy a wide menu with great options for everyone. We enjoyed some great vegetable omelets here and heard lovely things about the prawns as well.

Price: Vegetable Omelet 200 Rs

Subra

Come get your folders! Unsure of what it is? So were we! This place came highly recommended by locals so we gave it a try. The cook directed us to the chicken folder when asked what the most delicious item was. A house recipe, the folder is essentially like a sandwich with a homemade soft pita-esque bread on the outside. It was mouthwatering! Subra is closed on Sundays.

Price: Crispy Chicken Folder 450 Rs

Fish Market

The local fish market is located in Kalpitiya town near the harbor. Here you will find many fisherman selling their daily catch from 08:00 to 17:00. Go earlier for a broader selection. We picked up some tuna here for around 350 Rs per kilo. Many guesthouses will help you arrange a BBQ or cook the catch for you. Check in advance.

Price: Varies based on catch and size

Many residents of Kalpitiya are Muslim. Be aware that the call to prayer affects the timing of things, most businesses in town take an afternoon break and resume business at 16:00.