White water rafting is a great chance for thrill-seekers and adventure junkies to experience wild & untamed Sri Lanka.

You can get to Kitulgala on the Avissawella – Ginigathhena route. Kitulgala is the main hub for White Water Rafting because it is the best place to access the Kelani River down which the rapids are located. There are 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids along a stretch of 5kms along the river downstream from where the rafting usually starts off from. 

There are a number of adventure groups and hotels that organize white water rafting excursions down the river. They provide all the necessary safety gear, sturdy rafts or boats as well as trained instructors who take you through the journey. Anyone over the age of 10 years can participate in the activity and the ride providers will give everyone a full safety briefing and training program before you start downstream.

You might not know it but there is a possibility that you might have seen Kitulgala already. The 1950s Academy Award-winning film Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed at Kitulgala. The Concrete foundations of the bridge can still be seen at the original site.