Immerse yourself in nature within this charming beach retreat, perfectly situated for dolphin and whale watching trips. Stay in beautiful beach cabanas and relax in front of a pristine beach and infinity pool.
Location: Set between the Indian Ocean and the vast Puttlam Lagoon, Kalpitiya is a peaceful coastal escape around 130 km north of Katunayake International Airport. The Bar Reef Resort, on the golden sands of Alankuda Beach, offers a serene base for exploring this pristine peninsula.
Rooms: Accommodation is spread across seven garden cabanas, seven beach cabanas, and two villas, each designed with privacy in mind. Nestled in landscaped enclosures and surrounded by nature, all feature open-air bathrooms and rustic charm, blending comfort with the outdoors.
Amenities: The resort’s centrepiece is a striking 40-metre infinity pool overlooking the ocean, perfect for lazy afternoons and sunset views. Guests can unwind at the Beach Club, a relaxed restaurant and juice bar where fresh meals and sundowners are served in a laid-back atmosphere.
Activities: Kalpitiya is renowned for its marine life, and Alankuda Beach is one of Sri Lanka’s best places to embark on dolphin and whale watching excursions. The resort also caters to active travellers with a wealth of water sports including kite surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and snorkelling, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Sustainability: Bar Reef Resort has been consciously designed to blend into its natural environment, with open-air bathrooms, eco-friendly building materials, and individually landscaped cabanas that minimise impact on the land. Water and energy use is carefully managed, and the resort supports the conservation of Kalpitiya’s fragile marine ecosystem, including local efforts to protect dolphins and whales. By sourcing ingredients and supplies locally, the resort also contributes to the livelihood of nearby communities while reducing its environmental footprint.
Best places to stay in Northern Sri Lanka
Northern Sri Lanka Trip Inspiration
When to visit Sri Lanka
Find out the best time to visit Sri Lanka with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit different regions in Sri Lanka, temperatures will be warm and basking in sunshine, meaning the cultural triangle, beaches, national parks and hill country could all be visited during January. However, the central hills will be cooler than other regions due to their altitude.
February
February is much like January, with long sunny days and calm seas. Visitors travelling during this month have a higher chance of spotting sperm and blue whales.
March
March is considered the best time to visit the central hills, although cooler than other regions in Sri Lanka there is less chance of rains in March.
April
Typically April, is the hottest and driest month of the year, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees if you're travelling to Golden Triangle regions. It is a great month to head to Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, with clear skies and long sunny days.
- Top Tip: when sightseeing visit in the mornings and evenings as you will avoid the hottest part of the day.
May
In May, the south is humid and increasingly hot whilst hill country is cooler with a higher chance of rainfall. We recommend travelling to the North and east of the island during May witnessing the unique history and culture of Sri Lanka.
- Vesak Poya, takes place during the first full moon, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
June
During June, temperatures in the south continue to be increasingly hot and humid as the southwest monsoon blows through the country. Southern regions will experience short sharp showers which tend to pass quite quickly.
July
As the summer holidays commence in July, Sri Lanka is in peak season, with temperatures staying around 30 degrees all month. If you're looking to explore Sri Lanka and visit different areas July is a great time to visit.
August
In August, the warm days continue with temperatures remaining in the high twenties. All in all it is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.
September
All in all September is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.
October
October brings with it the monsoon rains which affect the whole country, in saying this the weather remains warm and sunny. The monsoon can be unpredictable, rains can be heavy, sporadic or not come at all it is impossible to forecast.
November
In November the monsoon continues, with conditions affecting the whole country.
December
During December the monsoon rains can continue, however the southern and western coasts dry out and become warm and dry. The monsoon rains, means during December the landscapes become lush and full, meaning it is a beautiful time to explore the more rural areas of Sri Lanka.
Speak to a Sri Lanka expert today
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