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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jkadithya" data-source="post: 8411453" data-attributes="member: 24347">Whitewater Rafting Kithulgala The trip was to Kithulgala on a weekend with my school buddies. Started  the journey at 7am, on Saturday the 11th September, from the Colombo  Fort. We took the Colombo-Hatton bus (route number 18) from Pettah, <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs366.snc4/44957_109376175791157_100001563261148_90996_72776_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> and  it took 2 and half hours to reach Kithulgala town, including a tea break  stop of 20 minutes. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs041.snc4/34392_109083689153739_100001563261148_89118_5466338_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />   The return was by a friend’s car, which took more  time due to inbound traffic back to Colombo on Sunday evening. Kithulgala climate is cool (24’c-28’c), drizzling and high in humidity.  Same as Kukuleganga! <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs041.snc4/34392_109083695820405_100001563261148_89120_14041_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> The town is small with few shops and nice temples,  but many tourist hotels and boat shops. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34392_109083692487072_100001563261148_89119_2163660_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34392_109083699153738_100001563261148_89121_1773572_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> Kithulgala Rest House is a  popular attraction. The Kelani river is flowing very fast besides the  area. Many rocks, bends, deep places, steep and sudden falls make it an  ideal place for White Water Rafting. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs743.snc4/64371_109083392487102_100001563261148_89111_3581118_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> The water is very clear and white (unlike the Kelani river we see passing Colombo). Kithulgala is also  famous because, it was the shooting location for the the Academy  award-winning film "The Bridge on the River Kwai". We stayed at the Adventure Base Camp, located about 3km passing the  town. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs301.ash2/58149_109082832487158_100001563261148_89098_184145_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> Had to walk. River bath was superb. Many places are dangerous to  have a bath because of the deepness and fast water. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33634_109082972487144_100001563261148_89100_7625088_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> The Adventure Base  Camp organized a  BBQ night for us and a camp fire for a N.G.O.  student club. Saturday night was full of food, beverages, songs and  jokes. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs743.snc4/64371_109083389153769_100001563261148_89110_160206_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34392_109083712487070_100001563261148_89124_914124_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs005.ash2/33634_109082975820477_100001563261148_89101_1377481_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> Following morning after breakfast, we went on white water rafting,  conducted by <a href="http://actionlanka.com/" target="_blank">actionlanka.com</a>. For the first time in my life I had to  sign for an agreement saying that “I understand that injuries and even  death could occur in this adventure, and I do not put the responsibility  on the rafting company”. This procedure was taken after a death of a  girl occured during a ride, few years back. Sad but the reason was that  she had not worn the helmet for protection. Hmmmm! First time I signed  something like that. They gave a briefing and a small training. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs021.ash2/34392_109083685820406_100001563261148_89117_6492856_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs723.snc4/64371_109083372487104_100001563261148_89105_8321878_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> When it came to rough waters, everybody were excited and trying hard to  keep the boat smooth. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs743.snc4/64371_109083399153768_100001563261148_89113_6110743_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs743.snc4/64371_109083382487103_100001563261148_89108_7094018_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> So hard sometimes. Less than 15 minutes, suddenly a  big wave hit the boat from side and 2 buddies fell off the boat. One  (Pata) managed to hold to the rope and recovered after 3 minutes. Dushan  was bit far away from the boat. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs723.snc4/64371_109083375820437_100001563261148_89106_226151_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> He was so shocked and frightened as he  didn’t know how to swim. Life jacket was there, which saved him. We  shouted with a pedal but he did not respond. Boat fell from a small fall  and he followed after few seconds. He was under water for about 15  seconds after that fall. We could not do anything as our boat was also  moving faster. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs005.ash2/33634_109082969153811_100001563261148_89099_3697222_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs723.snc4/64371_109083395820435_100001563261148_89112_1416045_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> After about 7 minutes from the fall we paddled backwards  and managed to grab him and put inside the boat. It was so fun,  thrilling and exciting for us to watch that, but for him it was matter  of saving his life. He he he! We felt serious and sorry about it, after  he explained his underwater experience and his shouting towards our  smiling faces. He he he!   <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs365.ash2/64371_109083385820436_100001563261148_89109_987590_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> After sometime we went on body rafting. It is optional. For people who  have the courage can do it. Others can remain in the boat. For that we  have to jump out of the boat with jackets. Free flowing. That is only  done in fairly smooth waters, but very deep. As soon as I jumped to the  water waves went over the face. I was struggling with breathing. That  time I was thinking “Mona ehekata waturata pannada manda. Nahayeth  watura yanawa. Lassnata bottuwey inna tibba “ <img src="/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/default/lol.gif"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":lol:" title="LOL    :lol:" data-shortname=":lol:" /><img src="/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/default/lol.gif"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":lol:" title="LOL    :lol:" data-shortname=":lol:" /> There is a method  of floating with the jackets. You have to go as a dead body, feet towards  the downstream, so that even if you hit an obstacle it will be safe. White water rafting always comes with fear and challenges. That’s why  it’s so exciting. I love it so much. Somehow we survived and that is why  I am alive to write this note. <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs021.ash2/34392_109083719153736_100001563261148_89126_5724658_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs365.ash2/64371_109083369153771_100001563261148_89104_2654875_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Trip overview :- <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Left Colombo Saturday morning. </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">We were given a welcome  drink first. </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">After bath we had lunch (normal rice and curry).</li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> All meals  are buffet type. Can eat as far as you willing to<img src="/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/default/rolleyes.gif"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":rolleyes:" title="Rolleyes    :rolleyes:" data-shortname=":rolleyes:" /></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> Then at night we had a BBQ (Pork, chicken, fried fish, "bathala" (local potatoes). </li> </ul> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs041.snc4/34392_109083702487071_100001563261148_89122_3388528_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">That is  actually apart from the dinner. </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Dinner is separately cooked (noodles),  but we couldn't eat noodles as we were full with BBQ. </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Following day for  breakfast we had bread/string hoppers. </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Then we went for white water rafting.</li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> Lunch we had again rice and curry.</li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> We had four meals. 2 rooms  given with 2 beds each and attached bathrooms. One night stayed.</li> </ul>   <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> For 2 rooms (one night) and for  the 4 bufffet meals, they charged only LKR 2250/person.</li> </ul>   <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> The price of rafting is ususally for locals varies from  LKR1200-1800/person.</li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> A boat can take 8 people (including 2 guides), so 6  guests. </li> </ul> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs743.snc4/64371_109083399153768_100001563261148_89113_6110743_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">For foreigners they charge about LKR4000/person. </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Therefore if  foreigners request, they even take only 2 or 3 guest only. </li> </ul> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs025.snc4/33634_109082979153810_100001563261148_89102_4216898_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34392_109083715820403_100001563261148_89125_7832706_n.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Because we  went through the Adventure Base Camp,</li> </ul> the rafting company only charged us  LKR750/person, which was paid to Adventure Base Camp (Our resort). They  organized it. Rafting company was Action Lanka. <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> That's why we paid  LKR3000/person for the whole package to the Adventure Base Camp.</li> </ul>   <ul style="text-align: center"> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> It's very worth; compared to the thrilling experience and fun we had in the river <img src="/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/default/D.gif"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D" data-shortname=":D" /> </li> </ul> ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... My Special thanks goes to Nilan Karunarathna who works in Jet Airways for sending me This  "Sri Lankan Kithulgala Whitewater Rafting" trip report...   <img src="http://www.elakiri.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1138&pictureid=5016" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> • Join our <img src="http://web.savvy-cafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/facebook.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> group : <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/EK-Traveler-/143349459036993" target="_blank">ELAKIRI TRAVELER</a>  <img src="http://www.elakiri.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1138&pictureid=4836" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> දිගටම රැදී සිටින්න ...<a href="http://www.elakiri.com/forum/showthread.php?t=660405" target="_blank">එලකිරි සංචාරකයා</a> සමග • contact us :- <a href="mailto:ektraveler@gmail.com">ektraveler@gmail.com</a>   </blockquote>

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