Sri Lanka · KITULGALA TOURS
Sri Lankan roads are slow and the days go quickly. These 8 kitulgala tours justify the time, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes.
In Kithulgala, you’ll raft the Kelani River’s five major and four smaller class 2 and 3 rapids, including Virgin’s Breast and Killer Falls. The 1.5-hour activity is run as a private group, with an English-speaking instructor, transfers from Plantation Hotel or Miyora Hotel, and optional lunch. Bring a charged phone if you’d like your guide to take photos and videos.
In Kitulgala, an English-speaking guide leads your private group through about 4 kilometers of Class 2 and 3 rapids, including Butter Crunch, Killer Fall, and White Water. The activity is listed at 2.5 hours, though time on the river can vary. Safety gear and a transfer to the launch area are included.
From Kandy, ride by Tuk Tuk or luxury car to Kitulgala for Kelani River rafting, then visit a tea factory, craft house, Ayurvedic center and Bahirawakanda Temple. Guides including Ramzan, Sanath and Akila are praised for safe driving, local explanations and friendly company. Rafting and some other activities cost extra.
“The tour was very well organized, with a great balance of thrilling activities and more laid-back and informative ones. The trip to Kithulgala also offered some really beautiful views along the way, which made it even more worth it. I was on a one-on-one trip with Ramzan and had a genuinely great time! Not only did he show me some amazing places, he was also really fun to spend time with during the 6 hours of riding around in a tuktuk. I would highly recommend this day tour to everyone :)”
Leave Kandy for Kitulgala and tackle five major and four minor Kelani River rapids with a guide, safety briefing and supplied equipment. The private, eight-hour outing also includes lunch, a tea factory visit and cultural stops. Sara guided one trip, but your guide may differ. Rafting is described as fun rather than especially difficult.
“Our driver and tour guide Sara was excellent. He spoke good English and our communication was good and clear even from the day before for confirmation. He made sure we had cold beers, excellent food with a spectacular view. The river rafting was great fun and not too challenging. The guide was great. We recommend this experience. We also went to a lovely tea factory with generous tea tasting and delicious iced Macha. Thank you Sara for your excellent Sri Lankan kindness and hospitality.”
Travel from Kandy in a private group for an eight-hour day that combines Kelani River rafting with visits to a tea factory, herbal garden, woodcarving house, and Asgiriya Temple. Expect a safety briefing, basic paddle training, and seven rapids. A driver-guide named Saraa has led a past trip, but your assigned guide may differ. The rafting boat fee is extra.
“We had a great day with Saraa. He was very kind and helpful. Also, he was a responsible and a safe driver. Moreover, the water rafting was really nice. It is cheaper to book with them, and pay for the rafting yourself instead of booking the full package deals, like some other offers out there. Since tea factory, wood crafting have free entrances. So we are happy to recommend them :)”
Spend a private outing in Kitulgala’s Kataran Oya area, trekking through rainforest before tackling waterfall rappels, natural rock slides and deep pools. Safety gear and an instructor briefing are included, with instruction listed in English and French. The advertised duration is five hours, but allow for a shorter activity and confirm exactly what the $23 price covers.
“Activity has been definitely fun with our kind guide. The timing indicated for 5 hours isn’t correct. The canyoning session is 1 hour and the rafting 1 hour so 2 hours together. The price is only for canyoning. So 20$ for 1 hour canyoning or only the rafting or 40$ for both.”
In Kitulgala, Z R I Adventures takes you onto the Kelani River for a two-hour private rafting trip through five major and four minor rapids. Instructors speak English and Sinhala, and provide safety gear, a briefing, and guidance. Expect to get wet, with a possible pause to float and relax along the way.
“Sjov, fyldt med spænding og udfordrende. Søde guides, basal og nødvendig sikkerhedsinformation. Rigtig god oplevelse ;)”
Meet your English-speaking rafting instructor at The Plantation Hotel in Kitulgala, gear up and paddle the Kelani River through five major and four minor rapids. The small-group trip suits all skill levels and includes transport to the river, equipment and bottled water. You can add lunch at a scenic lakeside restaurant, but confirm that meal option when booking.
“Var gøy raftingtur, men fikk ikke noen lunsj”
Pick a rock, a river, a rail line or a plate.
