Kitulgala’s Natural Beauty and White Water Rafting

Nestled amidst lush hills, Kitulgala is a charming town enveloped in tropical greenery. Named after the Kitul palm tree, the town has gained fame for its adventure sports. As a destination on the road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Kitulgala offers thrilling white water rafting experiences on the Kelani River. This exhilarating activity doesn’t require immense physical strength; an average fitness level and adventurous spirit will suffice. Note that the best time for white water rafting is between May and December, avoiding the rain-induced river volatility.

Kitulgala’s Rich Rainforest & Bird Watching

Kitulgala is a haven for nature enthusiasts, especially bird watchers. The Kitulgala forest reserve boasts lowland endemic bird species like the Green-billed Coucal and Chestnut-backed Owlet. Serendib Scoops Owl, a newly discovered species, was also first heard here. Encounter mammals like the Grizzled Indian Squirrel and Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, along with endemic fish and various amphibian species. Reptile sightings include the Earless Lizard and Hump-nosed Lizard. For a forest visit, bring insect repellent and anti-leech socks. Situated around 80 kilometers from Colombo on the A7 main road, Kitulgala also reveals its culinary delights, with a cuisine based on rice and curry.

Sri Lankan Culinary Delights

Sri Lankan cuisine revolves around rice, with the national meal being “rice and curry.” This consists of rice accompanied by a variety of meat and/or vegetable curries, sambols, pickles, and poppadums. More than 15 types of rice are cultivated in Sri Lanka, adding diversity to meals. The island’s hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants elevate the rice and curry experience, offering an array of side dishes. These encompass spiced meat and fish curries, alongside flavorful servings of vegetables, pineapple, and more. Sambols, akin to Indian pickles, add an extra kick to meals, with various levels of spiciness to suit different tastes.