Full details of Kitulgala White Water Rafting.
25
Mar
Kitulgala adventure.
Kitulgala rafting awaits! This is a call to all adventure enthusiasts. Especially for water spirits looking for some ultimate water sports. Get ready for an adrenaline rush this time. Allow me to share my insider tips on how to ride waves like a pro. So, adventurers, gear up, hold tight, and let’s hit those rapids.
The Unique Formation for Rafting
Kitulgala is a picturesque small village located in the Sabaragamu Province. You won’t find this experience anywhere else in Sri Lanka, without a doubt. The Kelani River flows through the village, with the lush Makalanda Forest Reserve on one side. In 1990, a British citizen first introduced water rafting here. As a result, we’ve been enjoying it ever since. Rapids and flats are the secret sauce of this water sport. Rafting is about riding those rapids and calming down in a flat after every rapid. Kitulgala’s natural layout has the perfect mix for an ultimate rafting adventure as if nature had designed it just for us.
Directions to Kitulgala
It is a 2-hour drive from Colombo via the Colombo-Hatton A7 route. You will pass through Avissawella on your way, and Google Maps will guide you to find the right destination. We traveled by Colombo-Hatton bus, and we accidentally missed our stop. However, our guides quickly came and took us in a cab to their place.
The Protocol
After all the adventures I’ve experienced in my life, I always want to do this again. From now on, I’ll share my own experiences and insider tips with you. First things first, you have to dress comfortably for rafting. They have a changing room for you. Then they’ll provide you with good-quality safety helmets and jackets. Next, you’ll hop into a cab or a small truck with your rafts, paddles, and guides. Then, they’ll give you all the instructions for a safe and fun adventure. They’re the experts, so listen up. You’ll get used to commands like forward, backward, relax, and more. Mainly, it’s a 5-kilometer journey with seven exciting rapids along the Kelani River.
Rafting Tales
As soon as you pass the first rapid, the real adventure begins. Water splashes on you as you bump and thud into the water. Your hands will feel a tingling sensation of excitement. There is no time to even think. A second rapid is there. You might hear your local friends shouting “Budu ammo!” A feast of adventures packed into a small boat. During our tour, 12 of my university friends joined, and we had two rafts. The thrill skyrocketed when our two boats decided to race each other. We were the paddlers and the cheerleaders, all in one. It’s the best experience I’ve had so far. At least, I thought that way.
Next up, they flipped our boat upside down. Oh my goodness! Poor folks who aren’t confident swimmers panicked, forgetting that they were wearing a full safety jacket. So, you’re not going to sink. Just relax. The most adventurous moment came when someone ended up underneath the boat. It took them a moment to realize what happened before seeing the sunlight again. After that, they let us float calmly along the river for some time. This is not a dangerous game. Even a 10-year-old can join with a guide. Finally, thank goodness. The chills are over. Guess what? Not even close!
Into the Nostalgia
Did you know that “The Bridge on the River Kwai” won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1957? That iconic scene of blowing up a train while crossing a bridge was filmed in Kitulgala! They constructed a wooden bridge joining the banks of the Kelani River and blew up a real train. You can still spot the concrete columns of the bridge that survived the explosion. Some even say that remnants of the train and other items are still in the river’s depths. Fascinating, right?
Kitulgala Adventure Camp
After the rafting, there is a trek to the adventure camp if you’re up for more adventures. Be prepared. There might be leeches along the path. Have you heard of Kitulgala hiking? We call it water abseiling! They’ll provide you with safety belts and harnesses. Also, do you like to jump from the Kitulgala waterfalls? There are three spots to make a confidence jump, and each time the height increases, giving you some chills along your spine. Rock sliding is another awesome experience. You can even slide upside down without getting a bruise. Moreover, rockpool bathing is the final stage of your Kitulgala adventure camp experience.
After our journey, we received a full video of our rafting experience. As a tip, when you’re looking for guides, don’t forget to ask about this. They’ll capture all the action using GoPro cameras mounted on helmets. Plus, they offer overnight camping as well. According to their packages, you can choose from one-day, two-day, or even three-day options. As a result, the quality of your Kitulgala rafting experience depends on the guides you choose.
Nearby Places to Visit
Apart from rafting, Kitulagala hiking, and climbing along the Kitulgala waterfalls, you can also check out the Belilena cave, just 9 km away. It’s an archaeological site that dates back 30,000 years. The Kelani River flows through the Makalanda Forest Reserve, offering an opportunity to explore various plant and animal species. On the other hand, if you’re a nature lover, this is a chance you won’t want to miss.
Kitulgala Rafting Budget Guide
It depends on the guides you pick and the package. However, I’m going to give you a rough idea. Gather a group of six or more people to avoid unnecessary charges. Likewise, the thrill doubles when you have more friends. Typically, it’s around 2000 LKR per local adult or child and 20 USD per adult or child for foreigners.
End Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, this is an incredible activity place for water sports enthusiasts. I still remember how our group took our late lunch like we hadn’t eaten in months. When you visit, take some comfy clothes for rafting, towels, flip-flops, ointment for scratches, and waterproof phone covers. Especially, don’t consume alcohol before rafting. So, Kitulgala truly offers the most unforgettable experience for whitewater rafting with its thrilling rapids and stunning scenery.
FAQ
What is Kitulgala famous for?
Kitulgala is renowned for its whitewater rafting and various water sports activities, including water abseiling, rock sliding, and rock pool bathing.
Which district is Kitulgala in?
Kitulgala is situated in the Kegalle District of Sri Lanka.
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