Kalpitiya, a new unique tourism destination in South Asia

Jan. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Kalpitiya a stretch of land 150 kilometres North of Colombo is skirted by sea on one side and lagoon on the other. There are many islands - small and large formed within both sea and lagoon. These islands are a treat to see. Most of these, especially the ones by the lagoon, are covered with green mangroves.

Sri Lanka Tourism has launched an exciting tourism development project based in Kalpitiya in a bid to place Sri Lanka as one the most sought after destinations in South Asia at the end of the next decade.  Fourteen unspoilt islands basking in the sun rimmed by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean and wide sandy beaches await to be discovered by the discerning visitors in all its glory.

There about 22 species of core mangroves found in Sri Lanka. According to botanists, out of the 22, some very rare species are found in habitats in these islands. One such find in the island is locally known in Sinhala as “Rathambilla” is an endangered species.  Even without botanical interest, vegetation on the islands is a treat for the lay visitor who values nature at its unspoilt best.

In addition, these islands and other wetlands around have been habitats for local and migratory birds of different species during the season of November and March each year.

Another specialty that the visitor will enjoy is the marine sanctuary extended to about 307 sq km. This includes in addition to tropical exotic fish, the coral formations found in shallow waters in varied colours and forms. Another salient feature for the connoisseur of nature in Kalpitiya is the dolphins, who can be spotted without sailing into deep seas. The fishermen consider dolphins as friends, who lend a hand to come to shore when they are unable to find their way.  In addition, sea turtles and whales also frequent the sea. There is a great amount of bio diversity in the area.  


The Kalpitiya Integrated Development Project (KITDP) will select certain islands best suited to be developed as resorts to generate environment friendly sustainable tourism. The attractions are varied; a Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary, lagoons, botanical gardens, virgin forests, fauna & flora, mangroves, exotic bird life, sea turtles, dolphins and whales. The islands will be developed to satisfy the needs of a varied visitor profile. Beach and sports lovers, underwater enthusiasts , golf enthusiasts, seekers of holistic medicine and spa treatments , up market clients wanting peace and tranquillity in luxurious surroundings, eco buffs, lovers of history and culture , yachting enthusiasts , business fraternity and young visitors in search of fun and excitement . Working on a 10-12 year plan, Sri Lanka Tourism is in the process of finalizing groundwork of this highly ambitious project.
                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Bernard Goonetilleke said “This project will not only develop the area which, has hitherto been un-explored but also provide employment to the people in the area, provide livelihood to the fishermen and improve the economic situation of Kalpitiya”
 
Attractions close to the proposed Kalpitiya resort are the
o   Wilpattu Sanctuary
o   Anuradhapura ancient city
o   Sigiriya
o   Panduwasnuwara
o   Yapahuwa
o   Dambadeniya
               

                                      -Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Azhara Aziz
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)
80 Galle Road,
Colombo 03
SRI LANKA
Tel: +94 (0) 112.437.055 / 59 / 60  Ext 295
Fax: +94 (0) 112.440.001
Web: www.srilanka.travel
Email: azhara@srilanka.travel

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