White Water Rafting

This activity is great fun for first-timers and experts, with a wide range and grading of rapids on one of Sri Lanka’s more turbulent waters such as the Kelani river. Kitulgala in the hill country southwest of Kandy provides an ideal base from which much white water rafting takes place.

An average level of physical fitness and a strong spirit would do. Those suffering from heart ailments, epilepsy as well as those who are uncomfortable in turbulent waters are not advised to go White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka

How to get to Kitulgala

Kitulgala is located about 80 kilometres from Colombo on the A7 main road that runs to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella. Kitulgala is a pleasant town set amidst green hills thick with tropical vegetation. The name Kitulgala itself is derived from the Kitul palm tree, groves of which abound in the vicinity. Kitul sap is concentrated by boiling until it crystallises to produce jaggery. Kitul sap is also fermented to make palm wine.

Kitulgala is the movie location of David Lean’s 1957 epic, “Bridge on the River Kwai.” 

What’s the best time of the year?

The best time to enjoy White Water Rafting at Kitulgala is between May to December. During periods of heavy rain, the river could turn out to be very volatile and White Water Rafting becomes unsafe. The adventure operators on site advise wehn conditions are favourable.. However, water levels could drop surprisingly fast, turning the river to its regular state during the rainy season as well.

Black Rafting at Kitulgala

White Water Rafting  during three nights on either side of the full moon brings about a heightened sense of adventure for all enthusiasts bent on an extra mile. Referred to as Black Rafting, all participants of this night activity are equipped with a headlight and safety gear.

White Water Rafting – higher grade Rapids in Sri Lanka

Sithawaka River off Avissawella consists of grade 3 and 4 rapids; Ulapane – Gampola: River Mahaweli consists of grade 3 and 4; Hatton – Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale consists of grade 4 and 5 rapids.

White Water Rafting is categorised in six grades according to the difficulties and dangers posed: they range from simple to very dangerous and potential death or serious injuries.

Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight manoeuvring. (Skill Level: Very Basic)

Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some manoeuvring. (Skill level: basic paddling skill)

Grade 3: White Water, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant manoeuvring. (Skill level: experienced paddling skills)

Grade 4: White Water, medium waves, maybe rocks and a considerable drop. Sharp manoeuvres may be needed. (Skill level: White Water Rafting experience)

Grade 5: White Water, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise manoeuvring. (Skill level: advanced White Water Rafting experience)

Grade 6: Rapids that aren’t navigable. This grade is not undertaken by adventure tour operators .

Sitawaka River off Avissawella grade 3 and 4 Rapids [for the experienced rafts-men]

Sitawaka River off Avissawella affords the second best option in White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka. The run lasting 2 hours with grade 3 and 4 rapids is better suited for experienced rafters.

Ulapane – Gampola: River Mahaweli grade 2 to 5 Rapids [for experienced rafters]

For groups of 10 or more experienced rafters, special runs are arranged by the operators. One run starts at Ulapane, near Nawalapitiya, and heads down to Gampola along the Mahaweli River, which is Sri Lanka’s longest river. It has rapids graded between from easy grade 2 to adrenalin in full flow grade 5 drops. White Water Rafting at this stretch takes about three hours to complete.

Hatton – Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale grade 4 and 5 Rapids [for experienced rafters]

Hatton – Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale is a spectacular run in addition to being a challenging option for experienced rafters. It begins just below St. Clair’s Falls, lasts for nearly six hours, and offers rafters five rapids ranging from grade 4 to 5. White Water Rafting here begins in a comparatively higher altitude unravelling magnificent views of the hills.

Last Modified: April 17, 2024