Coastal habitats provide nesting and feeding grounds for hundreds of species of resident and migrant birds.Kalpitiya has an old Dutch Fort (1667), built on an older Catholic shrine. It guarded the strategic entrance to the large lagoon. The Dutch attempted to control King Rajasingha's trade with India. Maps drawn during the Dutch period gave it the name "Calpentyn". This supports the possibility that today's "Kalpitiya" was originally known as "Galpatuna" at some earlier period. Despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area of KALPITIYA in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably untouched by tourism. But for those lucky enough to visit, there's a plethora of things to see and do! With the small close-knit fishing community dominating the lives of the local people, visitors can get a real insight into working life away from the city. After watching the night fishing boats return in the morning, a visit to one of the fish markets offers the opportunity to choose the evening meal direct from the fresh catch! The Dutch Fort and St Peter's Kerk church in the town itself are interesting examples of Sri Lanka's rich history and colonial past.