Rafting or whitewater rafting is a recreational activity utilizing a raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970s.

This unique leisure sport is popular in the many rivers that flow through Sri Lanka. Some of the country’s rivers that flow through tropical jungles provide the perfect setting for white water rafting. This activity is a must do for both amateurs and experts.

Kitulgala is where white water rafting originated in Sri Lanka. It is about 80 kilometres from Colombo on the A7 road that leads to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella. Kithulgala was chosen as the main location in David Lean's 1957 film 'Bridge on the River Kwai.'

One of the major rivers in the country, the Kelani River flows passing the rock-strewn area of Kitulgala and the fast moving water provides plenty of fun and pleasure for adventure sports like white water rafting.
Tours generally start at Kithulgala and most tours go pass the site of the filming.  These tours are planned for a minimum of just an hour and a maximum of half a day.

The run takes nearly 90 minutes while bumping in to grade 2 and 3 rapids which come with unique names like Killer Falls, Butter Crunch, Virgin's Breast and Head Chopper.

The perfect time for white water rafting in Kitulgala is between May and December.

For a more exhilarating experience, there is the Sitawaka River located off Avissawella. An actual run at this river will take nearly 2 hours and there are grade 3 and 4 rapids. White Water Rafting in Sitawaka River requires a superior degree of skill and experience.

Yet another exciting run is the Kotmale River close to the Hatton Nuwara- Eliya Road. This too suits the well experienced rafter.  The run at the Kotmale River takes place on an elevated position offering magnificent views of the nearby mountains.

Those who prefer the extraordinary can feel the excitement of Black Rafting, which is rafting by the night before or following the full moon Poya day.