Adventure · Kitulgala

Grade three,
through rainforest

The Kelani river cuts through wet-zone jungle at Kitulgala, and the whole run is close enough to Colombo to be a day trip.

$25–60Typically, per person

May–DecBest season

Half dayTime needed

The experience

The river where Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed

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.

Best forFamilies, first-timers

GradeTwo and three

Time neededHalf day

Combine withColombo, the hill country

SeasonMay–Dec, when the river runs

What to expect

What the run includes

River

Five or six rapids

Around seven kilometres of grade two and three. Wet, loud, and over in ninety minutes.

Canyon

Canyoning and jumps

Most operators add a stream canyon with slides and cliff jumps of varying commitment.

Film

The Kwai footings

The bridge Lean blew up for the film stood here. The concrete is still in the river.

Good to know

Before you book

Season

The wet zone is wet

It rains here most of the year, which is what makes the river work. May to December has the most water.

Fitness

None required

You sit and paddle when told. Life jackets and helmets are standard and guides are in the boat with you.

Timing

Go in the morning

Afternoon rain is the norm rather than the exception, and the light in the gorge is better early.

What to bring

Nothing loose

Sandals that strap on, and leave the phone in the van. Dry bags are usually available.

Before you go

Questions

What is the best time of year for rafting at Kitulgala?

May to December, when the Kelani carries the most water. Kitulgala sits in the wet zone and rains for most of the year, which is what keeps the river running.

Do you need experience to raft at Kitulgala?

No. The run is grade two and three, guides ride in the boat with you, and life jackets and helmets are standard. Children over about twelve are usually fine.

What time of day should you raft at Kitulgala?

Morning. Afternoon rain is the norm rather than the exception, and the light in the gorge is better early.

How far is Kitulgala from Colombo?

About two hours east of Colombo on the road to Nuwara Eliya, which makes the half-day run comfortable as a day trip or as a stop on the way into the hill country.

Was The Bridge on the River Kwai filmed at Kitulgala?

Yes. David Lean filmed the 1957 picture on this stretch of the Kelani. The bridge was destroyed for the shot and never rebuilt, but its concrete footings are still in the water and most operators point them out on the way down.

Grade three,through rainforest