
Kalpitiya
Sri Lanka
Why Visit?
Kalpitiya is emerging as Asia's top kiteboarding destination during both winter and summer. It features a variety of expansive flat spots with strong and consistent winds. The central area is ideal for beginners, offering flat, shallow waters and safety boats to ensure the best conditions for becoming an independent rider. Kitesurfing is relatively new in Kalpitiya, and the region remains largely untouched by large resorts and mass tourism. It’s the perfect getaway for kiters who appreciate tranquillity and nature, although there are occasionally lively parties as well!
Wind and Weather
From May to October, summer brings strong southwest winds that range from 18 to 30 knots, typically blowing almost 24 hours a day. The winter season, which lasts from mid-December to the end of February, features lighter northwest winds ranging from 12 to over 20 knots. Both seasons are very sunny, and the changing wind directions provide different riding spots each time, making for a unique experience.
Getting Around
The best way to get around is by hiring a tuk-tuk, which is a three-wheeler with a back seat. They are very affordable and provide an exotic way to explore the area. It’s also possible to rent bicycles, motorbikes, or scooters.
Food and Drink
Sri Lankan food is simple yet incredibly delicious. The cuisine features a variety of curry dishes made with an array of vegetables. In the numerous street shops, you can also find rolls and samosas. However, be cautious—each dish can be a surprise, and you never know how spicy it might be! Each year, new restaurants open, offering options like Thai food, pizzas, and burgers for those who might want a break from local cuisine.
No Wind?
The kite camps in the village provide a variety of activities, even when there is no wind. These include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, yoga, safaris, clam fishing, snorkelling, and dolphin watching (available only in winter).
De Silva Kiteschool also offers a range of fun options. These include Water Ball in its largest swimming pool, billiards, table tennis, badminton, bocce, beach volleyball, kayaking, SUP, food workshops, and guided cultural and adventure tours around the country.
Recommended Businesses
Internet
The internet in the village is typically fast, but depending on the location of the kite camp, it can sometimes be slower and less reliable. De Silva Kiteschool provides a stable and fast connection with fibre-optic internet.
Accommodation
There are a few guesthouses in the village, but they are quite far from the main kite spot. However, the kite camps located around the main area offer accommodations for all budgets, typically on a half-board basis.
De Silva Windresort Kalpitiya has the best location, as it is the only camp directly situated at the kitespot. It features a comfortable lounge area with a view of the lagoon and has won the Sri Lanka Tourism Award for Best Watersports Centre twice, making it the top choice among visitors.
Next to it is the De Silva Palmresort, a family-friendly hotel that includes the largest swimming pool in Kalpitiya. If you choose to stay at other kite camps, you will need to go downwind to reach the main spot or use their shuttle truck service.
School
De Silva Watersport Center
Award-Winning Watersports Destination
De Silva Watersport Centre is a top-rated destination for water sports in Sri Lanka, located in the windy region of Kalpitiya. Recognised with the Sri Lanka Tourism Award in 2018 and 2024, it offers ideal conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling – from beginner to advanced levels.
Top Offers & Activities:
Kitesurfing Lessons & Safaris
- Beginner to advanced courses with certified instructors\
- Private and group lessons available
- Daily boat shuttle to the best kite spots
- Downwinders & guided kite safaris
- Equipment rental and storage included
Windsurfing Packages
- Lessons led by national champion Upul De Silva
- Safe and shallow lagoon – ideal for learning
- All skill levels welcome
- Rental gear available on-site
Wing Foiling Experience
- New and trending sport combining windsurf and kite• Introductory lessons and gear included
- Perfect for those seeking a new challenge
Accommodation Options:
- De Silva Windresort: Laid-back eco resort with natural vibes
- De Silva Palmresort: More comfort and stylish tropical design
Both include access to:
- Pool and chillout terrace
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Two restaurants & beachfront location
- Free Wi-Fi in shared areas
Why Choose De Silva Watersport Centre?
- Direct lagoon and beach access
- Strong and steady wind conditions
- German and English-speaking staff
- Ideal for solo travellers, families, and digital nomads
- All-in-one packages: stay + lessons + equipment
Contact & Booking:
Get in touch via their website or email, or get in touch via WhatsApp: +94 77 704 7817
DeSilva Windresort
Flights
Rating 4.0
Sri Lanka
LKR (Sri Lankan rupee)
Sinhala Tamil
21,919,000
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
UTC+05:30
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By Stephane Decenciere
Stephane has been kiting since 2001 and working in the kite industry since 2006 in Martinique, Brazil, Vietnam. Now settled in Sri Lanka where he runs Srilankakite with 3 partners: Fabio Ingrosso, Philippe Bracher and Bao Perrenoud.
Been to Kalpitiya? What did you think?
Where are the Best Kitesurfing Beaches in Kalpitiya?
This is the central spot in the area, 800m wide and 2.5 km long. It offers various conditions, from super flat water to small chop. Crossing the sandbank and riding a horse in the open sea to play with the shorebreak and small waves is also possible.
- Wind: Side to side, onto side, off to offshore, depending on where you are riding in the lagoon.
- Waves: Out at sea
- Shorebreak: Yes
Warning: this is a world-class spot! In our opinion, it is one of the best spots in the world. Vella is a long, flat, and arched stretch of sand in the middle of the sea, located 25 km downwind of the main lagoon. The consistently strong wind blows offshore over it, creating a huge flat lagoon over 2km long. Vella only works in the summer season.
- Wind: Offshore
- Waves: No
- Shorebreak: No
At the end of the peninsula is a long, arched, flat beach 10km from the main lagoon. During the winter season, the wind comes over it and blows offshore in the lagoon. This is another huge, super flat spot.
- Wind: Offshore
- Waves: No
- Shorebreak: No
When is the Best Time to go Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya?
The windy months to go kitesurfing in Kalpitiya are January, February, May, June, July, August, September, October, December