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Things to do in Sinharaja and Kitulgala

Activities in Sri Lanka’s western foothills

The Sinharaja rainforest and the village of Kitulgala, which is popular for white water rafting and other outdoor sports, lies in the western foothills, sandwiched between the west coast and the central highlands. This is an area of rolling hills, tropical rain forests and winding rivers suited to lovers of the outdoors.

For white-water rafting on the Kelani River, take Red Dot's advice to ensure you deal with the most professional outfits. Kelani River possesses Grade 3 and 4 rapids, suitable for beginners and those with more experience. You can also go canoeing on low-country lakes and rivers, take jungle walks or go mountain biking.

The Kelani Valley Forest Reserve in Kitulgala is ideal for forest treks or mountain bike rides through jungle-clad hills and tea and rubber plantations. The breathtaking scenery here was used for the filming of the Oscar-winning classic `The Bridge over the River Kwai’. Take a boat trip along the river to see the Kelani forest reserve in all its splendour.

When you are planning activities in Sinharaja, make sure you come adequately prepared because as you would expect this is one of the wettest areas of Sri Lanka. Bring waterproofs, walking boots and thick socks so that you can enjoy your experience of the region to the utmost. Least rainfall is from January to March and again from July to September.

Sinharaja gives you a different experience of Sri Lanka. In the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest on the island be ready to pour with sweat as you make your way through a moody and muggy land replete with exotic colours and wonderful sounds.

A birdwatching expedition in Sinharaja is particularly rewarding from November to March and in April and August. Watch out for the Mixed Species Feeding Flocks and other forest birds.

Ratnapura, is on route to Sinharaja and is filled with gem shops where you can buy gemstones as well as gem-studded jewellery. Most shops possess their own workshops where the coarse gem stones found in the depths of the soil are cut and polished. We can arrange a visitnso you can see this process in action.

One of the lesser-known Peraheras in Sri Lanka takes place in Ratnapura on the full-moon Poya day of July or August. Delight in the traditional folklore, music and the rhythmic dance of the Sabaragamuwa region. Watch dancers, drummers, chieftains and marching elephants dressed in glittering cloaks in this colourful pageant.

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  • Sinharaja & Kitulgala
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