In Kitulgala, discover the picturesque river setting for the famous epic 'Bridge Over The River Kwai'Photo Credit:
Stratification: Lowland rain forest Size: 263haStatus: Forest Reserve Altitude: 100-820m Temperature: Average 27 (degree C)Annual Rainfall: Average 3,500mm to 5,250mmBest time of year to visit: Any time of year is good, February to April are the driest months Optimum duration of stay: 1 night up to 3 nightsAccommodation Options: Kitulgala Rest House, Rafter’s Retreat, Plantation Hotel, Royal River Resort Highlights: Green-bill Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Dollar Bird, Red-faced Malkoha, Spot-winged Thrush are some of the endemic specialties.
Kitulgala Rest House, Kitulgala: Situated overlooking the wide Kelani River, a tributary carving its way through a southern strip of low rolling hills covered with lush vegetation, Kitulgala Rest House is a former colonial riverside stopover now managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Rooms are basic but the rice and curries here are excellent. Adventure junkies flock for the whitewater rafting, the best in Sri Lanka, nature lovers trek through the surrounding rainforests, and movie buffs can still admire the original location for David Lean’s award winning classic “Bridge on the River Kwai.’ (More)Rafter’s Retreat, Kitulgala: This is an ecologically themed riverside retreat owned by Channa, a local environmentalist and wildlife enthusiast, who has created this `Robinson Crusoe’ styled retreat on his ancestral estate. Adventure, action and nature are the essence of Rafter’s Retreat. Don’t expect five-star luxury. It offers accommodation at its most basic and natural in the form of specially designed eco-lodges resembling tree houses. (More)Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala: Once a plantation bungalow set on a two acre estate, the Plantation hotel’s appeal is its location right on the banks of the Kelani River and surrounded by tropical jungle. The hotel itself is relatively small with just eight air-conditioned rooms and is often full. The restaurant sits right over the river and is ideal for long lazy meals and a convivial drink with friends. Delicious Sri Lankan rice and curries are served here attracting many a traveler to stop by for a quick lunch. (More)Royal River Resort, Kitulgala: Situated amidst a Rubber plantation in Kitulgala, The Royal River Resort clings to the edge of the Ing Oya rapids. The surrounding waterfalls, lush vegetation as well as numerous species of birds and butterflies makes Royal River Resort an ideal destination for nature lovers. With just four rooms that can comfortably accommodate eight adults, it is a small and eco-friendly hotel. (More)