Take a ride of a lifetime down the Kelani River of Sri Lanka

It is no surprise that Sri Lanka, a country blessed with so many rivers, should be an ideal location for some river/water sports.

Kithulgala, a flourishing town situated on the Colombo – Nuwareliya stretch is most famous for being the site of David Lean’s Oscar winning film ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ in 1957. The bridge itself is no longer there, but the site still plants you right back in the film.

However this site on the Kelani River is steadily gaining popularity for White Water Rafting. A sport that provides and exhilarating experience, swimming capabilities are unnecessary – making this an ideal family adventure sport.

The experience can be arranged for the length of time suited to each group – from 1 ½ hours to 3 – rhe rapids on this river are usually graded from 2-3, and consist of some exciting names such as Rib Cage, Head Chopper, Killer Falls, Virgin’s Breast, and Butter Crunch. The Head Chopper for example is one where the speed picks up and shoots the boat around a corner straight into the path of a low hanging branch. The thrill is derived more from the pickup of speed rather than the immediacy of the branch.

Kithulgala, which is the oldest area catering to this activity is best visited between May and December when the water levels are ideal. The relative calmness of these waters makes this river the ideal place for experts and amateurs alike and is safer than other choppier rivers.

But for the keen spirited, the Sitawaka River as well as the Kotmale River offers a more challenging and exhilarating experience.

Yet another unusual and a must do is what is known as Black rafting. This occurs on days close to the full moon and takes place in the night. Definitely not an activity for the faint hearted.

A traveller undertaking Sri Lanka travel, and wishing to have an adventure holiday Sri Lanka should not pass up the opportunity to skim the white water rapids which provide an exhilarating experience. Visit Truly Sri Lanka, a travel portal dedicated to giving unique and relevant content about this beautiful nation on a variety of topics to help you plan your holiday.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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