Rafting is based in the hill country and the best rivers descend from Adam’s Peak, a 2,243m mountain which is the mythological place where Adam set foot on earth. Rafting options range from a one-hour ride in the Kelani River at Kitulgala, an ideal spot for beginners, to the “experienced paddlers only” rivers of Kotmale, Mahaweli and Kalu Ganga. Rafting mixes the ups and downs of rapids with calm sections perfect for looking at the tea and rubber plantations or mountains covered in jungle rainforest. In one section all you can hear is the pounding water rushing through the rapids and the cry of the guide’s instructions. In the next only the chirping birds break the silence. Around the next corner village women do their washing and giggle when you jump out of the raft to cool off. It’s easy to lose yourself in thought at the remoteness of the river and the community. But the next set of rapids quickly concentrate them as, helmet and paddle at the ready, you are pushed through the section in a whir of excitement. Look back to see what you’ve accomplished but be careful: the jungle views may sweep you away.

Kalu Ganga: This two-day trip with grade four and five rapids is only for experienced paddlers. The river spills out of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, tumbling its way down a 20km gorge. Day one offers paddling through thick jungle and a river campout while day two is full of rapids, dips and drops.

Kelani River: A perfect place to get your paddle wet for the first time, Kitulgala offers a one-hour rafting trip with challenging rapids, spectacular scenery and a tasty end-of-paddle meal. The rib cage rapids, grade three rated, are the section's toughest and they do get the pulse racing but children as young as six have conquered them with their parents. On the way down you pass locals swimming, their rafts piled high with sand, and the site of the railway in the 1957 movie Bridge Over the River Kwai. Behind you, mountains are covered in a mixture of thick rainforest and tea and rubber plantations. The river here, about two-and-a-half hours from Colombo, is good in most conditions but a dam controls the flow and it is closed off on Sundays. During the week is the best time to paddle. Red Dot can advise on the best specialist rafting companies and has attractive accommodation rates at a small selection of river hotels.

Kotmale River: The Kotmale River takes the thrill level up another notch again. The starting point is about three hours from Colombo and the six-hour journey includes steep grade five rapids. Previous rafting experience is essential.

Mahaweli River: Sri Lanka's biggest river offers a variety of challenges ranging from easy grade two sections to hair-raising grade six drops. This is a trip for experienced paddlers only. Dams control the flow of this river, which starts in the hills and runs to the east.

Sitawaka River: The Sitawaka River is in the neighbouring valley to Kitulgala and offers the next step up in challenge and excitement. Increasing to rapid grades four and five, depending of the rate of the river, this tour starts in peak wilderness with a swing bridge jump of seven metres. The middle section is fine for families to float along without experiencing the rapids but the lower section has grade three and four sections. Only 90 minutes from Colombo, this trip is a great adventure day out.

Sudu River: 'Sudu' meaning white river has a four-hour paddle with grade two and three rapids. Combine watching the activity of the numerous river communities with the usual rafting thrills.

Walawe Ganga: A grade two river with the benefit of watching for large herds of elephants in the Uda Walawe National Park, this trip offers fun and wildlife. The journey ends near Ambalantota on the south coast.