On one side of the peninsula is the Indian Ocean, and on the other side is the Puttalam Lagoon. The lagoon has calm waters and small islands that are good places for camping. The wind patterns in this area decide the seasons and also affect the way many local people live and work.
The Puttalam Lagoon was formed over a long period of time. Around the lagoon there are natural environments such as salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass areas. These places attract many water birds, especially from October to March.
If you enjoy kite surfing, Kalpitiya is one of the best places to visit. People from many parts of the world come here for kite surfing because the wind and water conditions are very good. Even beginners can safely learn the sport here.
After about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north from Bandaranaike International Airport, you will travel along the beautiful coastal road. You will pass the town of Chilaw, important Ramsar wetlands, and the Anawilundawa Sanctuary. When you reach Palaviya junction, the road on the left takes you to Kalpitiya at the end of the peninsula, while the road on the right leads to Puttalam town.
The climate in this area is quite dry. In the distance you can see large windmills turning in the wind. You will also see salt pans, fishing areas, and sometimes wild donkeys near the roadside. These are clear signs that you have arrived in Puttalam.
Many years ago, these wild donkeys were common in Puttalam. Today their numbers are much smaller and they are mostly found around the Kalpitiya peninsula. People believe the donkeys were first brought to Sri Lanka by traders from the Middle East. Others think they came later during the Dutch period. They were used to carry goods such as salt from the salt pans at a time when there were no motor vehicles.
You can see small white piles that look like snow. These are actually salt that has been collected from the salt pans. The salt pans of Puttalam produce nearly one-third of the salt used in Sri Lanka. Water from the lagoon is moved into large shallow beds. When the water dries under the sun, salt crystals form. Both men and women work hard collecting the salt and carrying it on their heads from the hot salt pans. The salt is piled into heaps and kept under huts made of coconut leaves before it is packed and sold in the market.
Along the coast of Puttalam you can see tall windmills. They spin because this area has strong winds. Wind power has become more common in Sri Lanka in recent years. The country mostly depends on hydropower, but wind energy is also growing. Puttalam is also well known for coconut farming, which is an important part of Sri Lanka’s economy.
During the kite surfing season from May to October, the skies above Puttalam Lagoon, especially near Kalpitiya, are filled with colorful kites. The kites are controlled by surfers who move quickly across the water and perform exciting jumps and tricks in the air. Experienced surfers enjoy riding the strong waves of the Indian Ocean, while beginners prefer the calm waters of the lagoon.
A little away from the beaches are areas of salt marsh land. These places can be recognized by special plants that can grow in salty soil. These plants are short and grow close to the ground. Many birds such as sandpipers, godwits, terns, and gulls can often be seen searching for food in these marsh areas. They are also found near mangroves and old shrimp farms along the coast. During the bird migration season, Puttalam becomes a wonderful place for bird watchers. Even during other times of the year, seeing a group of beautiful grey francolins can be a special experience.
Along the coast of Puttalam Lagoon there are about 60 fishing landing sites. Fishermen bring their catches here every day. When they clean the fish, many birds such as gulls, terns, Brahminy kites, and marsh harriers come from different directions to find food.
One of the best ways to enjoy the peaceful beauty of this area is to take a boat ride in the lagoon or a canoe ride along the river. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as whale watching, scuba diving near Puttalam and Kalpitiya, snorkeling in shallow waters, or simply watching the beautiful sunset along the coast. These experiences can make your visit truly unforgettable.
What is it?
Google Ranked #1, the Heartfelt Expedition is a unique tour that invites tourists to personally engage in charitable events from the perspective of a local donor. Participants will be involved in school initiatives, elderly adoption, and community assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Discover authentic culture and make a difference by helping local communities.
