Rafters Retreat Sri Lanka

Customer Rating
      
Our Customer Rating is an independent average score based on the judgment of Red Dot travellers who have stayed at the property during the last two years.Satisfaction levels can be influenced by expectations, price, weather and other factors.
Media Reviews
"'…A rafting and bird-watching outfit that sprawls along the river bank. The 10 eco-friendly riverside cottages are basic but very private, and there rooms near the old house are clean and spacious with unbelievably high ceilings. The breezy riverside restaurant is a great place for a few beers, and the food is excellent. Ask the jovial owner Channa to show you around his wonderful colonial house that was originally built by his grandfather.'"
Lonely Planet
January 2009 More »
Rafters Retreat, Kitulgala
Price From:  US $ 58.00 (Standard Room, BB Basis, Twin)
Location
Rafter’s Retreat is situated in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Kelani River in Kitulgala – a destination ideal for adventurous nature lovers with several activities on offer including nature treks, forest walks, rewarding bird-watching, whitewater rafting and canoeing. Kitulgala, sandwiched between the famous west coast and the towering central highlands, is also an ideal stopover to break up long journeys. The journey from Colombo is about 2.5 hours.
Introduction
The Rafter’s Retreat 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. His century old `walawua’ or ancestral home where he lives, is also situated on the same property. 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. The kitchen serves up traditional Sri Lankan rice and curries – watch out for the chilies.
Photo Gallery
Accommodation
The Retreat has 10 uniquely designed Eco-lodges situated six feet off the ground and accessed via wooden ladders, with balconies that overlook the Kelani River. The walls are constructed out of slatted timber and the roofs thatched with palm leaves. The interiors are furnished with twin beds fitted with mosquito netting and a few other pieces of furniture made of driftwood to keep your luggage and clothing. Electricity and plumbing is available with the water channeled directly from natural springs. The attached bathrooms have showers, wash basin and w/c.
Facilities
Traditional Sri Lankan food is served at the ‘canopy’ restaurant located on two floors set out with rustic furniture. Western, Chinese cuisine as well as BBQs are available on request. Meals are prepared using locally available fresh vegetables and meats. Rafter’s Retreat is one of the two main service providers for rafting in Kitulgala and also organizes hiking, trekking, rock climbing and mountain biking. Note: We recommend that clients intending to go rafting pre-book with Red Dot's recommended activity company to ensure that they receive high standards of safety.
Excursions
The local area offers nature lovers and bird-watchers rewarding forest treks. Some of the birds that can be spotted include the Crested Serpent-Eagle, Ceylon Spur fowl (maybe), Ceylon Hanging-Parrot and Layard's Parakeet. The village is also the main whitewater rafting location in the island offering grade three rapids suitable for intermediate rafters and usually beginners. Environmentalists and birders will also enjoy exploring Sri Lanka’s most famous rainforest Sinharaja, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site and an international Biosphere Reserve located nearby.
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Important note on prices : Red Dot prices include all government taxes and service charges. Some properties and websites exclude these charges from their direct quotes, which adds 24-26 per cent to your bill, so please check carefully before booking. Red Dot also guarantees to beat any lower published prices from other agents. Some property owners also request that we do not display our prices online. Please ask us for a quote - and tell us if we do not offer the best value.
 
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