Things to do in Kitulgala Forest Reserve

Kitulgala is a village on the Kelani River, about 95 km from Colombo on the road to the hill country, surrounded by lowland rainforest. It is Sri Lanka's main centre for white water rafting, and the forest reserve across the river is good for birds and walks. The village was a filming location for The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), and the Belilena cave nearby has yielded remains of prehistoric people.

Top things to do in Kitulgala

White water rafting

Trips of about two hours run a series of rapids, roughly grade 2 to 3, on a stretch of about five kilometres, with guides, helmets and life jackets. No experience is needed.

Waterfall abseiling and canyoning

Descend a waterfall on a rope or follow a stream with natural rock slides and jumps into pools, with a guide.

Jungle trek

Cross the river by boat into the forest reserve for walks to waterfalls, with endemic birds, butterflies and plants along the way.

Bridge on the River Kwai site

A short walk leads to the spot where the film's bridge was built and blown up; only foundations remain.

Mountain biking and flat water rafting

Bike routes pass rubber estates and villages, and gentle stretches of the river suit families.

Best time to go

Kitulgala is in the wet zone and rain is common. Rafting runs most of the year, but trips can stop when the river is very high; the first months of the year are usually the most settled.

How long to spend

One day is enough for rafting and a short walk; stay a night to add a jungle trek or canyoning.

Plan your visit

Wear quick-drying clothes and sandals with straps. For history, background and how to get there, see the Kitulgala travel guide, and for accommodation see hotels in Kitulgala.