Whitewater Rafting in Sri Lanka

     
Whitewater rafting is at once a challenging recreational activity and an exhilarating water sport. Yet contrary to the general public perception, Whitewater rafting is not a sport that demands great physical strength. Dexterity with an ore in the hands, an average level of physical fitness and an unruffled temperament would do. Whitewater Rafting, generally enjoyed in the white-waters as well as in other turbulent waters, brings about enthralling experience to the water sport enthusiasts.

Though ability to swim is a definite advantage, the Personal Flotation Device, the necessary outfit for a whitewater rafting enthusiast is guaranteed to save him from drowning in the rapids should he fell over board.

However those suffering from heart ailments, epilepsy as well as those who are uncomfortable in turbulent water aren’t advised to make a move on whitewater rafting. Some of the river of Sri Lanka affords the opportunity for the recreational activists and water sport enthusiast to enjoy whitewater rafting. The small town of Kitulgala in the hill country is the most famous whitewater rafting location in Sri Lanka.

Kitulgala

Kitulgala is located about 80 kilometres from Colombo on the A7 main road that runs to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella. Kitulgala is a pleasant town set amidst all green hills thick with tropical vegetation. The name Kitulgala itself is derived from the Kitul palm tree, groves of which are abound in the expanses. Kitul sap is concentrated and then crystallized to produce jaggery. Kitul sap is also fermented to make palm wine.

Kitulgala is the movie location of David Lean's 1957 epic, Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. Though the film crew and stars are long dead and gone, the memorial sign posts on the location of the bridge and photographs hanged in the tourist restaurants in Kitulgala bring back memories of the academy award winning movie.

A calm stretch in the River Kelani between two rocky outcrops on either side is the movie location where the Railway bridge for the movie was constructed. The water flows silent in this stretch of the river, deep and sluggish.

River Kelani at Kitulgala

The boulder strewn stretch of Kelani river at Kitulgala is an ideal setting for Whitewater Rafting. Whitewater rafting at Kitulgala holds out the chance to enjoy the stunning tropical scenery of the region. This high adventure is suitable for first time rafters and experts alike. Along one ride you can pass the scenic location outside. Rafting has become a very popular exciting get safe adventure sport option.

Kitulgala town and the surroundings

The town of Kitulgala is situated on a particularly delightful stretch of the Kelani River where the rapids over the rock-strewn are exhilarating. The high banks of the river are sheltered with tall bamboo.
The agriculture around Kitulgala is typical of the hilly wet zone.

Kitulgala rapids

The Kitulgala whitewater rafting that would take about 90 minutes runs for 6.5km 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, whitewater rafting at Kitulgala would suit even the kids over 10 years in age.

At Head Chopper, the water picks up speed and forces its way through a channel on the right bank of the river. The speed shoots the boat around the corner and directly into the path of a low-lying branch. The adrenaline rush is brought about more by the sense of speed than actual proximity to the branch. For taller rafters, though, it is very advisable to duck!

The best period for Whitewater Rafting at Kitulgala

The best time to enjoy whitewater rafting at Kitulgala is the period of May to December. During periods of heavy rain the river could turn out to be angry and whitewater rafting, perhaps wouldn’t be safe. The adventure operators on site would definitely advise all the water sports enthusiasts on the matter. However water levels could drop surprisingly fast, turning the river to its regular state.

Black Rafting at Kitulgala

Whitewater rafting in three nights on either side of full moon days brings about heightened sense of adventure for all the enthusiasts bent on an extra mile. Called Black rafting, therein, all the rafters are equipped with a headlight.

Bird Watching at Kitulgala

Kitulglala also attracts birders and nature lovers in addition to the whitewater rafters in view of the birdlife abound in the Kitulgala Forest Reserve. Most of the birds found in the Sinharaja Rain Forest are seen at Kitulgala too. Since the Kitulgala Forest Reserve being a secondary forest that is more open than the densely wooded Sinharaja, the endemic species like Orange-billed babbler and chestnut-backed owlet Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Green-billed Coucal and Spot-winged Thrush are spotted with lesser trouble.

Mountain Biking/ Cycling Trips in Kitulgala, Hatton and Nuwara Eliya

Mountain biking tours organized through the Tea Estates, Rubber Estates and other scenic locations from Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya via Hatton. Mountain biking in this trail affords the opportunity to educate the riders on local village lifestyles.

Whitewater rafting- higher grade rapids

Sitawaka River off Avissawella grade 3 and 4 rapids; Ulapane - Gampola: River Mahaweli grade 3 and 4; Hatton - Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale grade 4 and 5 rapids.

Whitewater 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.
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: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill level: experienced paddling skills)
Grade 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill level: whitewater experience)
Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering. (Skill level: advanced whitewater experience)
Grade 6: rapids that aren’t navigable. This grade isn’t undertaken by adventure tour operators at all.
Sitawaka River off Avissawella grade 3 and 4 rapids [for the experienced raftsmen]
Sitawaka River off Avissawella affords the second best option in whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka. The run lasting 2 hours with grade 3 abd 4 is better suited for experience rafters.

Ulapane - Gampola: River Mahaweli grade 2 to 5 [for the experienced raftsmen]

For groups of 10 or more experienced rafters, specials runs are arranged by the operators. One run starts at Ulapane, near Nawalapitiya, and heads down to Gampola on the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka's longest river. It has rapids graded between from easy grade 2 to adrenalin in full flow grade 5 drops, whitewater rafting herein and takes about 3 hours to complete.

Hatton - Nuwara Eliya: River Kotmale grade 4 and 5 rapids [for the experienced raftsmen]

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

Source ; http://www.lanka.com/sri-lanka/whitewater-rafting-in-sri-lanka-90.html