Eight reasons to visit Kitulgala

‘Forward…! Relax…!’ ‘Forward…! Relax…!’ The order barked out by the white water rafting instructor is a rhythm still fresh in my mind. Paddling along the Kelani River in Kitulgala was an experience unlike any other. The gushing river, which grows unexpectedly calm sometimes, is both unnerving and exhilarating – a sensation most thrill seekers keep coming back for.
Synonymous with such adventure, Kitulgala, a small town in the west of Sri Lanka, is an ideal location for holidaymakers seeking a mixture of adrenaline rushes and relaxation. Famed mainly for its white water rafting, this town situated 95 kms from Colombo, halfway along the Avissawella-Hatton main road, is surrounded by wooded hills and lush vegetation, making it also the perfect location for jungle trekking, outdoor camping, mountain biking and bird watching.
Kitulgala is blessed with two monsoons a year and is one of the wettest places in the island. The period of January to March is its dry season that draws many visitors seeking the excitement of white water rafting in the town’s adjacent Kelani River.
Don’t be fooled by the notion that Kitulgala is a town of only one wonder. Unknown to most, it houses other marvels worth checking out. Here is a list that might help you out.
White water rafting
Okay. It’s only natural to get the town’s major attraction out of the way first. White water rafting, although a must try is not suited for all. You’ll have to be prepared to get wet and sometimes be even thrown over the raft (only to be promptly attended to by the able instructors of course!).
Rafting along the Kelani River is divided to suit the comfort levels of beginners and experienced rafters. There are major rapids (situated in the upper section of the river), which might interest extreme thrill seekers, and minor rapids (in the lower section) suitable for almost all, provided you’re not overly fearful of gushing water!
Once you’ve conquered the rapids, you’ll be allowed to ‘body raft’ for a few metres before concluding your adventure. You can opt out of it if you like and stay in the raft, enjoying the peaceful scenery about you. You’ll be wearing life-jackets so anyone can body raft. It’s important to remain calm and not jostle fellow body-rafters by putting your weight on them. Each man for himself is the way to go here!
The activity is essentially suitable for anyone above the age of 10 and comes geared with safety essentials, modern rafts and a comprehensive safety briefing given by the relevant rafting instructors.
You’ll find an assortment of places along the Kelani River that offer such rafting experiences. Be sure to ask around and pick the most reputed.
Bird watching
For nature lovers, Kitulgala can be a gold mine. You’d be amazed to know that just across the Kelani River is a primeval forest, home to about 50 odd rare species of birds. Most of the rain forest bird species found at Sinharaja can be found here (although in lesser density), namely the Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Green-billed coucal and Spot-winged Thrush.
The hills above the rubber plantations are populated with Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Treeswift and Layard’s Parakeet. Many of the island’s endemic bird species such as Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler and chestnut-backed owlet, as well as reptiles such as green pit viper and earless lizard and a variety of butterflies can be sighted in Kitulgala.
Enquire from those around for the best tours on offer.
Waterfall abseiling
Again, not a feat for the faint-hearted, waterfall abseiling is another adventure this small town offers. For a surge of adrenaline, there’s nothing like the intense feeling of rushing water combined with the thrill of hanging on a rope!
As with white water rafting, be sure to ask around before choosing your instructors!
Trekking
Rain forest trekking – Across the Kelani River and on to the rain forest of Kitulgala Forest Reserve, you’ll find yourself in ideal trekking ground. Experience various fauna and flora through your trek and don’t miss the beautiful waterfalls and streams hidden inside the forest. Cool dips in the scenic water stream are a must on your trek.
Waterfall trekking – For a close view of incredible waterfall scenery, waterfall trekking would be the way to go. You’ll marvel at the hidden beauty that’ll unravel through this experience.
Forest Edge
Set on a working plantation, Forest Edge is an amalgamation of basic guesthouses and rustic eco-retreats. Rated number one on Tripadvisor, this beautiful property sits atop a terraced hill. The parking lot is located on the ground level with a lounge and restaurant on the level above and the bedrooms and swimming pool on the highest level. A stay here would encompass breath-taking views of the tea plantations, pine forests and mountains in the lodge’s environs.
The rooms are well furnished with all you’ll need for a comfortable stay and the lodge offers Sri Lankan and Western cuisine served at their main restaurant. Guided nature trails and bird watching could be arranged upon request.
Hotel Breetas Garden
Another gem of a find in terms of accommodation, Hotel Breetas Garden is built on a scenic location, overlooking Aberdeen waterfall. This property too is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush tea estate.
Royal River Resort
Cushioned between lush mountains, waterfalls and breath-taking landscape, this resort comprises well-equipped, air-conditioned guestrooms that are both comfortable and stylish. A swimming pool and on-site restaurant offering delicious food complete the picture. The pool bar features an open fire place.
And a footnote…
If the adventure and accommodation have failed to intrigue you, here’s a noteworthy fact about Kitulgala that is sure to grab your attention. The town was a filming site for the Academy Award-winning movie ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’. The movie was filmed on the Kelani River, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge.
The film was widely praised, and won seven Academy Awards (including Best Picture) at the 30th Academy Awards. It was also deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and selected for preservation in the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.
(Trekurious together with Daily FT explores Sri Lanka for the curious traveller. Trekurious works with talented individuals and great brands to create amazing experiential tours, activities, and events in Sri Lanka. You can find out more at http://www.Trekurious.com.)