Kitulgala is a small town in Sri Lanka, known as one of the wettest places on the island. It is famous for its white water rafting adventures. Situated about 95 kilometers outside of Colombo in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Kitulgala is a picturesque town surrounded by wooded hills and divided by the Kelani River. The town gets its name from the Kitul palm tree, which grows in thick groves in the area. The sap of the Kitul tree is used to make jaggery, an unrefined sugar product popular in Asian countries, and palm wine. Furthermore, Kitulgala gained recognition for being the filming location of The Bridge on the River Kwai, a movie from 1957 that won seven Academy Awards.
Rafting
White water rafting at Kitulgala takes place on the Kelani River. This offers visitors the chance to experience thrilling moments navigating the rapids, while also soaking in the breathtaking scenery. As you paddle past the town, you’ll be greeted by Kitulgala’s high riverbank lined with tall, elegant bamboo trees swaying gently as if encouraging you to continue. The entire experience takes around 90 minutes, with the five rapids graded as either a 2 or 3.
For a unique twist, there’s “Black Rafting,” where participants are equipped with headlights and safety gear to navigate the rapids under the night sky, illuminated only by the full moon.
The best time for white water rafting is between May and December to avoid heavy rains. Excessive rain can make the river too dangerous to navigate, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly.
Other exciting activities at Kithulgala
After enjoying rafting adventures, bird-watching enthusiasts and nature-lovers can explore the abundant birdlife in the Kitulgala Forest Reserve. Many bird species found in the Sinharaja Rainforest can also be spotted in Kitulgala. Due to Kitulgala’s more open nature, it is easier to spot some endemic bird species here compared to the dense Sinharaja forest. Just 8 kilometres from Kitulgala, the Belilena Cave is a significant archaeological site where evidence of human life dating back to 32,000 years ago has been discovered. Designated an “Archaeological Reserve” by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka, the cave is believed to contain remains of an early prehistoric ancestor of Sri Lanka’s indigenous population. While large parts of the cave system are yet to be explored, visitors are welcome to witness this key feature of Sri Lanka’s history.
