Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. It is in the wet zone rain forest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala,
although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge (and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene). Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream.
Large numbers of people make the excursion from Colombo at weekends to enjoy the beautiful scenery, play in the river, and have an excellent rice and curry lunch at the local restaurants.The Kelani river is wide at Kitulgala, but it is shallow apart from a deep channel near the opposite bank, so in the drier months it provides a safe and attractive place to swim, wash and play.The river can be crossed by walking out across the shallows and crossing the deep channel in a dugout canoe, which is Establishment with an outrigger.
Whitewater rafting
Whitewater rafting is at once a challenging recreational activity and an exhilarating water sport. Yet contrary to the general public perception, Whitewater rafting is not a sport that demands great physical strength. Dexterity with an ore in the hands, an average level of physical fitness and an unruffled temperament would do. Whitewater Rafting, generally enjoyed in the white-waters as well as in other turbulent waters, brings about enthralling experience to the water sport enthusiasts.
Though ability to swim is a definite advantage, the Personal Flotation Device, the necessary outfit for a whitewater rafting enthusiast is guaranteed to save him from drowning in the rapids should he fell over board.
However those suffering from heart ailments, epilepsy as well as those who are uncomfortable in turbulent water aren’t advised to make a move on whitewater rafting. Some of the river of Sri Lanka affords the opportunity for the recreational activists and water sport enthusiast to enjoy whitewater rafting. The small town of Kitulgala in the hill country is the most famous whitewater rafting location in Sri Lanka.
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