Welcome to Rafter's Retreat
Welcome to Rafters Retreat, Kitulgala, the main white water rafting location in Sri Lanka! This is a get-away for independent travelers, family, adventurous couples and for adrenalin junkies.
We are located in Kitulgala, 90 Km from Colombo (a 2.5 hr drive) on the banks of the Kelani River of "Bridge on the River Kwai" fame.
Adventure, action and living with nature is key in this Robinson Crusoe hideaway. Owner, Channa, is the epitome of life in the woodland and on the river - safari shorts, braces, a woolly beard and a love of wildlife. Channa is an excellent host, inviting families, single travelers and adventurous couples into his self-built tree houses.
White Water Rafring
For the best activity it offers, rafting at alongside the retreat is action-packed, adventurous and promises loads of fun for the entire family. The Kelani River, with its grade three rapids, is ideal for both intermediate rafters as well as beginners.
Accomedations
10 eco lodges/tree-houses set 6 ft above ground level. Each has twin beds, lampshades and hooks made from natural woods from the estate. Roofed with palm leaves and walled by wooden slats, yet discreetly modernised with electricity and plumbing.
Activities
Nature lovers, particularly ornithologists will be rewarded with sightings of the Crested Serpent Eagle, the Ceylon Spur Fowl, the Ceylon Hanging Parrot and the Lay lard's Parakeet. Activities such as mountain-biking, cultural sites and sites of fruit orchards and lowland tea plantations can be experienced at the retreat.
Restaurant
The restaurant is open to the woodland and set on two floors. Tables and chairs are all from the local wood and can get a little hard on the ‘derriere’ after a few hours. Breakfast and lunch menus are fixed - Western or Sri Lankan breakfast and rice and curry for lunch using local organic vegetables and meat / fish from Colombo.