Experience White Water Rafting in the picturesque Kelani River that takes you through 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. The river and its surroundings will make you feel enchanted while also having a memorable experience during your White Water Rafting Tour in Kithulgala. Safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing will be given by our white water rafting instructors prior to your adventure.

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Rafting is great fun and it is perfect for beginners as well as rafting experts! the enthusiastic and experience staff will be happy to take u through the rapids of the kelani river. Starting upriver outside of kithulgala you will begin the five kilometre stretch that includes a series of seven rapids with great names such as the virgin's breast, killer falls and head chopper!

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River Kelani at Kitulgala

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The boulder strewn stretch of the Kelani River at Kitulgala offers an ideal setting for White Water Rafting. White Water Rafting at Kitulgala gives the chance to enjoy the stunning tropical scenery of the region. This adrenaline filled adventure sport is suitable for first time rafters and experts alike.

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Kitulgala Rapids

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Kitulgala White Water Rafting takes about a 90 minute run each for 6.5 km with five rapids graded 2 and 3. The Rapids with their own distinctive characters are aptly named: Head Chopper, Virgin’s Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall and the Rib Cage. Riding modern rafts equipped with safety gear, White Water Rafting at Kitulgala is safe for even kids over 10 years in age.

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White Water Rafting – higher grade Rapids in Sri Lanka

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Sithawaka River off Avissawella consists of grade 3 and 4 rapids

Ulapane – Gampola: River Mahaweli consists of grade 3 and 4

Hatton – Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale consists of grade 4 and 5 rapids.

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White Water Rafting is categorized in 6 grades in accordance with the difficulties and dangers posed: they range from simple to very dangerous and potential death or serious injuries.

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Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. (Skill Level: Very Basic)

Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering. (Skill level: basic paddling skill)

Grade 3: White Water, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill level: experienced paddling skills)

Grade 4: White Water, medium waves, maybe rocksand a considerable drop. Sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill level: White Water Rafting experience)

Grade 5: White Water, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering. (Skill level: advanced White Water Rafting experience)

Grade 6: Rapids that aren’t navigable. This grade isn’t undertaken by adventure tour operators at all.

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Sitawaka River off Avissawella grade 3 and 4 Rapids [for the experienced rafts-men]

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Sitawaka River off Avissawella affords the second best option in White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka. The run lasting 2 hours with grade 3 and 4 rapids is better suited for experience rafters.

Ulapane – Gampola: River Mahaweli grade 2 to 5 Rapids [for the experienced rafts-men]

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For groups of 10 or more experienced rafters, special runs are arranged by the operators. One run starts at Ulapane, near Nawalapitiya, and heads down to Gampola along the Mahaweli River, which is Sri Lanka’s longest river. It has rapids graded between from easy grade 2 to adrenalin in full flow grade 5 drops. White Water Rafting at this stretch takes about 3 hours to complete.

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Hatton – Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale grade 4 and 5 Rapids [for the experienced rafts-men]

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Hatton – Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale is a spectacular run in addition to being a challenging option to the experienced rafts-men. It begins just below St. Clair’s Falls, lasts for nearly 6 hours, and offers rafters 5 rapids ranging from grade 4 to 5. White Water Rafting herein begins in a comparatively higher altitude unraveling magnificent views of the hills.

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River                                             Grade                       Rafting Time

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Kithulgala / Kelani River             2 – 3 rapids                   2 hrs

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Sitawaka                                     3 – 4 rapids                   2-2.5 hrs

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Mahaweli                                    3 – 5 rapids                   3-3.5 hrs