From Colombo: Adventure Water Rafting in Kitulgala Day Tour

Embarking on an exhilarating water rafting adventure from Colombo to Kitulgala, Sri Lanka, is a thrilling way to experience the country’s natural beauty. This full-day tour promises a scenic drive, a thrilling 1-hour rafting expedition, and a delicious lunch. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a beginner, this tour caters to all skill levels, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Kelani River and its surrounding landscapes. But what makes this adventure truly unforgettable? Let’s delve deeper into the details.

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Key Points

Full-day white water rafting adventure on the Kelani River in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka, with hotel pickup in Colombo and buffet lunch.
3-4 hour journey each way to the rafting site, with a professional safety briefing and around 1 hour of rafting.
Priced from Kč 2,004 per person with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
Suitable for families and beginners, with optional add-on activities like abseiling and ziplining.
Tour rated 4.5 out of 5, though some customers felt the rafting duration was too short.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This white water rafting adventure in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka offers a full-day thrilling experience.

The 10-hour tour includes a 3-4 hour journey each way to the rafting site on the Kelani River. Priced from Kč 2,004 per person, the tour provides hotel pickup in Colombo and a buffet lunch after the rafting.

The 10-hour tour includes a 3-4 hour journey each way to the rafting site on the Kelani River, priced from Kč 2,004 per person with hotel pickup and buffet lunch.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The rafting itself lasts around 1 hour, covering about 5 kilometers.

The tour is suitable for beginners, but experienced rafters may find the duration too short.

Looking for more options in Colombo? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

The itinerary begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from the customer’s hotel in Colombo.

The 3-4 hour journey to the Kelani River follows. Upon arrival, a professional instructor provides a safety briefing before the rafting experience.

The rafting distance covers approximately 5 kilometers, offering scenic views of the river and surroundings.

After the activity, customers enjoy a buffet lunch at the Plantation Hotel.

The return journey to Colombo takes around 4 hours.

Throughout the tour, travelers have access to bottled water and benefit from an English-speaking driver and private air-conditioned transportation.

Inclusions

The tour includes bottled water throughout the day and hotel pick-up and drop-off services.

Transportation is provided by a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.

The rafting experience itself is led by professional instructors who provide a safety briefing.

Professional instructors provide a safety briefing to ensure a safe and enjoyable water rafting experience.

Participants can also enjoy optional activities like abseiling and ziplining.

While gratuities are optional, they aren’t included in the tour price.

The inclusions are:

Bottled water
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
Water rafting experience with safety briefing

Recommendations and Restrictions

Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, swimsuits, fast-drying shorts, and river shoes for the water rafting adventure.

Dry clothes and towels are recommended for the journey back.

Pregnant women and wheelchair users are restricted from participating due to safety concerns.

Pets, smoking, and large luggage or bags aren’t allowed on the tour.

The activity is suitable for families and beginners, but adrenaline-seekers may find the rafting duration too short.

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Customer Feedback

How do customers rate the white water rafting adventure in Kitulgala? Based on 2 reviews, the tour overall receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

However, the value for money is scored 3.5 out of 5.

Some key points:

Participants felt the rafting duration, around 1 hour, was too short compared to the lengthy 3-4 hour travel time to reach the location.
The tour is suitable for families and beginners, but may not satisfy thrill-seekers seeking a more intense whitewater experience.
The scenic views and buffet lunch were well-received.
The tour offers good value, though some customers expected a longer rafting activity.

There's plenty more to explore in Colombo

Adventure Awaits in Kitulgala

Although the travel time to reach the Kelani River might seem lengthy, the white water rafting adventure in Kitulgala promises an exhilarating experience that’s well worth the journey.

Once at the river, participants receive a thorough safety briefing from professional instructors before embarking on an approximately 5-kilometer rafting route.

Traversing the rapids, adventurers will be treated to scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

After the rafting, a buffet lunch at the Plantation Hotel provides a chance to refuel.

While the activity may not satisfy extreme thrill-seekers, it offers an accessible white water experience suitable for families and beginners.

Preparing for the Rafting Experience

With the travel time out of the way, participants can now turn their attention to gearing up for the white water rafting adventure.

The tour operator provides the following recommendations:

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and river shoes to protect against the elements.
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to shield against the sun’s rays.
Pack a towel and a change of dry clothes for after the rafting.
Leave large luggage and valuables behind, as the activity involves getting wet.

Following these simple tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable rafting experience.

Exploring the Kelani River Surroundings

As the rafters float down the Kelani River, they’re treated to a mesmerizing display of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

Lush, verdant hills rise on both sides, blanketed with dense forests and the occasional village. Towering waterfalls cascade over rugged cliffs, their thunderous roar adding to the excitement.

Exotic birds flit among the treetops, while playful monkeys watch the procession of rafts from the riverbanks.

The river itself is a whitewater playground, with rapids ranging from mild to thrilling, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

The river is a whitewater playground, with rapids ranging from mild to thrilling, promising an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

This slice of pristine wilderness is a true feast for the senses.

Common Questions

Are Lifejackets and Helmets Provided for the Rafting Activity?

Yes, lifejackets and helmets are provided for the rafting activity. These safety gear are required and must be worn at all times during the white water rafting adventure to ensure the participants’ safety.

What Is the Age Restriction for the White Water Rafting Tour?

There is no specific age restriction mentioned for the white water rafting tour. However, it is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, so it may be best suited for ages 18 and above.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks for the Trip?

Participants are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks for the trip. However, bottled water is provided as part of the tour package. It’s best to pack light and portable snacks that are easy to consume during the rafting activity.

Is There an Option to Extend the Rafting Duration for an Additional Fee?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the rafting duration for an additional fee. The rafting experience is fixed at approximately 1 hour, as stated in the itinerary. Participants who want a longer rafting session may need to book a different tour.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements That the Tour Provider Can Accommodate?

The tour provider can accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, upon request. Guests should inform the provider of any dietary needs when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This thrilling water rafting adventure in Kitulgala offers a perfect day out for families and beginners. With professional guidance, a delightful meal, and optional activities, it’s an exhilarating way to explore Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled experience or a scenic day trip, this Colombo to Kitulgala tour is a must-try for anyone visiting the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: