WHITE WATER RAFTING IN SRI LANKA

That adrenaline rush you get as you peddle against the raging waves of water rushing through an evergreen rainforest, with heaps of water splashing over your face, with the soaring sound of the stubborn water gushing and trying to toss the inflated raft around, is a ride of a lifetime!

If you love adventure and water, you will fall in love with white water rafting in an instant. It is one of the best adventure experiences in Sri Lanka and an ideal way to soak in the mysterious beauty of the secluded nature of Kithulgala and the bamboo-fringed banks of the Kelani river. Blessed with two monsoon seasons, Kithulgala is one of the wettest and luscious destinations in Sri Lanka, making it an ideal destination for any freshwater sports.

Row and drift on 5 km - 6 km of the stubborn, almost untamable waves of Kelani river, covering about five major rapids and four minor rapids Kithulgala white water rafting expedition is an action-packed, fun-filled experience. Conquering the waves on a shared raft with a group of 3 - 6 adrenaline junkies in the jungle heavens of Kithulgala is an adventure of about 90 minutes that might get you to hold on to the raft for your dear life.

Even though it is said that this turbulent ride is not for the faint-hearted, Kithulgala is an ideal place for a first-timer as the stream of the Kelani river running through the Kithulgala rainforest is not as wild as other rafting destinations in the world. Plus, you have no reason to let fear or doubt stop you from indulging in an experience that will reward your courage, as all safety measures will be met, along with a guide to assist in maneuvering the raft.

If you are wondering if knowing how to swim is a requirement, it is not, as a compulsory floatation device or a life jacket has to be worn by everyone in the raft. So, you got nothing to worry about the possibility of any drowning accident occurring.

However, it is not advised to participate in white water rafting in Kithulgala during the monsoon seasons as the Kelani river can be unpredictable with high levels of water, making May - December the best time of the year for this adventure.

If you are an experienced rafter, you can also enjoy conquering some stronger rapids in the Sithawaka river in close proximity to Avissawella (grade 3-4 rapids) or Mahaweli river in Ulapane, Gampola (grade 2 - 5 rapids).

Whether you are an experienced rafter or a beginner, white water rafting in Sri Lanka’s rock-stewed river beds is truly a remarkable experience that will leave you with a lot more courage to help you paddle through the rapids and obstacles of life!