Kitulgala White-Water Rafting

Kitulgala, in the forested valley of the Kelani River around two and a half to three hours’ drive from Colombo, is Sri Lanka’s best-known white-water rafting area. The river was a filming location for the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai, and the surrounding lowland rainforest is rich in birdlife.

After a safety briefing on the bank, you board a paddle raft with a trained guide and work as a team through a stretch of rapids, typically around five kilometres. Between the white water there are calmer pools where you can slip overboard and float with the current. The run itself usually takes one to two hours, and the half day includes kitting out, transfers along the river and time to dry off and warm up with a cup of tea.

Good to know

• River levels depend on rainfall and on releases from upstream hydropower schemes, including the Broadlands project, so conditions can change at short notice; we confirm a few days ahead.
• Age and health limits apply; rafting is not suitable during pregnancy or for those with back or heart conditions, and you should be comfortable in water.
• Wear swimwear or quick-dry clothing and secure sandals or water shoes, and bring a change of clothes; helmets and life jackets are worn throughout.
• Morning runs are most common, leaving the afternoon free for the drive onward.

Rafting can be added to any private itinerary, typically on the journey between Colombo and the hill country, with timing arranged around you.