Adventure · Kitulgala
The Kelani river cuts through wet-zone jungle at Kitulgala, and the whole run is close enough to Colombo to be a day trip.
The experience
Kitulgala sits on the Kelani in the wet zone, about two hours east of Colombo on the road to Nuwara Eliya. The rafting run covers five or six named rapids over roughly seven kilometres, most of them grade two and three, with jungle on both banks the whole way.
Grade three means genuinely fun rather than genuinely frightening. No experience is needed, children over about twelve are usually fine, and the guides run the same water every day of the season.
The river is also where David Lean filmed The Bridge on the River Kwai in 1957. The bridge was blown up for the shot and never rebuilt, but the concrete footings are still in the water and most operators will point them out on the way down.
What to expect
Good to know
It rains here most of the year, which is what makes the river work. May to December has the most water.
You sit and paddle when told. Life jackets and helmets are standard and guides are in the boat with you.
Afternoon rain is the norm rather than the exception, and the light in the gorge is better early.
Sandals that strap on, and leave the phone in the van. Dry bags are usually available.
Ready to book?
Kitulgala fits neatly between Colombo and the hill country. Tell us your route and we will slot it into the drive.
