Arrive at Kitulgala around 10.00 am at Rafters’ Retreat.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

“An interesting affair between currents & rapids”…………

This thrilling adventure on the white water sections of the Kelani River is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals alike. During the river run you will experience the thrill of shooting rapids and the euphoria of making it through. The river’s clear water is born in the heart of the peak wilderness reserve and tumbles through a rocky gorge just above Kithulgala.

 As the river widens, we pass the scenic location used for the film - “Bridge over the river Kwai” filmed in 1956-, which is also a great place to jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, you could even dive in to see the remains of the actual bridge and carriages used for the film (only for experienced divers with proper equipment.). Our journey, ends close to Kitulgala town where food and snacks are available.

For those who would like to enjoy the river and its wonderful scenery without the thrills and spills of large rapids, we could raft through the flatter section of the lower gorge, suitable for children over six and family groups.

Rafting in the white water sections of the river and through the boulders and rocks create grade 3/4 rapids, which are exhilarating and scenic. On certain occasions, you may encounter even grade 5 rapids……  A briefing is given prior to the river run with instructions on paddling techniques and “man over board” procedures. At the end of the trip an optional riverside lunch buffet could be arranged for groups and large parties.

Lunch at Rafters’ Retreat.

Nature Walk in the Rainforest.  Or Visit the Beli Lena Cave in Bicycles.

The Kithulgala forest is a secondary rain forest situated beside the Kelani River, one of our longest rivers. There is a tributary flowing through the forest to this river. The forest reserve has a high biodiversity. Though it is mostly secondary forest, it's faunal and floral diversity is very similar to a primary forest. Wild boar, Toque Macaque, Purple faced leaf monkey, and Barking deer are some of the interesting mammal species.

Among the interesting bird species Red faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Frog Mouth and Layard's Parakeet are outstanding.

A seven kilometer bike ride takes you to Beli Lena, the caves of shells, a huge cavern once inhabited by pre-historic Stone Age people. Its floor strewn with shells of river snails which seem to have a major part of their diet.

BELI LENA CAVE This beautiful cave is located up a steep path on the hillside inside from a ledge that looks down over a breathtaking vista of rubber plantation, jungle and hills. Its damp, dark depths are famed for the discovery of the 12,000 year-old skeletal remains of the Balangoda man (Homosapiens Balangodenis) though all you'll see now are the thousands of bats that inhabit its cool interior as they flit about to the discomfort of your torchlight. Colourful butterflies can be seen dancing around the entrance to the cave. 

Back to the Hotel.

www.srilankaecotourism.com/rafting_kithulgala.htm