Sri Lanka · Rafting

1-Day Whitewater Rafting Adventure in Kitulgala on the Kelani River

1 Day Round trip from Colombo Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Raft the Kelani River near Kitulgala, Sri Lanka's white-water rafting hub
02 Ride five graded 2 and 3 rapids over a 6.5 km stretch
03 Take on named rapids including Head Chopper, Virgin's Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall, and the Rib Cage
04 See the filming location of 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' on the Kelani River

Witness the place where the Academy Award-winning movie 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, where only the concrete foundations of the bridge remain today. Kitulgala is the base for white-water rafting in Sri Lanka, and this tour focuses on an exciting rafting adventure on one of the country's most popular rivers. Enjoy a thrilling run through graded rapids while taking in the setting of this well-known adventure destination.

Witness the place where the Academy Award-winning movie 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, where only the concrete foundations of the bridge remain today.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Colombo, Kitulgala

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Colombo to Kitulgala Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Enjoy whitewater rafting in Kitulgala on an approximately 6.5 km stretch of the Kelani River. The run takes about 90 minutes, depending on water conditions, and includes five rapids graded 2 and 3.
Ride the rapids, each with its own distinctive character and aptly named Head Chopper, Virgin's Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall, and the Rib Cage. Travel in modern rafts equipped with safety gear for the adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Colombo 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

One-time rafting tour of around 90 minutes (depending on water speed)
All transfers, touring, and sightseeing by an air-conditioned car with fuel and parking
Services of an English-speaking chauffeur
Water during the tour

What's Not Included

Meals and beverages throughout the tour
All other activities
Tips and portage

Know before you go

Whitewater rafting at Kitulgala is safe even for children over 10 years of age.
The best time to enjoy whitewater rafting at Kitulgala is between May and December. During periods of heavy rain, the river can become very volatile and rafting may be unsafe. The adventure operators on site will advise water sports enthusiasts accordingly. However, water levels can also drop surprisingly fast, turning the river back to its regular state even during the rainy season.
Whitewater rafting on the Kelani River does not require advanced rafting skills or swimming experience, even for people trying it for the first time. Families and small groups can enjoy a thrilling ride down the Kelani River because its rapids are graded 2 and 3. Some of the rapids are known by unique names such as Virgin's Breast, Killer Falls, Butter Crunch, and Head Chopper.
Your safety is our main concern, which is why only the best-quality boats and safety equipment are used. Every rafter is given a life jacket and a helmet that meet international standards. The instructors are highly experienced local staff who will guide you throughout the tour, explaining what to do and what not to do. They are experienced enough to handle the boat in extreme conditions.

Logistics