- Distance from Colombo : 305km
- Distance from Air port : 335km
- Trasfer time by Car/Van : 7 hours from Colombo
- Highlights : Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bear, Deer, Crocodiles and wide variety of Birds
Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. A rain forestry area, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning movie The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge Kitulgala is the base for white-water rafting in Sri Lanka.
Large numbers of people make the excursion from Colombo at weekends to enjoy the beautiful scenery, play in the river, Jungle Walks, Adventurous water fall jumps/ slides, White Water Rafting and have an excellent rice and curry lunch at the local restaurants.
The Kelani river is wide at Kitulgala, but it is shallow apart from a deep channel near the opposite bank, so in the drier months it provides a safe and attractive place to swim, wash and play.
Many birders stay at Kitulgala. This area has most of the rainforest bird species that are found at the World Biosphere Reserve at Sinharaja, although in lower numbers. However, the secondary forest and cultivation at Kitulgala is more open than the pristine woodlands of Sinharaja, and elusive endemic species like Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Green-billed Coucal and Spot-winged Thrush may be easier to see. So Kitulgala is a primary spot for bird watching enthusiasts.
Inside the jungles of Kitulgala there are plenty of camping opportunities which can be coupled with White Water Rafting, Bird Watching Jungle Walks, River bathing and many adventure activities.
If you are looking at a adventure and l;eisure base close to Colombo, Kithulgala is THE PLACE. Being so close to Colombo if you stay for one night you would be able to do many adventure and leisure activities such as White Water Rafting, Bird Watching Walking in the Jungle, Visiting pre historic caves, Bathing in the river, Visiting waterfalls, Swimming in natural ponds, Mountain biking etc.
So, try Kitulgala camping on a weekend, it's highly recommended.