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Water Rafting Guide Sri Lanka
Kithulgala White Water Rafting
Kitulgala is one of the most beautiful villages in our country. Surrounded by the Sabaragamuwa Mountain Ranges, this beautiful village is also of historical significance. Kithulgala village can be seen between Yatiyantota and Ginigathhena on the A7 road from Colombo to Hatton.
Travel Story by Asela Jayakodi Kithulgala.
Dr. Shiran Deraniyagala, who conducted the excavations at Kitulgala Belilena, said in his book ‘History of Prehistory’ that excavations at Kitulgala Belilena have uncovered conclusive evidence that human beings existed more than 25,000 years ago.
It consists of three caves, the largest of which is 60 feet wide and 40 feet high, with three archeological excavations. An area of 28 acres including these caves has been designated as an Archaeological Reserve.
In addition, Kitulgala has another unique reason to attract a large number of local and foreign tourists. White water rafting is a challenging sport(adventure sport).
Rafting is a challenging journey from the top to the bottom of a river through natural slopes with protective equipments under the guidance of trained watercraft operators. Sliding on white foam water is called ‘white water rafting’.
White water rafting is one of the most challenging sports in the tourist attraction. Created by the United States in the late 1970s, the sport is currently practiced on 374 rivers around the world. Rafting is also an Olympic sport.
Countries around the world use this sport to maintain their tourist attraction, while countries such as Malaysia and Dubai create artificial rivers and maintain rafting. Kitulgala is the only place in Sri Lanka where you can play this sport.
In 1990, Peter Stewart, a British national, introduced Kitulgala as one of the best places in the world for water rafting, with fun, adventure and safety. The uniqueness of Kitulgala is that at the end of every river (Rapid) there is a place where the water flows flat. Within five and a half miles [5 km] of this site, there are seven rapids.
There are about 500 internationally trained guides (guides) for water rafting in the area and they make a decent income. In addition, local and foreign tourists have created a unique market. In addition, various challenging sports such as mountaineering ,trekking and hiking have sprung up in this area.
Even if you do not know how to swim, at Kitulgala you can sail through a boat with your team for seven and a half kilometers and sail five and a half kilometers down the Kelani River through white foam without any injuries. Wearing safety helmets and other protective clothing, you will be accompanied by water rafting instructors or guides.
At the beginning of the voyage, before you even get on the boat, your rafting instructor will give you proper instructions and make sure that you are wearing the right safety equipment.
The location of the film Bridge On The River Kwai is significant. Based on the novel Le pont de La river kwai, it is a 161-minute color film using the Dolby sound system.
Co-produced by world-renowned superstars Alec Guiness, Sessue Hayakawa, Willian Holden and Jack Hawkins, the film won eight awards in 1957. Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Editing of the Year.
It is a privilege to have our country contribute to the filming of this story which has won the highest award in international cinema. I am also very happy to be in my village.The memories of the beautiful journey can still be seen touring around and enjoying that uniqueness, perhaps because of the indescribable natural beauty found there.
However, this valuable site was seen to be declining due to the “Broadland” hydropower plant being built across the river. Many rafting professionals say that once the plant is built, there will not be enough water for sports and then it will move away from our country.Click to Read our full guide for water sports in Sri Lanka
Written by Asela Jayakodi Kitulgala –Gathering information from the Internet and rafting consultants
Important Links
Explore Sri Lanka
- Beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka
- Adventurous water sports
- Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage
- Colombo travel guide
- Trekking and hiking
- Places for whale watching in Sri Lanka
- Fascinating train journeys
- Guide to water falls
- Wild life Sri Lanka
- Traditional arts and crafts
- Guide to see aboriginal people in Sri Lanka
- Guide to buy Gems in Sri Lanka
- Old coins of Sri Lanka
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