Water Abseiling

Lower yourself down a waterfall on a rope in the forest at Kitulgala. Guides provide the harness, helmet and training, and abseiling pairs well with a morning of rafting on the Kelani River.

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Highlights

An adrenaline filled descent beside a waterfall
A fun adventure to share with friends and family
Forest, river and mountain scenery all around
A trial run with guides before the real descent

Overview

Kitulgala, on the Kelani river between Colombo and the hills, is Sri Lanka's main centre for adventure sports. Alongside rafting and jungle treks, operators run waterfall abseiling: lowering yourself on a rope down a rock face beside or through falling water.

What it is like

After a briefing and a short practice on dry rock, you walk to the top of the fall, clip in and lean back over the edge. The guide controls a safety line while you walk backwards down the rock, with water rushing past. Drops used by operators are often given as around 30 metres (about 100 feet). It is an intense but manageable challenge, and no experience is needed.

How a session works

Operators provide helmets, harnesses, ropes and life jackets, and trained instructors run each descent. Groups are small. Sessions are often booked through Kitulgala's adventure camps and hotels, sometimes as part of a package with rafting.

How long it takes

About three hours, including the walk to the falls and practice.

When to go

Water levels change with the rain. Operators decide each day whether conditions are safe. Mornings are usually better. Very heavy rain can cancel sessions.

Who it suits

Reasonably fit adults and older teenagers; check the operator's age limits. It is not suitable for people with heart conditions or a serious fear of heights.