Kalpitiya is the top north city in a beautiful stretch of land separated from the mainland by lagoon on one side and sea on the other. Nearly about 150 kms away from the capital, Kalpitiya identified as the latest tourist destination of Sri Lanka. 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.
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Upali Fernando |
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. The Kalpitiya project is meant to create a new, exclusive tourism destination in South Asia and according to the Sri Lanka Tourism, is probably the best opportunity for the future of the tourism industry in SriLanka.
But the present situation is quite different to future perceptions. For years Kalpitiya was recognized as dry and remote area.
Apart from the beauty of the lagoon and the sighting of Whales and Dolphins in the sea, the area remains rustic for travellers. Taniya Nature Resort is one of the few hospitality service providers in the area.
Located in a four acre land in Kurindipitiya, Taniya Nature Resort is just a couple of kilometres away from the Kalpitiya town, the only city centre in the entire stretch of land.
Taniya Nature Resort has fourteen standard rooms including four triples and two A/C rooms. ‘We are just five years old, but have gained a name among Sri Lankan clientele for comfortable lodging. We do not promise luxury holidays but the necessity has created Taniya Resort as the most sought after place in the area’ said Upali Leonard Fernando, the proprietor of the place.
Though the resort has rather dry land around it, the man made lake around the hotel has brought the natural harmony to the place. ‘It has created a feeding place to many birds and other wildlife as the lake bears many spies of fish’ he added.
Taniya Hotel is the only available place for the pilgrims visiting Thalawila St Anne’s Church, which is 14 kms away from the Resort. ‘The occupancy was good during the festive season, but had dropped slightly after that. Apart from the religious travellers, we get adventure holiday makers visiting Kalpitiya. All they want is Dolphin watching and fresh sea food’ said Manager Lal Jayawickrema.
As he mentioned correctly, Taniya Resort serves the best sea food cuisine in Kalpitiya. Straight from the lagoon, crabs, prawns, lobsters and cuttle fish are some of the favourite dishes of the resort.
‘We arrange adventure tours on request. Visiting the Dutch Fortress and Church, Dolphin and Whale watching, boat rides in the lagoon, sea ferries to near by islands are possible. Though the Whales are seasonal, Dolphins are a common sight in the lagoon. Sometimes dolphins can be spotted without sailing into deep seas’ Upali said.
The coral formations found in shallow waters in varied colours and forms and are considered as the biggest in Sri Lanka. The islands around Kalpitiya are far most adventurous than any part of the island. Baththalangunduwa, Gamewadiya are two of the best locations in the off sea.
‘Gamewadiya’ is the delta point of Kala Oya, off Wilpattu National Park. Spending a night here is as much adventurous as in Amozon’ said Uplai, who has expert in off shore adventure trips.
The price at the Taniya Nature Resort is quite reasonable and it ranges from Rs 1250/- plus service charge per double and Rs. 2500/- per A/C room.
For more information call 032 2260525, 0773106832 and 0727192021.
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