Activities in Negombo, Wilpattu and Kalpitiya
Land at Colombo’s international airport to the north of the capital and you alight at the southern tip of Sri Lanka’s north -west coat . The convenient beach resort of Negombo is the biggest tourist hotspot but if you travel further north you also discover the beautiful game park of wilpattu , the remote coastal town of kalpitiya where you can go whale and dolphins spotting and Mannar, a joy for birdwatchers, where wading birds migrate annually in large numbers.
Negombo succeeds largely as a tourist oriented beach resort, but there are things to do in this easy- going town other than visit the simple beach bars and restaurants or top up your tan and watch the fishing boats on the horizon.
The muthurajawela Marshes a tidal wetland area lies to the south and several churches tell of Negombo’s catholic heritage. A century ‘s old network of canals , linking Colombo’s seaport to Negombo, still function as active waterways and , even though they are not particularly well kept, they can be explored by boat, cycling or by foot.
Travel to wilpattu game park a little light on game perhaps ( although leopard sightings are quite common), but what it may lack in animals stocks it makes up for in beauty, you may also spot elephants, deer , water buffalo and sloth bear as well as a feast of birds and butterflies.
Activities in the somewhat remote coastal settlement of kalpitiya are water – based. Boat excursions into the deep seas to spot whales and dolphins are possible only from December to April when the seas are calm. As in Negombo, you can also enjoy a range of water sports here including windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling.
Nearby kalpitiya, the Annaiwiludawa wetlands refers to a cluster of freshwater reservoirs which act as an important wetland for many resident and migratory birds. Further up the coast , mannar is also a joy for committed birdwatcher, especially during migrant session from November to February.
KITESURFING
KITESURFING IN KALPITIYA
The kalpitiya Lagoon, sand banks, remote islets, reef and the ocean provide ideal kitesurfing sport in kalpitiya, Royal Road To Sri Lanka Tour partners with kitesurfing Lanka which is run by to experienced kitesurfes who are IKO ( international kite Boarding Organisation ) certified . Kitesurfing Lanka also run a school that offers introductory to advanced courses in kitesurfing, Equipment including the board , kite, harness, and boots are available for rent.BIRD WATCHING IN MANNAR ISLAND
Mannar Island is one of the best sports in Sri Lanka for spotting migratory birds. As well as other animals species. The Giant’s Tank, a feat of agricultural engineering when it was constructed more than 1,500 years ago, is now also popular for boating and fishing.WIND SURFING
Sri Lanka’s South coast also sometimes referred to as the Deep South – consist of delightful coral protected bays which hold particular Appeal for the independently minded travelers. In Royal Road eyes, it begins where the Galle coast ends we regard the dividing line as weligama and its tropical sandy beaches, water-sports and rural tranquility are ideal for a refreshing holiday.
WEST COAST
Windsurfing on the island was first started in Negombo pioneered by Lanka Sportreizen. Negombo continues to be popular for windsurfing during the season from December to April. Negombo also offers a range of water- sports including water- skiing , scuba diving and snorkeling.
SOUTH WEST COAST
Take advantage of the strong breezes on the west coast from December to March and head to Bentota.The sunshine water sports Center in Bentota is the only VDWS certified surf center on the island and provides training and certification for windsurfers. There is also the Club inter sport and Lanka sportreizen that provides a range of water-sports in Bentota.
EAST COAST
Sri Lanka’ equivalent of the Maldives, with never- ending white sandy beaches, coral islands and shimmering blue seas, the east coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island. This region is best visited from March to October when the seas are at their best. For windsurfing, head to the waters of north of Trincomalee in Nilaveli and Uppuveli.ANNAIWILUNDAWA WETLANDS
Annaiwilundawa meaning seven wetlands or tanks in Tamil, is the second largest Ramsar wetland in Sri Lanka. This is a very important wetland for many resident and migratory birds and its proximity to Colombo and Negombo makes this excellent day’s visit for birdwatchers stay in or close to Sri Lanka’s Capital. Annaiwilundawa was declared a sanctuary in 1997 though not protected by legislation, the cluster of irrigation tanks within the sanctuary are recognized as some of the most important habitats for both resident and migratory birds. The best time to visit Annaiwilundawa is during the months from October to April.WILLPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Wilpattu National Park consists of a complex of lakes called villus which are surrounded by grassy plains and set within scrub jungle. Many of the big game found in Wilpattu National Park including elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo , and spotted deer can be seen here, though the biggest attraction at wilpattu is the Sri Lankan Leopard. It covers an area of 131,000 hectares and is comprised of varying habitats including coastal belt, natural lakes, cliff tops, scrubland, open grasslands and dense forest. There are also some old wilpattu is among the oldest and most important protected areas in Sri Lanka and, being situated away from the common tourist routes, is a park which can be enjoyed in tranquil seclusion.
MAMMALS
Over 31 species of mammals have been recorded in wilpattu. Some of the regular big game seen in here include the Asian Elephants, Leopard, sloth Bear, wild Buffalo, spotted Deer, muntjac And Barking Deer which is the most common herbivore.
BIRDS
Endemic spotted here include Sri Lanka jungle Fowl, Brown – capped Babbler, Sri Lankan woodshrike And Black- capped Bulbul . Wilpattu is also very good for migrating birds like waterfowl and waders . Some of the commoner migrants seen include Black-tailed Godwit , common Redshank, common sandpiper , Great stone – curlew, whiskered Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt , Gargany And Northern Pintail . Forest birds include Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Small Cuckoo, Racket-tailed Drongo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Coppersmith Barbet, Red – wattled Lapwing , Brown Fish owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Crested Hawk Eagle And water birds include painted Storks , Asian Open-bill, Eurasian Spoonbill, And spot- billed Pelican.
REPTILES
Mugger crocodiles are frequently seen in the Wilpattu with a few species of fresh water Terrapins are also found in the park. Indian Rock Python, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra, sand boa, saw- scale viper and Hump nose viper.
BUTTERFLIES
Some butterflies recorded include the Great Eggfly , Great Orange Tip, Glad-Eye Bush- Brown, Blue Mormon , Common Mormon, common Rose and Crimson Rose.
Negombo Architecture
The Portuguese and Dutch settlers who came in the 17th- 18th centuries were intent on introducing Christianity to the north -west coastal villages and, as a result this area is scattered with several colonial period churches . As well as old churches, the Negombo fort and the five bastion fort of kalpitiya, both built during the colonial period, still remain. Negombo is also home to an old network of canals covering about 130 kilometers which is was developed by the Dutch, linking Colombo’s seaport to the North western coastal towns for transporting cinnamon and species, still function as active waterways full of life. These canal paths winding through the villages can be pleasantly explored by bicycle.
