Kitulgala: Whitewater Rafting on Kelani River With Lunch

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, Kitulgala offers thrill-seekers an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience on the Kelani River. This 2-hour adventure guides adventurers through five major and four minor rapids, promising an adrenaline-fueled journey amidst the region’s stunning natural landscapes. Led by local experts, participants can expect to navigate the churning waters and enjoy refreshing sprays, capping off the experience with a delicious lunch. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, this excursion promises an exhilarating escape from the everyday.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Lunch Experiences In Kitulgala.

Key Points

• Whitewater rafting on Kelani River in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka, lasts 2 hours and is suitable for all skill levels.
• Rafters navigate through 5 major and 4 minor rapids, with the option to enjoy a local lunch after the activity.
• Pricing is $30.00 per person, with a reserve now & pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The experience is led by a local guide and includes all necessary rafting gear, with transportation provided from The Plantation Hotel car park.
• The activity offers an opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes while enjoying the thrill of whitewater rafting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Whitewater rafting on the Kelani River in Kitulgala is a 2-hour activity suitable for all skill levels, with a local guide leading small groups of up to 8 participants.

The guided tour allows you to ride through 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids, feeling the cold spray of the river and enjoying the adrenaline rush of rafting.

You’ll have the chance to explore Sri Lanka’s beautiful nature and, if you’d like, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant after the activity.

The tour is conducted in English, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for all.

Pricing and Reservation

The whitewater rafting experience in Kitulgala is priced at $30.00 per person, with a reserve now & pay later option available.

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they’re encouraged to check availability for starting times to ensure a spot.

This affordable price point makes the activity accessible to a wide range of budgets, while the flexible reservation and cancellation policies provide peace of mind.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a chance to explore Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes, the whitewater rafting on the Kelani River is a must-try experience.

Experience Highlights

Kitulgala: Whitewater Rafting on Kelani River With Lunch

Experience Highlights

Riders can expect to navigate through 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids during the whitewater rafting experience on the Kelani River.

The cold spray of the river will add to the adrenaline-fueled adventure, as participants feel the power of the water beneath them.

Exploration of Sri Lanka’s beautiful natural landscapes is another highlight, offering a chance to take in the country’s stunning scenery.

The activity is suitable for all skill levels, with a guided tour led by a local expert.

Riders can also opt for a post-activity lunch at a local restaurant to complete their whitewater adventure.

Inclusions

This whitewater rafting experience includes a local guide to lead the tour, transportation from the meeting point at The Plantation Hotel car park to the rapids, and all necessary rafting gear.

Participants also receive bottled water, and have the option to include a post-activity lunch at a local restaurant. Personal expenses and tips aren’t covered.

The inclusions for this whitewater rafting adventure are:

1. Local guide to lead the tour

2. Transportation from the meeting point to the rapids

3. All necessary rafting equipment

Participants can expect a hassle-free and guided experience, with the option to enjoy a local lunch after the thrilling ride down the Kelani River.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

While customer reviews for the Kitulgala whitewater rafting experience are limited, the single review available rates the activity a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

Customers have praised the friendly guide and the overall fun and thrilling nature of the rafting adventure, though some have noted the experience felt a bit short in duration.

Based on the sole review, it seems the whitewater rafting on the Kelani River is an exhilarating excursion that allows participants to feel the rush of the rapids and enjoy the beautiful Sri Lankan nature.

However, with only one review to go on, more feedback would be needed to fully assess the general customer sentiment towards this activity.

Getting There

The Kelani River’s whitewater rapids in Kitulgala are accessible from The Plantation Hotel’s car park, which serves as the meeting point for the rafting excursion.

From there, the local guide will provide transportation to the river’s edge. The journey to the starting point is quite straightforward:

1. Depart from The Plantation Hotel car park, located just a short distance from the river.

2. Enjoy a scenic 10-minute drive through the lush, green countryside to reach the rafting launch site.

3. Upon arrival, the guide will provide all necessary rafting gear and instructions before launching into the river’s thrilling rapids.

With convenient transportation and a guided experience, guests can focus on the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Kelani River.

Preparing for the Adventure

Before embarking on the whitewater rafting adventure, participants receive a thorough safety briefing from the guide. The guide covers crucial information, such as paddle techniques, navigation through rapids, and emergency procedures. Participants are also provided with the necessary safety gear, including helmets, life jackets, and paddles. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the guide advises participants to wear quick-drying clothing, secure footwear, and bring sun protection.

Safety Gear	Paddle Technique	Navigation	Emergency Procedures
Helmets	Forward Stroke	Identify Rapids	Capsize Drills
Life Jackets	Back Stroke	Maneuvering	Rescue Procedures
Paddles	Bracing	Communication	First Aid
Splash Jackets	Turning	River Conditions	Emergency Exits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Life Jacket?

Participants can’t bring their own life jackets for the whitewater rafting activity. The tour provider supplies all the necessary rafting gear, including life jackets, to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Rafting?

The minimum age requirement for whitewater rafting is typically 12 years old, though some operators may allow younger participants with adult supervision. Prospective rafters should check with the tour company regarding age restrictions before booking.

Are Photos/Videos Allowed During the Activity?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during the whitewater rafting activity. Participants can capture the thrilling experience, but it’s recommended to use waterproof cameras or phones to prevent any damage from the river’s cold spray.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point?

The meeting point is at The Plantation Hotel car park. Visitors can arrange their own transportation to get to the car park or request pickup service from the tour operator, which may incur an additional charge.

What Should I Bring for the Rafting Experience?

For a whitewater rafting experience, it’s recommended to bring a swimsuit, water shoes or sandals, sunscreen, a quick-dry shirt, and a change of clothes. The rafting gear like life jackets and helmets will be provided on-site.

Recap

Whitewater rafting on the Kelani River in Kitulgala promises an unforgettable adventure.

Guided by local experts, adventurers will navigate five major and four minor rapids, experiencing the thrill of crashing through the waters and taking in the stunning Sri Lankan landscapes.

After the adrenaline-filled journey, a delicious lunch at a local restaurant completes this exciting escape into nature.

You can check if your dates are available here: