Kitulgala Forest Reserve

Kitulgala is a small village on the Kelani River, set among rainforest and rubber estates on the road from Colombo to the hill country. It is Sri Lanka's main centre for white water rafting and other river adventures, and the forest reserve across the river is good for birds and walks. The name comes from the kitul palm, whose sap is used to make treacle and jaggery.

Rafting and river sports

White water rafting

The Kelani River here has a run of about five kilometres with several rapids, graded roughly 2 to 3, with names such as Butter Crunch. Trips last about two hours with a professional guide, helmets and life jackets, and usually end with a swim. See white water rafting in Kitulgala.

Canyoning and abseiling

Canyoning trips follow side streams with natural rock slides and supervised jumps into pools. Waterfall abseiling lowers you down the face of a fall on a rope. Flat water rafting and kayaking are gentler options.

Forest and walks

The Kitulgala Forest Reserve, across the river, is lowland rainforest with many endemic birds, such as the Sri Lanka grey hornbill and spurfowl, and plenty of butterflies. Guided jungle treks cross the river by boat and follow forest paths to waterfalls. Mountain biking routes pass rubber and tea estates and villages.

History and film

The Belilena cave near Kitulgala has yielded evidence of human occupation going back tens of thousands of years, including remains of prehistoric Balangoda Man. The village is also known as a filming location for The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). The bridge was blown up for the film, and only the foundations can be seen on a short walk from the road.

Getting there

Kitulgala is about 90 km from Colombo, roughly two and a half to three hours by road via Avissawella, on the route to Hatton and Nuwara Eliya. It works well as a stop between Colombo and the hill country or Kandy.

When to go

Kitulgala is in the wet zone and one of the rainiest parts of the country, receiving rain from both monsoons. Rafting runs most of the year, but trips can be cancelled when the river is too high after heavy rain or too low in dry spells. The first months of the year are usually the most settled.

Practical tips

Rafting operators set minimum ages, usually around 10 to 12 years, and you do not need to be a strong swimmer, though you must wear the life jacket at all times. Wear quick-drying clothes and sandals with straps, and leave valuables in your car or room. Leeches are common on forest paths after rain, so long socks help. Book through a licensed operator with good safety equipment.

Hotels in Kitulgala

For accommodation, see hotels in Kitulgala, with options for different budgets.

Where to stay

Riverside rest houses, adventure camps and eco-lodges cater to rafters, and some offer tented accommodation in the forest. See things to do in Kitulgala or the adventure and water sports page.