Kitulgala - Adventure sports hub in Sri Lanka

Description

Kitulgala is a lush rainforest destination in western Sri Lanka, famous for adventure sports, waterfalls, and biodiversity. It is known as Sri Lanka’s adventure capital, offering activities like white-water rafting, jungle trekking, and waterfall abseiling. Kitulgala is also a filming location for the classic movie The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957).

Visitor Fee

• No general entry fee.
• Activity costs vary:
  • White-water rafting: ~$15–$25 USD per person.
  • Canyoning & waterfall abseiling: ~$20–$40 USD.
  • Trekking & birdwatching: ~$10–$20 USD with a guide.

Transportation

• By Car/Taxi:
  • From Colombo (~2.5 hours, 90 km) via Avissawella.
  • From Kandy (~2 hours, 80 km).
• By Bus:
  • Take a bus to Avissawella or Hatton, then a local bus to Kitulgala.
• By Train:
  • The nearest railway station is Hatton, then take a bus or tuk-tuk (~1 hour).

Things to Do

1. White-Water Rafting – The Kelani River offers exciting rapids (Grade 2–3).
2. Jungle Trekking – Explore the rainforest with waterfalls and wildlife.
3. Birdwatching – Spot endemic birds like the Sri Lanka blue magpie and Ceylon hanging parrot.
4. Waterfall Abseiling – Descend stunning waterfalls like Sandun Ella.
5. Cave Exploration – Visit Belilena Cave, home to prehistoric human fossils (~12,000 years old).
6. Cycling & Kayaking – Ride or paddle through scenic nature trails.
7. Film Site Visit – See remnants of The Bridge on the River Kwai set.

Why People Enjoy Coming Here

• Best adventure sports hub in Sri Lanka.
• Stunning rainforest scenery and Kelani River views.
• Rich biodiversity, including rare birds and reptiles.
• Less crowded than major tourist cities, offering a peaceful nature escape.

Age of Kitulgala

• The region has been inhabited for over 12,000 years, based on findings in Belilena Cave.

List of Activities

• White-water rafting
• Waterfall abseiling & canyoning
• Jungle trekking
• Birdwatching
• Cave exploration
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Aberdeen Falls – A picturesque 98m-high waterfall (~45 minutes).
2. Laxapana Falls – One of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfalls (~1 hour).
3. Hatton Tea Estates – Visit tea plantations and factories (~1.5 hours).
4. Makandawa Rainforest Reserve – A biodiversity hotspot for trekking.