Kitulgala sits on the Kelani River between Colombo and Kandy, in Kegalle District. It is about 90 km from Colombo (around 2.5 hours by road) and about 60 km from Kandy (around 2 hours). You can come by car, van or bus.
Distance and time at a glance
| From | Distance | Time by road |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | About 90 km | Around 2.5 hours |
| Kandy | About 60 km | Around 2 hours |
Times depend on traffic and the day.
By car or van
- From Colombo: head towards Avissawella and continue along the Colombo to Hatton road (A7) until you reach Kitulgala.
- From Kandy: check the route in Google Maps before you leave, as roads and traffic change.
- Finding us: put [BASE NAME / GOOGLE MAPS LINK] into your map app. Send us your live location on WhatsApp if you get lost.
- Parking: [CONFIRM IF THERE IS PARKING AT THE BASE.]
By bus
- From Colombo: take a bus heading to Hatton, Maskeliya or Nuwara Eliya along the Avissawella road. These buses pass through Kitulgala. Ask the conductor to drop you at Kitulgala town.
- From Kandy: ask at the bus stand for the best option. You may need to change buses, so allow extra time.
- Last stretch: message us when you reach Kitulgala town and we will tell you how to get to our base.
Arrive in time
Our standard rafting timetable starts with arrival at our base at 10:00 AM, so leave early. Leaving Colombo around 6:45 to 7:00 AM works well. See the Kitulgala day trip from Colombo plan.
Plan your visit
Check things to do in Kitulgala and Kitulgala rafting prices, then message us.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kitulgala from Colombo? About 90 km, around 2.5 hours.
How long does it take from Kandy? Around 2 hours for about 60 km.
Can I reach Kitulgala by bus? Yes. Buses towards Hatton and Nuwara Eliya pass through Kitulgala town.
Is there parking at the base? [CONFIRM AND ANSWER.]
Can I do Kitulgala as a day trip? Yes, from Colombo it is a comfortable day trip if you leave early.