Sri Lanka · TOURS IN KITULGALA
Good tours in Kitulgala fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join an English-speaking rafting team for a 1.5-hour run through Kithulgala’s Kelani River. You’ll tackle five major and four smaller class 2 and 3 rapids, including Virgin’s Breast, Killer Falls, Butter Crunch, and Head Chopper. Hotel pickup, drop-off, water, refreshments, and optional lunch are included.
Raft 4 kilometers of Kitulgala’s river through Class 2 and 3 rapids such as Butter Crunch, Killer Fall, and White Water. English-speaking guides provide the safety briefing, equipment, transfers, and insurance. You can also jump from the raft and float downstream. The advertised time is 2.5 hours, though water levels affect the pace.
Ride from Kandy to Kitulgala by Tuk Tuk or car with an English-speaking driver-guide, then raft the Kelani River, visit a tea factory, craft house, Ayurvedic center, and Bahirawakanda Temple. Guides such as Ramzan, Sanath, and Akila are known for safe driving, local explanations, and friendly company. Rafting and optional massage cost extra.
“Ramzan was the man! very accommodating and even went out of his way a lot for us. if youre lucky enough to have Ramzan as a driver you will be very happy! above and beyond :)”
Travel from Kandy to Kitulgala for a guided Kelani River rafting run with five major and four minor rapids. Sara and the local team provide safety gear and instruction, while the day also includes a tea factory, herbal garden, wood carving house, Asgiriya Temple, lunch, and hotel transfers.
“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 to Kitulgala for beginner-friendly rafting on the Kelani River. You will face three major and four minor rapids, including Virgin’s Breast and Head Chopper, after safety training with experienced guides. The day also includes a tea factory, herbal garden, woodcarving visit, lunch, one beer, and hotel pickup.
“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 :)”
You trek through rainforest to Kataran Oya, then rappel down waterfalls, slide over smooth rock, and jump into deep pools with safety gear and an English or French-speaking instructor. The private outing costs $23 per person, but allow for a shorter canyoning session than the advertised five hours.
“Activity has been definitely fun with our kind guide. The timing indicated for 5 hours isn’t correct. The canyoning session is 1 hour and the rafting 1 hour so 2 hours together. The price is only for canyoning. So 20$ for 1 hour canyoning or only the rafting or 40$ for both.”
Join a private two-hour rafting trip on the Kelani River near Kitulgala. You will tackle five major and four minor rapids with an English- or Sinhalese-speaking instructor, using modern rafts and supplied safety gear. Bring quick-dry clothes, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The river’s calm swimming stop adds a welcome break.
“Despite booking early in the morning on the same day, they quickly coordinated everything and responded promptly to my questions via WhatsApp. I really appreciated that they accepted my solo booking for white-water rafting. It was my first time rafting in Sri Lanka, but they gave clear instructions at the beginning, and the rapids were thrilling and incredibly fun. I wore a swimsuit, so getting completely soaked only added to the enjoyment. I was also happy they took photos for me with my phone during the trip. At the swimming area, we had time to float and relax under the beautiful weather. The staff even picked some seasonal fruits from…”
Meet your English-speaking rafting instructor at The Plantation Hotel in Kitulgala, collect safety gear, and run five major and four minor rapids on the Kelani River. The small group is limited to eight people. A lakeside lunch and hotel transfers are available, but confirm that lunch is included in your booking.
“Var gøy raftingtur, men fikk ikke noen lunsj”
Pick a park, a ruin, a hillside or a kitchen.
