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View all Kandy toursKelani River Rafting Day from Kandy with Guides and Transfers
A full day at Kitulgala with an instructor-led run down the Kelani's three main rapids and four smaller ones, with return transfers from Kandy and time in the water between the sets.
Highlights
- Three major and four smaller rapids on the Kelani, graded 2 to 3
- An instructor in every raft, and a full safety briefing before launch
- Swimming and floating in the calm water between the rapid sets
- Return transfers from your Kandy hotel included
- No experience needed — this is a first-timer's river
Kelani River Rafting Day from Kandy with Guides and Transfers: Key Facts
| Price | From $85.8 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 hours |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Full description
Kitulgala is Sri Lanka's rafting town, two hours southwest of Kandy on the wet side of the hills. The Kelani drops through a rapid section here that is graded 2 to 3 — big enough to throw water over the boat, small enough that nobody needs experience.
This version runs the shorter of the two standard lines: three major rapids and four smaller ones, with an instructor in each raft calling the strokes. The briefing before you launch covers the paddle commands and, more usefully, what to do if you end up in the water, which on a busy raft is a reasonable possibility and not a problem.
Between the rapid sets the river flattens and you can get out and float, which on a hot day is the part people remember. The day includes return transfers from Kandy and time at the base to change afterwards.
The river is at its strongest between May and July and again in November and December. In a dry spell the rapids soften and the trip becomes gentler rather than shorter — worth knowing if you are choosing dates around it.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Pickup in Kandy
Collection from your hotel.
Briefing and kit
Equipment issued and the safety talk.
On the river
The rapid section, with swimming stops between sets.
Change and rest
Changing facilities at the rafting base.
Return drive
Back through the hills towards Kandy.
Kandy
Drop-off at your hotel.
Detailed Itinerary
[{"time": "07:30", "title": "Hotel pickup", "description": "Two hours by road via Ginigathena."}, {"time": "09:30", "title": "Kitulgala base", "description": "Lockers for valuables; the briefing is compulsory."}, {"time": "10:00", "title": "The Kelani", "description": "Around two hours covering three major and four minor rapids."}, {"time": "12:00", "title": "Changing", "description": "Basic changing rooms. Bring a towel and dry clothes."}, {"time": "14:00", "title": "Drive back", "description": "The same hill road in reverse."}, {"time": "15:30", "title": "Kandy", "description": "Drop-off at your hotel."}]
Includes
- Return transfers from your Kandy hotel, the rafting session with qualified instructors, helmet, life jacket and paddle, safety briefing, changing facilities at the base.
Excludes
- Meals and drinks, gratuities, photographs from the river operator, personal expenses.
Important information
Meeting point
Hotel pickup in Kandy; the exact address and time are confirmed after booking.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts