Kitulgala, a scenic town perched amidst the thickly vegetated forest hills, is one of the best-suggested tourist destinations in Sri Lanka for adventure sporting. The main attraction at Kitulgala is the stunning experience of white Water Rafting riding the naughty tides of the Kelani river. The river and its hill surrounding full of enchanting natural beauties are home to a plethora of other interesting activities that shall range from wildlife sightseeing to scenic trekking and walks. Kitulgala was the movie location for David Lean's epic film in 1957, Bridge on the River Kwai. Situated near to Colombo, Kitulgala is a must-visit place that deserves your precious time during your Sri Lanka holiday.
The best time to go for White Water Rafting at Kitulgala is the months from May through December. The heavy rain period is not ideal unlike you think it is since the river might be turbulent with the unsafe flow. Since water levels adjust itself quickly, rafting is enjoyable during the gentle rainy season. Be bothered to reach the destination early in the morning, at around 8 am for following a timely session.
The featured activity at Kitulgala is one of a kind white water rafting experience in the picturesque Kelani River that includes five major rapids and four minor rapids covering a total distance of five Kilometers. Anyone over 10 years old shall have fun over the water provided with safety gear and modern rafts under the safe supervision of instructors. Other popular activities include stream sliding, confidence jump, Waterfall abseiling, Jungle trekking, cave exploration, bird watching, cycling, zip-lining, village walks, mountain biking, river trips, and expeditions. Your adventure shall attain perfection with plenty of camping opportunities inside the jungle.
Kitulgala is a hillside village town located around 80 kilometers away from Colombo on the A7 highway that goes to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella. In addition to rails, there are various road routes you can take to get to Kitulgala from Colombo taking you less than three hours in all cases. Whether you take Avissawella - Hatton - Nuwara Eliya going from A4 to A7 or northern A1 route, you shall have to converge at Karawanella. From there, Kitulgala is less than 30 Kilometers away on the Nuwara Eliya road. Heading from Nuwara Eliya, you just need to stick on the A7 highway for about 70 Kilometers.
The rainforest of Kitulgala beside the Kelani River is also perfect for several nature-knowing recreations. While you trek through the jungle, prepare for camping, or go for cycling, the birdwatching is an unasked entertainment at Kitulgala. With friendly habitats contributed by the untouched world of flora and wild plants, the jungle around the river has been a much liked home for several species of exotic birds, like mountain hawk-eagle, crested tree swift, and Layard's parakeet. You can easily find the endemic species, like Green-billed Coucal, Orange-billed babbler, chestnut-backed owlet, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, and Spot-winged Thrush. Most varieties seen in the Sinharaja Rain Forest are spotted at Kitulgala as well.
