Why Visit Negombo, Kalpitiya and Wilpattu
Responsible Tourism: We are Sri Lanka’s only Travel Partner endorsed by The Long Run - a community that ensures travel experiences have a positive impact. Our private trips restore. Each customized slow travel itinerary is driven by a purpose to help you explore the unusual and support several responsible tourism initiatives. Above all, we encourage a healthy respect for authentic local interactions.
These hidden gems in Sri Lanka’s North Western region are worth a visit, especially if you know a local insider and an experienced Naturalist. The architecture, history and the best restaurants of Negombo are worth a day on arrival or just before departure. Kalpitiya is known for its quiet beaches, dolphins, whales and kitesurfing. For seasoned wildlife enthusiasts, a private safari in Sri Lanka’s largest and most beautiful National Park of Wilpattu – a RAMSAR Wetland, is unbeatable.
The wide but not swimmable beaches of Negombo are dotted with the colourful, distinctly unusual fishing catamarans.
We love Negombo’s fantastic café and pub vibe at night, the fish market and spectacular churches.
Enjoy a boat safari to watch spinner dolphins and their acrobatics in Kalpitiya - one of Asia’s best destinations to see dolphins, sometimes in their hundreds! The best time to see dolphins in Kalpitiya is between November to March.
Kalpitiya is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Sri Lanka. Perfect for surfers of all levels - from beginners to professional free-stylers. The kitesurfing season in Kalpitiya is from May to October with winds between 20-25 knots.
The unique beauty of Wilpattu National Park is its wetland clusters called ‘Villus’ explored with an experienced Naturalist. The Park is best for seasoned wildlife watching as the density of wildlife is less than in Yala National Park.
Enjoy a privately guided birdwatching safari in Wilpattu with Ayu in the Wild’s Naturalists to learn about life around the wetland ecosystems, and maybe to spot the elusive leopard and sloth bear. The best time to visit Wilpattu is during the dry season from May to September.
Explore the unique Anawilundawa Sanctuary - another RAMSAR Wetland for birdwatching in the North Western region with Ayu in the Wild’s Naturalists.
To plan an itinerary with a visit to Negombo, Kalpitiya and Wilpattu
Negombo should only be used as a base on arrival or departure due to its proximity to the international Airport. Although travel advice to Sri Lanka sometimes suggests using it as a base to explore Kalpitiya or a safari to Wilpattu National Park – it is too far and not recommended. For more updated travel advice to Sri Lanka, speak with the Travel Designers of Ayu in the Wild for bespoke trips to discover Negombo, Kalpitiya and Wilpattu National Park with a Naturalist.
Accommodation
Luxurious modern 5* hotels, colonial boutique mansions, small Boutique Resorts, 4* resorts.
Perfect for
All travellers, and particularly for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Customized
All experiences are only offered as part of tailor-made trips with Ayu in the Wild which are customized to the interests, ages, and for accessible travel requirements. Each bespoke itinerary ensures a positive impact on the location.
The above is just a quick glimpse into Negombo and the North Western region of Sri Lanka. To experience these highlights on your holiday, send us an enquiry. Ayu in the Wild is a 100% Sri Lankan owner-run boutique travel agency based in Sri Lanka, curating tailor made private trips that restore and regenerate, since 2012. Discover Sri Lanka with the island’s only Travel Partner of The Long Run - a membership community committed to holistic sustainability. Founders of @sustainabletravelsrilanka
