White Water Rafting, Abseiling, Camping & Hiking are the predominant attractions of Kithulgala for its location besides the towering Horton Plains National Park at over 2300 meters above the ocean level. Situated in the countryside off the main road to Ella &Badulla, besides the river that flows from where the water comes gushing out of two hydro power generating reservoirs : Laxapana& Norton Bridge, is ideal for rafting across the nine (9) rapids & rocky gaps downhill to the 3rd largest river in the country.
White Water Rafting is popular & an exciting adventure here at Kitulgala, as one gets to paddle, oar or use the combination paddle & oar rafters, kayaks & canoes to raft over nine rapids in between the lush green forest surroundings of the Kelani River. It is a glorious ride downstream, while the trekkers hike upstream. All the equipment including helmets, wet suits, dry suits, carbon paddles & life jackets etc. are provided by the organizers who train would-be rafters for free.
Being non-touristic, quiet, with access to an abundance of fresh flowing water & large blue/green space, it is an ideal but inconspicuous location for camping. Camping gear can be rented in the neighborhood for a hideaway from all the hustle & bustle of towns, business and highways.
Abseiling is popular here, though it appears like one is ‘climbing’ the rope in images of Abseiling, it’s actually only an exercise of ‘a coming down the rope’. The ropes & supporting ropes are well tied to poles & immovable tree trunks on top of the hill & support staff everywhere from top to bottom to assist, one has to just slide down the precipice back to base coming from top.