Sri Lanka–often identified as an island of green landscapes, rich biodiversity and ecosystems, colourful culture and fascinating history –offers all its visitors an abundance of activities for adventure seekers. If you have already started planning a holiday in Sri Lanka you may notice the number of adventure choices this island has in store for you. Among the most thrilling adventures available in Sri Lanka white water rafting is one that gives you two experiences packed together –that is exploring the scenic beauty of the island while keeping your heart pumping with excitement as you raft through the turbulent waters.
This island owns several destinations offering waters ideal for white water rafting, each offering a distinct experience.
Yet, Kitulgala, approximately 90 kilometres from Colombo, undoubtedly, is the most popular white water rafting destination in Sri Lanka. Kelani River flows through the lush greenery and tea plantations in Kithulgala–featuring Grade II to Grade IV rapids–offering both beginners and expert rafters the possibility to engage in rafting as per their ability and interest.
Arabiers is all set to offer its customers the most fun filled and unique adventure of white water rafting at Kithugala. Apart from escorting you to the most picturesque location – with rich biodiversity and ecosystems – for the rafting adventure, Arabiers is ready to offer a personalized rafting experience, including professional and experienced guides to make sure you enjoy to your heart’s content while following safety measures.
Not only rafting, Arabiers is ready to offer an all inclusive package, including other fun activities such as jungle trekking, kayaking, ziplining and waterfall abseiling. Perfect way to let yourself enjoy the scenic beauty of the location while indulging in adrenalin - pumping adventures.
Explore our thrilling rafting tours and find the best rates for unforgettable adventures on the water.
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Here is a glimpse into what Arabiers have in store for you to make your White Water Rafting experience a truly memorable one ;
Kelani River features varying rapids, ranging from Grade II to Grade IV rapids, thereby making the waters suitable for thrill seekers of all skill levels. Perfect experience for beginners as well as thrill seekers.
As mentioned earlier Kitulgala is nestled along the Kelani River with lush rainforests, tea plantations and mountainous landscapes providing a stunning backdrop for white water rafting adventures.
Apart from opting for white water rafting the packages also offer its buyers an opportunity to go for a rain forest trekking journey exploring the natural marvels, including rippling streams, cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.
As you raft through the river you will have the opportunity to make stops on the calmer parts of the river to indulge in swimming, floating or relaxing after rafting the turbulent rapids. Also you can opt for cliff jumping under the supervision and guidance of your guides.
Once you are done with all the fun and adventure in the waters a delicious lunch, featuring Sri Lankan rice and curry, will be ready for you to fill your stomach after an action packed morning.
Here is how you can get to Kitulgala to indulge in this fun filled adventure ;
Kitulgala–located approximately 90 kilometres from Colombo –will take around 2 – 3 hours by road, depending on weather and traffic conditions. This city is close to towns such as Avissawella and Kegalle – other cities where you can make stops to explore local culture and indulge in local cuisines.
Eliminate your concerns about travelling and contact Arabiers to get stress free assistance in booking a wide range of vehicles to journey around Sri Lanka. From budget friendly options to luxury rides, you name it, we provide personalized service with professional, well-mannered, English speaking drivers to make your journey a seamless one.
Regardless of your starting point, traveling to Kitulgala is a relatively straightforward journey with several travel options at hand. Depending on your interests you can choose to reach Kitulgala by rented car, taxi or by public bus.
If your starting point is Colombo, here are the times and distances different travel options will take you to reach Kitulgala;
Ideal time for white water rafting in Kitulgala depends on the monsoon seasons and river conditions. Here is an overview of the best times you can visit Sri Lanka for a rafting experience ;
Southwest monsoon prevailing during this period causes the Kelani River to swell, thus offering adventurous and challenging rapids suitable for rafting.
Since it is the dry season the location receives less rainfall, resulting in lower water levels in the Kelani River. Of course, you can still opt for rafting during this period, but the rapids are generally less intense ( Grade I to Grade II ), making it more favourable for beginner rafters. Also you will be able to experience less crowds during the dry season, making it more convenient for families in search of relaxed water adventures.
If you are someone looking for more adventure and fun filled experiences, Kitulgala offers you more activities in which you can engage to make your time more exciting.
Apart from white water rafting, below are the alternative activities you can find on location ;
If you can opt for a one-and-a-half-kilometer trek from the main focal point you will encounter seven natural water pools where you can engage in canyoning to your heart’s content. Here are the activities you can indulge in under the extreme supervision of the guides;
If you are a trek freak visiting Kitulgala for your next vacation will offer double the excitement –rafting and trekking all in one place. Trekking at Kitulgala includes hopping into an open catamaran type traditional wooden boat to sail 60 meters across the Kelani River to reach the other side of the river and continue along the deep trodden routes to reach the Rainforest of Kitulgala Forest Reserve.
This will, indeed, be an unforgettable experience for you as you get to witness various flora and fauna in the rainforest. Not only that, the waterfall trekking journey will further heighten your adventure as you trek searching for the hidden waterfalls and streams. Memorable way to have a cool dip in these streams while enjoying the beautiful views of the towering trees around.
Apart from the aforementioned trekking adventures here are some nearby sites where you can engage in trekking ;
Kitulgala is also popular for its collection of bird species found in the forests and wetlands –thus making it a haven for bird watchers and wildlife photographers.
Surrounding areas of the Kelani River, primarily, can be considered as a spot for observing local birdlife. Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Orange billed babbler, Chestnut Backed Owlet and Yellow Eared Bulbul are some of the endemic species that you can find if you opt for a bird watching expedition at Kitulgala.
Kitulgala is not only popular for white water rafting or for trekking adventures, it is also a fantastic spot for camping. The location offers a few camping sites where you can truly experience nature in its purest form.
No matter where you go or what you do, safety must be the number one priority especially when you are adventuring with something that is not entirely under anybody’s control –and rafting is not an exception at all.
If you are opting for white water rafting in Sri Lanka you must always be aware of all the key safety measures to make sure you are safe and sound while enjoying yourself to the fullest.
Always ensure to choose a reputable white water rafting company that is well capable of providing professional and experienced guides. A qualified guide should not only focus on training and guiding you to raft and escort you along the waters. They must also be well trained in rescue techniques and first aid so that they can rescue you in case of an emergency.
Before hopping into the rafting boat make sure you are wearing appropriate safety gear and double check if the equipment is in good condition and if you have worn them properly. No matter how qualified the guides are, your safety must be your priority.
Most rafting companies, typically, provide helmets, life jackets, paddles and other essential equipment to keep yourself safe during the ride.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert in rafting make sure to pay close attention to the safety briefings provided by the guides in the rafting location. You may be an expert in rafting but it may be your first time rafting in Kitulgala. So always make sure to pay attention to safety briefing details such as ;
You may know that white water rafting requires its participants to be able to handle the physical demands of paddling and navigating the rapids in the river. Therefore, although this adventure sport is accessible to all individuals –usually anyone above 10 years old ( beginner level ) –the sport requires you to have good physical fitness in order to get a better experience.
