Things to Do in Kitulgala

On the face of it, Kitulgala is a small town on the west of the island. Heavy rains drench the region twice a year and sweeping green fields extend up to the horizon. But Kitulgala, though small and rainy, is a popular tourist spot for both locals and tourists alike. Tired and weary residents of Colombo flock to Kitulgala as soon as the weekend hits and tourists from all over the world can be seen enjoying curry, rice, and palm wine as they sit enjoying the cool winds that constantly visit the region courtesy of the open fields and the Kelani river. Of the best things to do in Kitulgala, adventure lovers who want to experience some serious thrills in Sri Lanka will absolutely love the sights that Kitulgala has to offer. The Kelani river is at its grandest when it reaches Kitulgala. This creates a perfect ambience for great white river rafting. The rafting starts at Kitulgala and the river soon takes you into the midst of dense jungles where only the sound of the gushing river and occasional bird calls break the silence. The river currents are magnificent and the adrenaline rush the experience leaves you with, stays on in your memory for a long while.

Apart from river rafting, one of the best things to do in Kitulgala jungles are camping and bird watching. There are also some waterfalls in the jungle which make for great trek trails. Abseiling on the waterfalls is an adventure too. But there are other attractions in Kitulgala for those who do not wish to partake of river and jungle adventures. Visiting the Aberdeen Falls on the Kehelgamu Oya river, or exploring the historic caves of Belilena are interesting ways to spend your time in Kitulgala too. The caves of Belina form an intricate network and are said to contain remains of life from prehistoric periods. Kitulgala’s proximity to Colombo in addition to its myriad adventure offerings and relaxation spots make it a great weekend getaway for travellers in Sri Lanka.