Emily & Tom
United Kingdom
Cultural Triangle Adventure
Kitulgala White-Water Rafting & Adventure Day Tour
Tour Overview
Get your adrenaline going at Kitulgala, Sri Lanka’s premier white-water rafting destination on the Kelani River. This action-packed day trip combines Grade 2-3 rapids with optional jungle activities like waterfall abseiling and nature walks through the rainforest made famous by the film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’.
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, active travellers, groups of friends, older children and teens with a sense of adventure
Activities & Highlights
- Grade 2-3 white-water rafting on the scenic Kelani River
- Certified safety equipment and experienced rafting guides
- Optional waterfall abseiling and jungle nature walks
- Explore the filming location of the classic movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai"
- Riverside lunch included (local cuisine)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day
1
Kitulgala Rafting Adventure
Early morning drive from Colombo to Kitulgala. Safety briefing followed by a 1-1.5 hour white-water rafting session on the Kelani River. Riverside lunch, with optional afternoon waterfall abseiling or a jungle nature walk, before the return drive to Colombo.
Price Includes
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Fuel, tolls, and parking fees
- Approx. 1-1.5 hour white-water rafting session with certified guides
- Safety equipment (helmet, life jacket, paddle)
- Lunch
- Bottled water
Price Excludes
- Optional add-on activities (abseiling, zip-lining) - available locally at extra cost
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Change of dry clothes (please bring your own)
What to Expect
What to Bring
Swimwear or quick-dry clothing to wear under the safety gear
A full change of dry clothes and a towel
Water shoes or sandals with straps (flip-flops are not suitable)
Waterproof bag or phone case if bringing valuables
Sunscreen
Fitness & Accessibility
Rafting requires a reasonable level of swimming ability and fitness, and is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant travellers, or those with certain medical conditions (heart conditions, recent surgery). Minimum age typically 12 years. Please advise us in advance of any concerns.
Responsible Tourism
River rafting operators here follow international safety standards; please always wear the provided safety equipment and follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Photo Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, basic swimming ability is required for safety reasons. Life jackets are provided and mandatory throughout the rafting session.
The Kelani River at Kitulgala offers Grade 2-3 rapids, suitable for beginners and first-time rafters while still being genuinely exciting.
Typically 12 years and above, subject to the rafting operator's current safety policy - please confirm at time of booking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 30 days or more before travel date: 90% refund of payments made (10% retained for processing/administration).
- 15 to 29 days before travel date: 50% refund of payments made.
- 7 to 14 days before travel date: 25% refund of payments made.
- Less than 7 days before travel date or no-show: no refund.
- Date changes requested 30+ days in advance: one free change (subject to availability and supplier terms).
- Any non-refundable third-party costs already committed (hotels, permits, transport, tickets) will be deducted from refund amount.
- All cancellation/change requests must be sent in writing by email from the booking email address.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 30 days or more before travel date: 90% refund of payments made (10% retained for processing/administration).
- 15 to 29 days before travel date: 50% refund of payments made.
- 7 to 14 days before travel date: 25% refund of payments made.
- Less than 7 days before travel date or no-show: no refund.
- Date changes requested 30+ days in advance: one free change (subject to availability and supplier terms).
- Any non-refundable third-party costs already committed (hotels, permits, transport, tickets) will be deducted from refund amount.
- All cancellation/change requests must be sent in writing by email from the booking email address.
