Hotels in Kitulgala Forest Reserve
Plantation Hotel
The Plantation Hotel looks over the Kelani River at Kitulgala, built to create a jungle atmosphere. Its interiors have a classic colonial style, and a special (...)
Paradise Garden Resort
Paradise Garden Resort is on an 80 acre farm near Kitulgala, surrounded by greenery, mountains and waterfalls. It is a small, quiet property with wide mountain (...)
Palmstone Retreat
Palmstone Retreat is about 2.5 km from Kitulgala and about 62 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is a quiet, homely place with a touch of luxury (...)
Forest Edge
Forest Edge is set in landscaped grounds with tea plantations, waterfalls and streams near Kitulgala. It sits on a terraced hill: the restaurant and lounge are (...)
The hotels
The Plantation Hotel overlooks the river and has 11 rooms with a jungle feel; it is the closest to the rafting starts. Palmstone Retreat is about 2.5 km from Kitulgala, a quiet and comfortable place to stay. Forest Edge sits on a hill among tea plantations, waterfalls and streams, with terraces and a restaurant with views. Paradise Garden Resort is set on an 80-acre farm, with two rooms in the main bungalow and a private villa with its own pool.
At a glance
| Hotel | Area | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Plantation Hotel | Kelani river | Mid-range |
| Palmstone Retreat | Near Kitulgala | Mid-range |
| Forest Edge | Tea hills above the river | Mid-range |
| Paradise Garden Resort | Farm outside town | Budget, villa |
What to do
White-water rafting runs depend on river levels, so check on the day. You can also try waterfall abseiling or take a jungle trek. Kitulgala is about two and a half to three hours from Colombo.
See our Kitulgala guide.
Quick picks
- Rafting: The Plantation Hotel
- Comfort: Palmstone Retreat
- Views: Forest Edge
- Privacy: Paradise Garden Resort's villa
Good to know
Kitulgala is warm and humid, with rain likely in any month. Bring quick-drying clothes and insect repellent, and keep valuables in a dry bag on the river.
When to come
Rafting runs much of the year, but trips are cancelled when the river is too high or too low. The film The Bridge on the River Kwai was shot near Kitulgala, and local guides can show you the site.