From 95 km from Colombo, west of the road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, among forest-covered hills, rises Kitulgala, Kitulgala which is considered the capital of adventure sports. For the moment the young and athletic inhabitants of Colombo are mainly visiting the town. But, more and more foreign travellers are discovering the charm of white-water rafting, trekking through the jungle, birdwatching and speleological expeditions. The city of Kitulgala is also known because in 1957 David Lean turned here, on the shores of the Kelaniya Ganga, the epic film The bridge over the River Kwai, although very few traces remain. A few kilometres from Kitulgala extends a vast system of caves in which human remains dating back to 28,500 years ago have been found.

The best season for the White water rafting in Kitulgala is from April to November. During this period the southwestern monsoon of Sri Lanka gently increases the water level of the Kelani Ganga river. A single torrent of heavy tropical rains could cause the Kelaniya Ganga River in Kitulgala to swell so terrifyingly and appear furious. However, the water level could drop, and the river could calm down to its natural and regular state to make all rafting beams enthusiastically. On-site rafting operators advise and guide everyone on all occasions.