Kalpitiya Beach Camping – A Beginner’s Guide

Beach Camping, a cliché yet something that I have never tried. With wanderlust in my mind, I set my soul to step on the sandy beaches of Kalpitiya.

Preparations

There are few things that one must consider when it comes to beach camping depending on the season.
1. Rain
2. Wind
3. Sand

So it is important to carry a tent that is waterproof (well one without any leaks). The next concern is heavy wind. It is important to make sure that the tent can withstand the heavy wind. It is also important to take some extra ropes with you. The last concern is sand. If it rains you are in for a treat of sand inside your tent. So take a brush or a separate piece of cloth so you can wipe out the sand from your feet before you get into the tent.

Getting There

There are two options.

1. Train
2. Bus

Take a bus which is heading to Puttalam, and take the ticket to Pallavi Junction (250 LKR). Then take Kalpitiya Bus from Pallavi Junction (75 LKR). It is easy. You can either walk to Kudawa beach or take a Tuk Tuk which will cost around 300 to 400 LKR.

Food and Supplies

There are shops in both Pallavi Junction and Kalpitiya where you can buy bread, chicken, water to anything that you need. Plan your meals in advance.

Camping Grounds

It is easy to find a camping spot in Kalpitiya Beach. There are wadi (huts that are used by kite surfers) which you can use to spend the night. It is advisable to talk to the caretaker of the place. They often let you spend the night there. One of the caretakers offered us to stay in one of their huts after seeing the tent.

Also, you can simply pitch the tent on sand (away from the shoreline 😛 because you don’t want the sea waves to take your tent away). The coordinates for where I pitch the tent can be found here.

Places to Have a Bath

You need to be careful. Since the sea is deep near wadiya area, it is not advisable to bath in that area. The lagoon is ideal for a night bath. If you crave for a sea bath during the night, it is advisable to camp at small harbour, a place we visited on the following day. (Refer the map).

 

Attractions Around Kalpitiya

Apart from beach camping, there are many more places to visit and activities to do.

Kite Surfing at Kalpitiya

This is the main reason for most foreigners to visit Kalpitiya. Even though it is bit expensive, the sport itself is interesting and demanding.

Dutch Fort & Army Camp

This is one of the main attractions in Kalpitiya. It has tunnels leading to other islands as well as to the Dutch Church. The Dutch Fort represents the technology and smartness of the Dutch people. The army personnel will guide you through the history and architectural significance of the place.

Dutch Church

The abandoned Dutch Church was once used by the Dutch along with the Dutch Fort. The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful engravings on stone.

Norochcholai Power Plant

The newly built Norochcholai coal power plant can be visited. It is advised to call them before the visit. A guide on how the power plant works will be provided.

Bathalanguduwa Island

A fishing village which is isolated from the mainland. The village is rural and doesn’t have electricity. The only way to get to the island is by a Ferry which leaves around 8 in the Morning. The nature and humanity of the people are still preserved in this tiny island.

Did you like beach camping ? yes or no it doesn’t matter ! there are other options for you. Take a look at other camping options here. Also, take a minute and check out the Kalpitiya beach camping album !