Kitulgala

Rapids, Rubber and Relaxation

White-water rafting on the Kelani River, Kitulgala, Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Southwest of Kandy and north of Adam's Peak, Kitulgala hugs the Kelani Ganga (river) as it meanders through the Sri Lankan 'jungle'. Made famous by the Oscar-winning epic Bridge on the River Kwai, which was filmed here in 1956 by Sir David Lean, Kitulgala is now a popular area for nature walks and bird watching, and it is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where white-water rafting is possible.

Why visit Kitulgala?

Nestling between the hot sandy beaches of the west coast and the vertiginous Hill Country, Kitulgala is a convenient place to break your journey either into or out of Sri Lanka's cooler 'Up Country' region. Whether interested in nature walks, bird watching, white-water rafting, or relaxation, Kitulgala is a quiet and peaceful retreat.

Read More Trip Planner

Nearby Locations

Explore the Hill Country and areas near Kitulgala.

“Firstly can I congratulate you in producing such a great holiday for Pat and myself. You have a unique offering which was appreciated by everybody we met who had travelled with your company. The staff and hotel owners, who spoke to us, praised you for the way in which you deal with them and issues that may arise. In your case service is not dead which unfortunately has been lost by many of the larger and distant companies.”

Irwin & Pat