Kithulgala Adventure
Experience the lush beauty and adventure of Kitulgala, a charming Sri Lankan town nestled along the Kelani River. Known for its dense rainforest and thrilling outdoor activities, Kitulgala is a prime destination for white-water rafting. Rafters Retreat offers an eco-friendly stay in rustic treehouses or cabins, perfectly situated for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy exhilarating rafting on the Kelani River, explore the historic Belilena Cave with its fascinating prehistoric significance, and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the surrounding rainforest. This blend of adventure, history, and eco-conscious accommodation makes Kitulgala a unique and memorable destination.
Details
| Unique Experiences: | Stay in rustic, eco-friendly treehouses at Rafters Retreat, blending comfort with a deep connection to nature. Relax in the serene, eco-conscious environment of Rafters Retreat, offering a peaceful escape amidst nature. Conquer the exciting rapids of the Kelani River while surrounded by lush rainforest with Rafters Retreat as your base. Discover ancient human history at Belilena Cave, an archaeological site with significant prehistoric artifacts. Enjoy guided treks through dense rainforest, taking in stunning views and diverse flora and fauna. |
| Trip Length: | 3 Days |
| Participants: | Up to 16 travelers may book this trip. One or more components of this trip are a shared experience. |
| Physical Difficulty: | 2 out of 5 |
| Inclusions: | Meals: 2 Breakfasts Accommodations: 2 nights at Rafters Retreat in a Eco Lodge Room Transportation: Hotel to Activities Places Miscellaneous: Local Host, Rafting Equipment |
| Exclusions: | Travel Insurance (Compulsory) Tips and Gratuities Compulsory and Peak Season Surcharges |
| Age Policy: |
Adults: 18 to 99 years of age Children: Prohibited Infants: Prohibited |
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Kitulgala
Welcome to Kitulgala!
Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka, renowned for its lush rainforest, scenic beauty, and as a hub for adventure sports, particularly white-water rafting. Located along the banks of the Kelani River, Kitulgala’s landscape is characterized by dense tropical forests, rolling hills, and a river that flows through the heart of the town, offering a stunning natural setting.
The town gained international fame as the filming location for the Oscar-winning movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai” in 1957, although the bridge itself no longer exists. Despite its small size, Kitulgala has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor adventures.
Arrive and check in at the Rafters Retreat on your own.
Rafters Retreat is an eco-friendly accommodation located along the banks of the Kelani River in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka. Known for its unique blend of adventure and nature, it offers guests the chance to stay in rustic treehouses or cabins surrounded by lush rainforest. The retreat is particularly popular with those seeking to experience the thrill of white-water rafting, as Kitulgala is one of Sri Lanka’s top destinations for this activity.
In addition to rafting, visitors can enjoy canyoning, trekking, bird watching, and exploring the nearby waterfalls. The retreat itself is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, using sustainable practices and natural materials to create a harmonious and immersive experience in the heart of nature.
Accommodation: Rafters Retreat in an Eco Lodge Non-A/C
Day 2: Kitulgala
This morning after breakfast, you embark on a white-water rafting adventure at the Rafters Retreat.
A white-water rafting adventure at Rafters Retreat in Kitulgala offers an exhilarating experience on the Kelani River, one of Sri Lanka’s premier destinations for rafting. Situated amidst lush rainforest, Rafters Retreat provides the perfect base for thrill-seekers looking to tackle the rapids while surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
The rafting experience typically starts with a safety briefing by experienced guides who ensure that all participants are equipped with life jackets, helmets, and paddles. The river’s rapids are categorized between Class II and Class III, making them suitable for both beginners and those with some rafting experience. The adventure begins as you set off down the river, paddling through a series of rapids that range from gentle waves to more challenging currents.
As you navigate the river, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Kitulgala rainforest, with dense foliage and the occasional glimpse of wildlife along the riverbanks. The Kelani River’s clear waters and the sound of rushing rapids create a thrilling atmosphere as you work together with your team to steer the raft through the twists and turns of the river.
The rafting course at Kitulgala typically covers around 5 kilometers, with the journey taking about 1 to 2 hours depending on water levels and the speed of the river. Along the way, there may be opportunities to pause and enjoy a swim in the calmer sections of the river or simply take in the serene environment.
After the rafting adventure, you may return to Rafters Retreat, where you can relax and unwind in the eco-friendly surroundings.
In the afternoon, at 14:30 embark on an adventure to explore the Belilena Cave.
Exploring the historic Belilena Cave with your host in Kitulgala offers a fascinating journey into Sri Lanka’s ancient past. Belilena Cave is an important archaeological site that has provided significant insights into the prehistoric life of the island. Located in the midst of dense rainforest near Kitulgala, the cave is not only a place of historical significance but also one of natural beauty.
Your adventure begins with a trek through the lush forest, guided by your knowledgeable host who will share insights about the local flora, fauna, and the historical importance of the area. The hike to the cave is a scenic one, taking you through thick vegetation, across small streams, and up a series of paths that offer glimpses of the surrounding landscape.
As you approach Belilena Cave, you’ll notice its imposing entrance, a reminder of its significance as a shelter for early humans. The cave was home to the Balangoda Man, a prehistoric human species that lived in Sri Lanka over 30,000 years ago. Inside the cave, excavations have revealed skeletal remains, stone tools, and other artifacts that provide evidence of one of the earliest known human settlements in the region.
Your host will guide you through the cave, explaining the significance of the findings and how they contribute to our understanding of prehistoric life on the island. The cave’s interior is vast and awe-inspiring, with natural rock formations and the cool, dark atmosphere offering a stark contrast to the warm, humid jungle outside.
As you explore deeper into the cave, you’ll learn about the daily lives of the early inhabitants, their use of the cave for shelter, and how they adapted to their environment. The stories of the Balangoda Man, combined with the ancient atmosphere of the cave, create a vivid picture of life in a bygone era.
After the exploration, you can take a moment to enjoy the serene surroundings outside the cave, with the sounds of the jungle and the fresh air providing a peaceful end to your journey. The trek back to your starting point offers more opportunities to take in the natural beauty of Kitulgala, making this an enriching experience that combines history, nature, and adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Shared transfer to activities.
Accommodation: Rafters Retreat in an Eco Lodge Non-A/C
Day 3: Kitulgala
Enjoy a morning breakfast and prepare to check-out. We hope you've enjoyed your stay and are rested and ready to explore!
Meals: Breakfast
Welcome to Kitulgala!
Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka, renowned for its lush rainforest, scenic beauty, and as a hub for adventure sports, particularly white-water rafting. Located along the banks of the Kelani River, Kitulgala’s landscape is characterized by dense tropical forests, rolling hills, and a river that flows through the heart of the town, offering a stunning natural setting.
The town gained international fame as the filming location for the Oscar-winning movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai” in 1957, although the bridge itself no longer exists. Despite its small size, Kitulgala has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor adventures.
Arrive and check in at the Rafters Retreat on your own.
Rafters Retreat is an eco-friendly accommodation located along the banks of the Kelani River in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka. Known for its unique blend of adventure and nature, it offers guests the chance to stay in rustic treehouses or cabins surrounded by lush rainforest. The retreat is particularly popular with those seeking to experience the thrill of white-water rafting, as Kitulgala is one of Sri Lanka’s top destinations for this activity.
In addition to rafting, visitors can enjoy canyoning, trekking, bird watching, and exploring the nearby waterfalls. The retreat itself is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, using sustainable practices and natural materials to create a harmonious and immersive experience in the heart of nature.
Accommodation: Rafters Retreat in an Eco Lodge Non-A/C
Day 2: Kitulgala
This morning after breakfast, you embark on a white-water rafting adventure at the Rafters Retreat.
A white-water rafting adventure at Rafters Retreat in Kitulgala offers an exhilarating experience on the Kelani River, one of Sri Lanka’s premier destinations for rafting. Situated amidst lush rainforest, Rafters Retreat provides the perfect base for thrill-seekers looking to tackle the rapids while surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
The rafting experience typically starts with a safety briefing by experienced guides who ensure that all participants are equipped with life jackets, helmets, and paddles. The river’s rapids are categorized between Class II and Class III, making them suitable for both beginners and those with some rafting experience. The adventure begins as you set off down the river, paddling through a series of rapids that range from gentle waves to more challenging currents.
As you navigate the river, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Kitulgala rainforest, with dense foliage and the occasional glimpse of wildlife along the riverbanks. The Kelani River’s clear waters and the sound of rushing rapids create a thrilling atmosphere as you work together with your team to steer the raft through the twists and turns of the river.
The rafting course at Kitulgala typically covers around 5 kilometers, with the journey taking about 1 to 2 hours depending on water levels and the speed of the river. Along the way, there may be opportunities to pause and enjoy a swim in the calmer sections of the river or simply take in the serene environment.
After the rafting adventure, you may return to Rafters Retreat, where you can relax and unwind in the eco-friendly surroundings.
In the afternoon, at 14:30 embark on an adventure to explore the Belilena Cave.
Exploring the historic Belilena Cave with your host in Kitulgala offers a fascinating journey into Sri Lanka’s ancient past. Belilena Cave is an important archaeological site that has provided significant insights into the prehistoric life of the island. Located in the midst of dense rainforest near Kitulgala, the cave is not only a place of historical significance but also one of natural beauty.
Your adventure begins with a trek through the lush forest, guided by your knowledgeable host who will share insights about the local flora, fauna, and the historical importance of the area. The hike to the cave is a scenic one, taking you through thick vegetation, across small streams, and up a series of paths that offer glimpses of the surrounding landscape.
As you approach Belilena Cave, you’ll notice its imposing entrance, a reminder of its significance as a shelter for early humans. The cave was home to the Balangoda Man, a prehistoric human species that lived in Sri Lanka over 30,000 years ago. Inside the cave, excavations have revealed skeletal remains, stone tools, and other artifacts that provide evidence of one of the earliest known human settlements in the region.
Your host will guide you through the cave, explaining the significance of the findings and how they contribute to our understanding of prehistoric life on the island. The cave’s interior is vast and awe-inspiring, with natural rock formations and the cool, dark atmosphere offering a stark contrast to the warm, humid jungle outside.
As you explore deeper into the cave, you’ll learn about the daily lives of the early inhabitants, their use of the cave for shelter, and how they adapted to their environment. The stories of the Balangoda Man, combined with the ancient atmosphere of the cave, create a vivid picture of life in a bygone era.
After the exploration, you can take a moment to enjoy the serene surroundings outside the cave, with the sounds of the jungle and the fresh air providing a peaceful end to your journey. The trek back to your starting point offers more opportunities to take in the natural beauty of Kitulgala, making this an enriching experience that combines history, nature, and adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Shared transfer to activities.
Accommodation: Rafters Retreat in an Eco Lodge Non-A/C
Day 3: Kitulgala
Enjoy a morning breakfast and prepare to check-out. We hope you've enjoyed your stay and are rested and ready to explore!
Meals: Breakfast
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