Whitewater Rafting Vacation

Promoting Sri Lanka's tourism solely based on its whitewater rafting opportunities is rare, but nevertheless, the sport is catching on fast. Starting from the central peaks in the country, many rivers flow across the country in its quest to join the sea and these rivers create exciting opportunities for whitewater rafting in many areas of Sri Lanka. One morning of rafting along these rivers will ensure the unexpected meeting of several amazing rapids including Killer Fall, Rib Cage, Head Chopper, Virgin's Breast, Slot and Drop.

Travelling along the A7 highway from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella, approximately 50 miles / 80 kilometres from Colombo, travellers come across Kitulgala, a small town famous for its whitewater rafting. Named due to the abundance of Kitul trees in the region, Kitulgala was once the location for the world famous 1957 movie 'Bridge on the River Kwai' by David Lean. The location of the movie, on Kelani River, which flows across Kitulgala, is still an attraction for the many local and foreign tourists.

Located on the banks of the Kelani River, the area of the river that's part of Kitulgala, is a pleasurable stretch of flowing water, ideal for whitewater rafting. Strewn with rock formations and full of rapids, as well as surrounded by tall bamboo trees, this second largest river in the country provides the resources for the whitewater rafting capital of Sri Lanka.

Rafter's Retreat and Action Lanka are the two main service providers for the whitewater rafting sport enthusiasts in Sri Lanka. Rafter's Retreat is located at the beginning of the main road to Kitulgala town and Action Lanka is situated at the Plantation Hotel, a few kilometres up the main road.

Offering seven rapids to tackle and rated between grades two and three, the whitewater rafting run at Kitulgala is 4 miles / 6.5 kilometres in length and takes approximately one and half hours to complete. Each rapid, named for their various qualities, boast their own distinctive characteristics. Some of these rapids include Butter Crunch, Killer Fall, Rib Cage and Virgin's Breast. The deep and sluggish waters between two rock formed sides in one section of the river prompted the cinematic crew to build the bridge used in the movie 'Bridge on the River Kwai', nearly half century ago.

Head Chopper, thus named for its force and speed which picks up the raft and pushes through a channel on the right bank of the river, is the most interesting rapid to navigate at Kitulgala. The speed of the rapid forces the raft right in to the path of a low-lying branch, and it's very advisable to duck and get out of the branch's way!

Whitewater rafting does not require immense physical strength, which is quite contradictory to the image it portrays. As long as the rafter is of calm disposition and has an average level of fitness, whitewater rafting is a sport they can indulge in without fears. The ability to swim is a definite advantage although it's not mandatory, because each member of the rafting team is provided with a Personal Flotation Device. For those with heart ailments, epilepsy and such disorders as well as for the intoxicated, whitewater rafting is undoubtedly inadvisable. Even those who are quite uncomfortable in large bodies of water should not indulge in the sport.

The Sitawake run, which is located off Avissawella on Sitawaka River, is the second best option for whitewater rafting. A two hour run, this section is graded between three and four, and because of its higher degree of rating, considerable whitewater rafting skill is needed to navigate the run.

Whitewater rafting operators in Sri Lanka arrange special runs for groups of ten or more rafters holding sufficient experience in whitewater rafting. These runs include Ulapane near Nawalapitiya, which flows down to Gampola on the Mahaweli River, which is Sri Lanka's longest river. The rapids are rated between two and five and take approximately three hours to complete.

One of the sensational whitewater rafting spots in Sri Lanka is on the Kotmale River, just off the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya road. Starting from just below St Clair Falls and lasting for six hours, this run is graded from four to five. The elevation is much higher than the other whitewater rafting locations in Sri Lanka and offers soothing cold water and magnificent mountain scenery.

These exciting alternative runs are definitely for the highly experienced rafters and Kitulgala is undoubtedly the most popular option considered by the novices and the experienced, due to its convenient location and comprehensive facilities. The Kelani River offers a full complement of holes, laterals and standing waves to satisfy the whitewater rafting sport.

The Kelani River is controlled by a dam and this fact limits the strength and speed of the rapids at various seasons of the year. The best period for rafting in Kitulgala is from May to December. In April, the water levels are too low, resulting only in technical rapids. Heavy rains during certain months cause dangerous water levels, which are too difficult to control to provide safe whitewater rafting.

Black whitewater rafting is an interesting part of the sport in Sri Lanka. For three days before and after a full moon holiday, whitewater rafting operators provide and opportunity for night time whitewater rafting, which is a completely different experience compared to daytime rafting. Sufficient lighting is provided with the whitewater rafting gear and ample lighting is provided by the full moon itself.

Costs at Kitulgala range between Rupees 1200.00 and 1500.00 per person for rafting only, and Rupees 1500.00 to 1850.00 per person for day packages that include lunch. The Sitawaka run costs Rupees 2200.00 per person. The other special runs are priced at Rupees 3000.00 per person.

Sri Lanka may not be as famous for whitewater rafting as Nepal and Zimbabwe, and may not require the same degree of proficiency, but the rafting makes up for it all by still being commercially untouched. Sri Lanka is excellent to give whitewater rafting a try as the sites are within easy reach and well serviced.

Whitewater Rafting Classifications

Class I

No obstructions and hazard on the run and offers clear, wide channels with small rapids.

Class II

Waves are more frequently experienced and are somewhat larger. Little or no obstructions and hazards along the way.

Class III

Rapids could be as high as four feet. Some obstructions throughout the run.

Class IV

A rather difficult navigation, with large frequent waves and obstructions.

Class V

Large frequent waves which are often unavoidable. Technical rapids with many hazards and obstructions present along the run.

Class VI

The highest limit of navigation. Limited only for the extremely experience fanatics of the sport.

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