About Kitulgala
Kitulgala is a small rainforest town in the Kegalle District, widely known as the adventure sports capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled in the wet zone foothills of the central highlands, this lush area is where the Kelani River cascades over rapids — creating the perfect setting for white water rafting that has made Kitulgala famous among thrill-seekers visiting Sri Lanka.
Beyond rafting, Kitulgala is also famous as the filming location of the 1957 Academy Award-winning film "The Bridge on the River Kwai." The surrounding rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic bird species, butterflies, and rare orchids. Activities include jungle trekking, confidence jumps, canyoning, waterfall abseiling, and bird watching. The Kitulgala Forest Reserve, across the river, offers a pristine rainforest experience for nature enthusiasts.
Top Attractions
- Kelani River rapids
- Kitulgala Forest Reserve
- Makandawa Conservation Zone
- "Bridge on the River Kwai" bridge site
- Kadiyanlena Falls
- Belilena Cave (prehistoric human remains)
Things To Do
- Book a white water rafting session — it is the must-do activity
- Take a rainforest trek with a naturalist guide for bird watching
- Visit the actual bridge location from the famous film
- Try canyoning or abseiling for an extra adrenaline rush
- Swim in the natural rock pools along the river
- Explore Belilena Cave where prehistoric human remains were found
Travel Tips
Rafting sessions last about 1.5-2 hours and cover approximately 5 km with 5 major rapids
No swimming experience is required for rafting — safety equipment and briefings are provided
Wear shoes that can get wet — flip-flops will be lost in the river
The rainforest trek involves crossing the river by a simple catamaran or wading — waterproof your belongings
Bird watching is best early morning (6-8 AM) — hire a local guide who knows the endemic species
Book activities in advance during weekends and holidays — it gets very busy
