Want to try white water rafting for the first time? Our 5km trip is the most popular way to do it in Kitulgala. You paddle through five rapids on the Kelani River with a guide, wearing a life jacket and helmet all the way. Activities start from LKR 5,000 per person, there is no minimum group size, and children aged 10 and over can join with a guardian.
We are local boat owners, not a booking agency. When you message us, you are talking to the people who run the rafts.
5km rafting at a glance
| Distance | 5km on the Kelani River |
| Rapids | 5 named rapids, Grade 2 to 3 |
| Time | About 1.5 hours from arrival to showers |
| Experience needed | None, beginners are welcome |
| Minimum age | 10 years, with a guardian |
| Price | Activities start from LKR 5,000 per person |
| Group size | No minimum |
| Open | All year round |
What the five rapids feel like
Your guide will tell you the names, and you will be shouting them by the end.
- Virgin’s Breast: your bumpy warm-up, just enough to wake everyone up.
- Butter Crunch: a run of waves where the whole raft must paddle together.
- Killer Fall: the biggest drop of the day and the biggest splash. It sounds scarier than it is.
- Rib Cage: a narrow, twisty passage that feels like a roller coaster.
- Head Chopper: a fast wave train. The name is a joke, the fun is real.
Between the rapids the river calms down, so you can float, swim and look at the green hills of Kitulgala. Wondering about safety? Read our guide: is rafting safe in Kitulgala.
Planning for a group? Message us your preferred time and we will tell you what is possible.
What is included
- Life jackets, helmets and paddles
- SLTDA registered river guides who are first-aid trained
- All government taxes
Who this trip is for
5km is perfect for first-timers, families with children aged 10 and over, friends, office teams and school groups. If you want something wilder, read 5km vs 10km rafting.
Make it a full adventure day
Add canyoning, waterfall abseiling or forest trekking to the same trip. Combo packages work out from LKR 3,000 per activity.
What to wear and bring
Quick-dry clothes, secure footwear such as water shoes or sports sandals, a towel, a change of clothes and waterproof sunscreen. Leave valuables behind. Full list: what to wear for rafting.
How to get to Kitulgala
Kitulgala is about 90 km from Colombo (around 2.5 hours) and about 60 km from Kandy (around 2 hours). See how to get to Kitulgala by car or bus.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5km White Water Rafting safe for beginners? Yes. You wear a life jacket and helmet, a guide is with you, and you get a safety briefing first. Like any adventure sport it is not risk free, so please listen to your guide.
Do I need to know how to swim? You wear a life jacket throughout and your guide explains what to do if you fall in. If you are nervous in water, tell your guide at the briefing.
How old do you need to be? 10 years or older, with a guardian.
How long does it take? About 1.5 hours from arrival to showers on our standard timetable.
How much does it cost? Activities start from LKR 5,000 per person. See current Kitulgala rafting prices.
Can we go rafting all year? Yes. River levels change with the weather, so our guides check conditions and decide on the day.
Can I bring my phone? We suggest leaving valuables at the base.
Book your rafting
Message us on WhatsApp +94 71 9 88 79 79 with your date, group size and ages, and we will reply with the details.