Want to go rafting in Sri Lanka? Then go to Kithulgala, a true outdoor destination in the beautiful, mountainous interior of Sri Lanka. Here you can go rafting, canyoning and mountain biking in fantastic surroundings. Bring out your inner adventurer and visit Kithulgala!
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Where is Kithulgala located?
You will find Kithulgala a two-hour drive from Kandy. When traveling in Sri Lanka with your own tuktuk, you can easily visit Kithulgala. You then drive from Kandy via the Ambuluwawa Tower to Kithulgala. You arrive in Kithulgala in the late afternoon and can go rafting or canyoning right away. The next day you can travel on to Nuwara Eliya.
What to do in Kithulgala?
Sri Lanka’s most popular activity in Kithulgala is rafting. Through the rapids in the river you slowly float along the beautiful nature. Occasionally you have to pay close attention to the guide’s instructions, because some rapids are a bit more challenging. You can also combine rafting with canyoning, where you jump from meters-high waterfalls, can go abseiling and slide down natural slides.
You can also go on beautiful hikes and mountain biking. Kithulgala is still undiscovered by most travelers, so there are few restaurants and hotels, but that also offers a lot of charm. Along the (only) road in Kithulgala you do find many providers for all outdoor activities. We personally did rafting in Sri Lanka with Kithulgala River Side Camp Rafting LK and it was very good. We paid LKR 6,000 (€18) per person in 2025.
We thought 1 night in Kithulgala was just fine. There is – besides rafting, canyoneering and mountain biking – nothing to do and there are almost no restaurants even. Although, if you book Glamping in the beautiful Wanakaset Forest, 2 nights is recommended. Waking up in the middle of nature with the birds whistling and then relaxing in the common room is just really fantastic.
Is rafting in Sri Lanka dangerous?
Rafting is known as a potentially dangerous sport. This does not immediately mean that it is dangerous everywhere. For example, the river in Kithulgala is not very wild and there are “only” 2 exciting rapids. For the rest you float nicely, go swimming in the river and enjoy the beautiful view during rafting in Sri Lanka. Of course, accidents can always happen, but that’s the case with any activity you do. At least you have a safety helmet on and a life jacket.
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