A small rainforest-edge town on the Kelani River, Kitulgala became internationally known as the filming location for the 1957 film "The Bridge on the River Kwai," and today is Sri Lanka's premier whitewater rafting destination. Rapids range from gentle stretches suitable for beginners to more technical sections for experienced paddlers.
95 kmDistance from Colombo
~2.5 hrsTypical drive time
Beyond rafting, the surrounding rainforest offers birdwatching and canyoning, making Kitulgala a natural adventure-sports stop on the road between Colombo and the hill country.