Rafting

Rafting in Sri Lanka is a thrilling adventure that offers an exhilarating way to experience the island's natural beauty. The Kelani River in Kitulgala is the country's premier rafting destination, featuring rapids ranging from grade 2 to 4, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting is a challenging recreational activity and an exhilarating water sport. Yet contrary to the public belief, White Water Rafting is not a sport that demands great physical strength.

An average level of physical fitness and a strong spirit would do. White Water Rafting, generally enjoyed in the white-waters as well as in other turbulent waters, brings about an enthralling experience to the water sport enthusiasts.

Though the ability to swim is a definite advantage, a compulsory Personal Flotation Device will be provided, a necessary outfit for a White Water Rafting as it is guaranteed to save you from drowning if you fall overboard.

However those suffering from heart ailments, epilepsy as well as those who are uncomfortable in turbulent waters aren’t advised to go White Water Rafting. Some of the rivers of Sri Lanka afford the opportunity for recreational activists and water sport enthusiast to enjoy White Water Rafting. The small town of Kitulgala in the hill country is the most famous place in Sri Lanka to do so.

River Grade Rafting Time Kithulgala / Kelani River 2 – 3 rapids 2 hrs Sitawaka 3 – 4 rapids 2-2.5 hrs Mahaweli 3 – 5 rapids 3-3.5 hrs

About Kitulgala

Kitulgala is located about 80 kilometres from Colombo on the A7 main road that runs to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella. Kitulgala is a pleasant town set amidst green hills thick with tropical vegetation. The name Kitulgala itself is derived from the Kitul palm tree, groves of which are abound in the expanses. Kitul sap is concentrated and then crystallized to produce jaggery. Kitul sap is also fermented to make palm wine.

Kitulgala is the movie location of where David Lean’s 1957 epic, Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. A calm stretch in the River Kelani between two rocky outcrops on either side is the movie location where the railway bridge for the movie was constructed. The water flows silently in this stretch of the river, which is quite deep and sluggish.

River Kelani at Kitulgala

The boulder strewn stretch of the Kelani River at Kitulgala offers an ideal setting for White Water Rafting. White Water Rafting at Kitulgala gives the chance to enjoy the stunning tropical scenery of the region. This adrenaline filled adventure sport is suitable for first time rafters and experts alike.

Kitulgala Town and its Surroundings

The town of Kitulgala is situated on a particularly delightful stretch of the Kelani River where the rapids over the rock-strewn river bed are exhilarating. The high banks of the river are sheltered by tall bamboo trees.

Bird Watching at Kitulgala

Kitulgala also attracts bird watching enthusiasts and nature lovers in addition to the White Water Rafters in view of the birdlife abound in the Kitulgala Forest Reserve. Most of the birds found in the Sinharaja Rain Forest are seen at Kitulgala too. Since the Kitulgala Forest Reserve is a secondary forest that is more open than the densely wooded Sinharaja, the endemic species like Orange-billed babbler, chestnut-backed owlet, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Green-billed Coucal and Spot-winged Thrush are spotted with lesser trouble.