In the heart of Sri Lanka is the jungle town of Kitulgala (also known as Kithulgala), here you can find one of the more adventurous activities in Sri Lanka to add to your itinerary.
Kitulgala Water Rafting is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to experience fast white water rapids as well as the beauty of the surrounding jungle. The experience of gently floating down a lush, vibrant river before being violently thrown around by rapids is sure to get the adrenaline pumping and faces smiling.
You’ll find no shortage of companies offering Kitulgala water rafting, therefore we’re here to share our experience and recommend The Marvel Sri Lanka, a company who specialise in adventure tourism around the country, from their famous waterfall rope jump to abseiling and Kithulgala water rafting.
Below we share everything you need to know about your Kitulgala white water rafting experience.
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Why Is Kitulgala A Good Place For White Water Rafting?
Kitulgala is known for white water rapids, The Kelani River flows from Sri Pada Mountain Range all the way to Colombo and on its course is Kitulgala. Here you’ll experience three major rapids and four minor rapids while floating through a biodiverse jungle. We saw monitor lizards, king fishers and other wildlife throughout our time on the water.
What Company Should I Book With?
With companies lining the road through the town, it can be hard to choose one, that’s why we’re here to help. We recommend The Marvel Sri Lanka, not only did we have an amazing experience rafting in Kitulgala but they actually specialise in adrenaline pumping activities across Sri Lanka, something we seek out during our travels and aim to share on the blog for like-minded junkies.
What To Expect
On the morning of Rafting we left our Jungle surrounded homestay and headed to the rafting office. Here we received life jackets, helmets and oars, they slung the raft on top of a tuk tuk (this was a sight) and we headed for the Kelani Ganga River.
Before getting into our raft we were given a full safety briefing as well as instructions on when to paddle, when to hold the rope and what to do if we fell in the water. Our guide was professional and it was clear safety came first, we highly recommend The Marvel.
Our Experience Rafting
This was our first time rafting so we apprehensively hopped into the boat and we were off! The course has 7 rapids, of varying difficulty, as we approached our first rapid we could see a capsized raft at the bottom, was this foreshadowing? Expertly, our guide navigated the flowing torrent and we were thrown left, right, up and down before calming coming to a steady paddle at the end… we were hooked.
We continued down the following rapids, laughing, holding on and enjoying every second. At one point we disembarked the boat onto a rock and our guide allowed us to jump into the rapids, this was a highlight of the tour for us. At the end of the course you can float down a rapid without the boat, another exhilarating experience.
Throughout our journey our guide shared facts about the river, rafting, the area and the famous filming spot for The Bridge On The River Kwai which you pass by in the raft.
At the end of the tour we were taken back to the office where we could use the changing room to get into dry clothes.
We loved this tour and would recommend anyone in Sri Lanka to add Kitulgala water rafting with The Marvel to their itinerary.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
What Is The Best Time Of Year For White Water Rafting
You can raft all year round but the best time is between November and April.
Where Is The Marvel Water Rafting Located?
You can find Kitulgala in the west of Sri Lanka 3 hours away from Colombo and 2 hours from Nuyweria Eliya.
How To Get To The Marvel Sri Lanka Kitulgala Rafting?
If you book with The Marvel they can arrange transportation from Colombo making your adventure stress free!
Tuktuk Rental or Hire Car
We rented a Tuk Tuk from Tuktuk Rental meaning we had the freedom to drive the country, this also made it super easy to drive to Kitulgala for our rafting adventure. Book your Tuk Tuk here!
Private Taxi
The easiest way and the most popular way to get to Kithulgala is via private car or taxi. This however wouldn’t be the cheapest option so you could also consider using the bus system.
Public Transport
Kitulgala is found on the no.18 bus route that runs from Colombo to Hatton or if you’re in Hatton take the bus heading for Colombo. There is no train station in Kitulgala so the bus is the best budget option.
Kitulgala Water Rafting Package Price
Kitulgala water rafting with The Marvel costs LKR 16,500 which includes Colombo pick up, breakfast and lunch plus footage of your epic white water adventure.
What Should I Wear And Bring For Rafting In Kitulgala
- Lightweight clothes that can get wet!
- Suncream
- Change of clothes
Places To Stay In Kitulgala
We stayed in ECO Cabins Kitulgala and can recommend the experience. We fell asleep to the sounds of the rainforest and were treated with a delicious breakfast before rafting. The cabins are located next to the Kelani River meaning we spent the evening watching the rafts go by. The next day we also left via the river which was atmospheric and a journey to remember.
The cabins were basic (and exposed to the outside), so we can also recommend Old Bridge Riverside Hotel. They include a fresh breakfast plus stunning views of the surrounding area. The hotel is based in a prime location for rafting on the Kelani River with The Marvel Sri Lanka.
Best Places To Stay In Kitulgala
$ Budget
Eco-Cabins
This is where we stayed in Kitulgala – simple, wild and unforgettable. You’ll sleep in a bamboo hut with an open terrace right by the river, waking up to the sounds of the jungle.
$$ Mid-Range
The Cave Hotel
Spacious and clean rooms with really big beds and comfortable pillows, exactly what you want after a long days adventure white water rafting.
$$$ High-End
Borderlands Eco-Lodge
A slice of paradise in Kitulgala located right on the banks of the river, a much more luxury alternative to the eco cabins. You’ll wake up to the sounds of nature, water, monkey and birds.
Spacing
Kitulgala Rafting Questions
Final Thoughts on Kitulgala Water Rafting
After spending two months in Sri Lanka we absolutely fell in love with the wildlife, culture and people all contributing to why we adore the country. To make your trip even more special we recommend adding white water rafting to your itinerary. At Kate and Mikes Travels we are always trying to expand our comfort zones and this was one activity we had never tried.
We highly recommend Kitulgala water rafting with The Marvel, we experienced cruising the rapids through Sri Lanka’s jungle and the adrenaline rush that accompanies the sport. Jumping in the rapids, steering the boat and being thrown around was truly a highlight of our time in Sri Lanka.
Essential Items for Sri Lanka
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Water Shoes – Lightweight with Protection
Stay protected from sea urchins with these shoes. Also useful for trekking to waterfalls and snorkelling. We also love our microfibre towel and dry bag.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
