The Kelani River at Kitulgala, a fast-flowing mountain river cutting through rainforest in Sri Lanka’s hill country foothills, offers some of the most exhilarating white-water rafting. A series of rapids ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 4 provides an adrenaline-charged river adventure suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, with certified river guides leading every session and providing full safety equipment and instruction before launch. The jungle setting adds a unique dimension to the experience – as you navigate the rapids, you are surrounded by a tropical forest alive with birdsong, butterflies and the occasional streak of a kingfisher across the water. Kitulgala is also the location where the Academy Award-winning film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed, adding a fascinating historical footnote.