River Notes
One of the main aims of our trip was to publicise Sri Lanka as an adventure tourism destination. Luckily for us, the amazing places and experiences Sri Lanka has to offer makes this easy.
This page contains some river notes on the rivers we found. There is still plenty to explore in Sri Lanka so we have tried to include the rivers which were jungle portage fests as well as the beautiful bedrock runs so you don't have to waste your time looking at them.
This page contains some river notes on the rivers we found. There is still plenty to explore in Sri Lanka so we have tried to include the rivers which were jungle portage fests as well as the beautiful bedrock runs so you don't have to waste your time looking at them.
Nature of the rivers and exploration
The best rivers we found were beautifully clean, steep bedrock creeks of a pool drop nature however some of these rivers upped the intensity with fun bolder gardens and more continuous sections.
These rivers generally had a gradient of about 20-50m/km, when we strayed over this into the 60-80m/km mark we ended up walking more than paddling as the rivers become bolderchoked if too steep. However one great section was way above this (how much?) as most of the gradient was taken up by a huge waterfall above where we put in so it can be worth a look even if it is too steep.
Watch out for mini-hydros, several times we had long walks as all the water was taken out of the river but thankfully hydros normally mean roads and villages so it's generally possible to hike out.
Top tip: Spend some money on expensive river shoes and don't let them get nicked. The bedrock makes for beautiful slides but slippery inspecting and portaging.
These rivers generally had a gradient of about 20-50m/km, when we strayed over this into the 60-80m/km mark we ended up walking more than paddling as the rivers become bolderchoked if too steep. However one great section was way above this (how much?) as most of the gradient was taken up by a huge waterfall above where we put in so it can be worth a look even if it is too steep.
Watch out for mini-hydros, several times we had long walks as all the water was taken out of the river but thankfully hydros normally mean roads and villages so it's generally possible to hike out.
Top tip: Spend some money on expensive river shoes and don't let them get nicked. The bedrock makes for beautiful slides but slippery inspecting and portaging.
Getting around
Sri Lanka is pretty well populated and if you can see a blue line on the map it is pretty likely that there will be a village there and dirt tracks leading to it which is quite handy. These tracks can be pretty rough so a 4X4 is definitely the preferred means of transport. We got a large 4X4 truck off Borderlands and Mahesh the driver was brilliant. Having a driver who is also a raft guide and can recognise good white water and ask locals the right questions is a definite plus and he comes highly recommended.
Borderlands also have our Maps with the rivers highlighted and the odd annotation.
Borderlands also have our Maps with the rivers highlighted and the odd annotation.
The Rivers
The Kelani
This river is due to be affected by further damming however the timing, extent and the impact are not yet fully known.
Kelani Rafting Section: III
The Kelani river is frequently rafted by several companies, including Borderlands. The Kelani is a dam fed river and has a pretty regular flow but can have some large releases if there has been lots of rain which makes the odd hole a bit sticky.
The river consists of several medium volume rapids will flat sections between and it makes a great warm up.
Tip: One rapid under the site of the filming of "Bridge over the River Kwai" can have a nice playwave at the end of it, in good flows.
Also don't miss the canyon! It is on the small trib which flows into the Kelani at the bridge. Follow a path up through the jungle to the canyon which has loads of good slides and jumps. To make the most of it, get one of the staff at borderlands to show you all the best jumps and the extra bit which they don't take the clients down. (Bits of the canyon have been paddled in high water if you want to lug a boat up)
This section is located near the town of Kitulgula (Kithugula, many Sri Lanka places have more than one spelling) and the easiest way to find the put in for the section is to ask one of the rafting companies for directions. The takeout is, after a long bit of flat and a right hand fork, at the Plantation hotel on the edge of the river or if you are staying at Borderlands, the camp is just downstream.
Blog posts:http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/and-so-it-begins.html
Thilak ripping up the playwave on the Rafting section
Upper Kelani: III-IV ~3km
A similar section to the Rafting section but a little bit bigger with plenty of bouldergarden fun. The best bit is that it runs straight into the rafting run so you can either get out at the rafting run put in or if you don't fancy climbing up the steps to the road you can carry on down the rafting run. At high levels both runs back to back can be a real blast.
The put in is by the dam at Polpitya (again the rafting companies should be able to point you in the right direction).
A similar section to the Rafting section but a little bit bigger with plenty of bouldergarden fun. The best bit is that it runs straight into the rafting run so you can either get out at the rafting run put in or if you don't fancy climbing up the steps to the road you can carry on down the rafting run. At high levels both runs back to back can be a real blast.
The put in is by the dam at Polpitya (again the rafting companies should be able to point you in the right direction).
Kehelgamu Oya: V ~7-8km
This tributary joins the Kelani just below the put on for the Upper section. It is a mixture of clean pool drop and steep bouldergarden rapids and was one of the highlights of our trip.
Put on at road bridge 7-8km above the confluence with the Kelani (this should be a few hundred meters below the power-house of the hydro scheme). Nothing of particular interest is above this as the hydro scheme takes out most of the water (trust us we walked a long way around it and got a lot of leeches).
This river needs a fair bit of rain so if you are staying in Kitugula, you have warmed up plenty and it is bucketing down, it may well be time to fire it up. Rocks upstream of the bridge at the put in should be covered for a good level, the tributaries on the drive up should also be running at a good level as much of the water for the river comes from these.As you begin the drive up you will see final rapid from the bridge just above the confluence with the Kelani. This steep S-band rapid should look bouncy, not too rocky and probably a chocolaty brown colour.
The first 1-2 km is a continuous class III-IV bouldery fun. After several tributaries join, the gradient picks up and the river becomes more pool drop in nature with a few longer rapids thrown in there as well for good measure, most of these would be considered class V in difficulty. Care should be taken with tree hazards in the river as they are fairly prevelent.
Between 4-6 hours should be left for the run for a good day out. It is possible to take out at the bidge below the last S-bend rapid. Alternatively we recommend you continue down into the Upper Kelani section which should be at a entertaining level if the Kehelgamu Oya is running well and blast down the rafting run to complete a memorable days boating.
Blog Posts:http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/too-much-like-a-holiday.html
This tributary joins the Kelani just below the put on for the Upper section. It is a mixture of clean pool drop and steep bouldergarden rapids and was one of the highlights of our trip.
Put on at road bridge 7-8km above the confluence with the Kelani (this should be a few hundred meters below the power-house of the hydro scheme). Nothing of particular interest is above this as the hydro scheme takes out most of the water (trust us we walked a long way around it and got a lot of leeches).
This river needs a fair bit of rain so if you are staying in Kitugula, you have warmed up plenty and it is bucketing down, it may well be time to fire it up. Rocks upstream of the bridge at the put in should be covered for a good level, the tributaries on the drive up should also be running at a good level as much of the water for the river comes from these.As you begin the drive up you will see final rapid from the bridge just above the confluence with the Kelani. This steep S-band rapid should look bouncy, not too rocky and probably a chocolaty brown colour.
The first 1-2 km is a continuous class III-IV bouldery fun. After several tributaries join, the gradient picks up and the river becomes more pool drop in nature with a few longer rapids thrown in there as well for good measure, most of these would be considered class V in difficulty. Care should be taken with tree hazards in the river as they are fairly prevelent.
Between 4-6 hours should be left for the run for a good day out. It is possible to take out at the bidge below the last S-bend rapid. Alternatively we recommend you continue down into the Upper Kelani section which should be at a entertaining level if the Kehelgamu Oya is running well and blast down the rafting run to complete a memorable days boating.
Blog Posts:http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/too-much-like-a-holiday.html
Some high adrenaline stuff on the Kehelgamu
The Sitawaka
Not far from Kitugula is the Sitawaka river which has a great rafted section and some creeky fun in the valleys above it. There could be some stuff between so maybe worth a look?
Fun in the sun on the Sitawaka rafting section
The Sitawaka Rafting Section: IV ~5km
This section has been occasionally rafted but not often.
This run is an excellent section of grade 4 pool drop with very little flat. If most of the rocks below the bridge at the rafting put on are just covered it has enough water.
For the rafting put on you drive up from Dirinyigala toward... through a rubber plantation, stop at a dodgy looking suspension bridge, get on down through rubber trees on river left. However I would definitely recommend heading up a bit higher to the village and walk down to the river from there to paddle the minus rapids
At the end of the run the river drops through one last picturesque gorge and flattens off into a huge pool, after a bit of a flat water paddle downstream there is a road bridge at .... Get off on river right.
(there are a few place names missing here but the local rafting companies should be able to fill them in for you and tell us when you find out!)
Tip: If you want a bit of extra adrenaline try the bridge jump
Blog posts:http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/stepping-it-up.html
This section has been occasionally rafted but not often.
This run is an excellent section of grade 4 pool drop with very little flat. If most of the rocks below the bridge at the rafting put on are just covered it has enough water.
For the rafting put on you drive up from Dirinyigala toward... through a rubber plantation, stop at a dodgy looking suspension bridge, get on down through rubber trees on river left. However I would definitely recommend heading up a bit higher to the village and walk down to the river from there to paddle the minus rapids
At the end of the run the river drops through one last picturesque gorge and flattens off into a huge pool, after a bit of a flat water paddle downstream there is a road bridge at .... Get off on river right.
(there are a few place names missing here but the local rafting companies should be able to fill them in for you and tell us when you find out!)
Tip: If you want a bit of extra adrenaline try the bridge jump
Blog posts:http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/stepping-it-up.html
The Sitawaka Tributaries: mixed sections from II-V
The valleys above the Sithawaka are full of bits and bobs to do. Its unspoiled, full of amazing wildlife and friendly, welcoming people. We found it easy and rewarding to homestay but this was made possible by a good translator.
Our maps did not have names for the small rivers and names from locals tended to conflict and somewhat run into one big name ending in Ganga, follow your nose and these rough descriptions.
The village of Udamaliboda will crop up a lot as you explore this valley , it is a focal point and you'll spot it by its tea factory. To get there you should ask for directions to the 7 waterfalls.
The first section we ran was above Udamaliboda and we put on at a small bridge over the river. Above the bridge is bouldery choss and below it is two small, low volume drops followed by a fun grade IV+ drop. This can be inspected by risking the leeches and climbing down from the road on river left however you may not see the line and it is best inspected on river right once on the river. It's a lot cleaner than it looks. After this you can paddle down to Udamaliboda and the rest of the section is pleasant grade II-III. The get out is a few kilometers downstream from the village at a small bridge below a grade III bedrock rapid which you should have driven past on the way up to Udamaliboda.
On the mountains above the village you will se the stunning 7 waterfalls. It's worth heading up to then and have a look. You can park and slide the bottom one and the rest look like they could be worth hiking up with some ropes for some abseiling.
We also ran another tributary flowing into the river above the village however we would not recomend this section as it was an epic portage fest which we only managed to get out of as the daylight faded. It was too steep on the map and the moral of this story is check the gradient before putting on!
However there is a small clean bedrock section further down above a bridge? which you can walk up to and may be worth doing if you are near.
Blog posts:
http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/into-the-jungle.html
http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/why-did-the-kayakers-need-a-map.html
The valleys above the Sithawaka are full of bits and bobs to do. Its unspoiled, full of amazing wildlife and friendly, welcoming people. We found it easy and rewarding to homestay but this was made possible by a good translator.
Our maps did not have names for the small rivers and names from locals tended to conflict and somewhat run into one big name ending in Ganga, follow your nose and these rough descriptions.
The village of Udamaliboda will crop up a lot as you explore this valley , it is a focal point and you'll spot it by its tea factory. To get there you should ask for directions to the 7 waterfalls.
The first section we ran was above Udamaliboda and we put on at a small bridge over the river. Above the bridge is bouldery choss and below it is two small, low volume drops followed by a fun grade IV+ drop. This can be inspected by risking the leeches and climbing down from the road on river left however you may not see the line and it is best inspected on river right once on the river. It's a lot cleaner than it looks. After this you can paddle down to Udamaliboda and the rest of the section is pleasant grade II-III. The get out is a few kilometers downstream from the village at a small bridge below a grade III bedrock rapid which you should have driven past on the way up to Udamaliboda.
On the mountains above the village you will se the stunning 7 waterfalls. It's worth heading up to then and have a look. You can park and slide the bottom one and the rest look like they could be worth hiking up with some ropes for some abseiling.
We also ran another tributary flowing into the river above the village however we would not recomend this section as it was an epic portage fest which we only managed to get out of as the daylight faded. It was too steep on the map and the moral of this story is check the gradient before putting on!
However there is a small clean bedrock section further down above a bridge? which you can walk up to and may be worth doing if you are near.
Blog posts:
http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/into-the-jungle.html
http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/why-did-the-kayakers-need-a-map.html
Will on the IV+ in the Sitawaka Valleys
More waterfalls on the Sitawaka?
A group of Russian paddlers went out to Sri Lanka a few years ago and said there was a series of 4 waterfalls on the Sitawaka, 2 of which were runnable but we aren't quite sure where they are. Here is their trip report: http://playak.com/article.php?sid=1135
A group of Russian paddlers went out to Sri Lanka a few years ago and said there was a series of 4 waterfalls on the Sitawaka, 2 of which were runnable but we aren't quite sure where they are. Here is their trip report: http://playak.com/article.php?sid=1135
Horton Plains & Central Highlands
Belihul oya: V ~1km
There are several rivers named Belihul oya however the one we refer to here is to the south east of Kitugula. Unfortunately for us this area hadn't had rain for 3 months when we were there and the rivers were dry. However a group of americans paddled this a few years back and it looks pretty damn sweet. A classic Sri Lankan bedrock run so check out the video below or at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrYz8disPB0
There are several rivers named Belihul oya however the one we refer to here is to the south east of Kitugula. Unfortunately for us this area hadn't had rain for 3 months when we were there and the rivers were dry. However a group of americans paddled this a few years back and it looks pretty damn sweet. A classic Sri Lankan bedrock run so check out the video below or at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrYz8disPB0
Goorook oya
The Goorook Oya is one of my favourite creeks ever and is a tributary of the mighty Mahaweli river. It can be found off the Colombo - Kandy road joining the mighty Mahaweli river. You turn off the main road downstream of the confluence just after the town of Nawalapitya. After you have turned off the road head up a fair way until finally you see the whitewater below you on the left.
Blog post: http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/goorook-oya-world-class-creeking.html
Mini Hydro section: IV-V (X) ~5km
This is the uppermost section we ran of the Goorook oya. You can take out at this mini-hydro station below the confluence of two tributaries (don't though, the next section is cracking!). To find the put in you head further up the road to where the hydro project takes the water out of the river. When we ran this river the hyro-station was still being built and no water was being taken out. It may be that this section may not run very often as it will not have much water in it but the night before we ran it it looked like the water had risen well above the banks so it may well run it it's bucketing down with rain and could be a good high water option.
This short section has some great paddling on it however it also has one drop with a big of a siphon below. Although the siphon is big enough that it is unlikely a person in a boat would get stuck in it, the rocks are very slippery around it so it is difficult to set safety on it. The portage however is fairly straight forward. The other notable feature on this run is a big double drop. It looks sweet but a big slab made the lead in unrunnable so a portage is needed.
The Goorook Oya is one of my favourite creeks ever and is a tributary of the mighty Mahaweli river. It can be found off the Colombo - Kandy road joining the mighty Mahaweli river. You turn off the main road downstream of the confluence just after the town of Nawalapitya. After you have turned off the road head up a fair way until finally you see the whitewater below you on the left.
Blog post: http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/goorook-oya-world-class-creeking.html
Mini Hydro section: IV-V (X) ~5km
This is the uppermost section we ran of the Goorook oya. You can take out at this mini-hydro station below the confluence of two tributaries (don't though, the next section is cracking!). To find the put in you head further up the road to where the hydro project takes the water out of the river. When we ran this river the hyro-station was still being built and no water was being taken out. It may be that this section may not run very often as it will not have much water in it but the night before we ran it it looked like the water had risen well above the banks so it may well run it it's bucketing down with rain and could be a good high water option.
This short section has some great paddling on it however it also has one drop with a big of a siphon below. Although the siphon is big enough that it is unlikely a person in a boat would get stuck in it, the rocks are very slippery around it so it is difficult to set safety on it. The portage however is fairly straight forward. The other notable feature on this run is a big double drop. It looks sweet but a big slab made the lead in unrunnable so a portage is needed.
Thilack dropping into the Mini hydro section.
The Main Event: IV-V ~ 5-10 km
A super clean creek in some beautiful jungle.
After either continueing on from the previous section or putting on at the hydroelectric powerstation the gradient starts to steepen and clean rapid after bedrock slide appears before you, culminating in the 7-8m drop, Birthday Falls. The fun continues on to the takeout.
You can takeout at a small bridge when the valley opens out a bit however........
Tip: If you have time, it's well worth carrying on to the confluence with the Mahaweli for some very scenic grade III-IV and takeout at the roadbridge you crossed on the way to the river
Tip: Head upstream towards the Kotmale oya and check out Ketambula Falls on the way. The second drop looks pretty simple, it just wants a little water but the upper fall looks like it may go as well. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to go and have a proper look. Possible first descent available?
After either continueing on from the previous section or putting on at the hydroelectric powerstation the gradient starts to steepen and clean rapid after bedrock slide appears before you, culminating in the 7-8m drop, Birthday Falls. The fun continues on to the takeout.
You can takeout at a small bridge when the valley opens out a bit however........
Tip: If you have time, it's well worth carrying on to the confluence with the Mahaweli for some very scenic grade III-IV and takeout at the roadbridge you crossed on the way to the river
Tip: Head upstream towards the Kotmale oya and check out Ketambula Falls on the way. The second drop looks pretty simple, it just wants a little water but the upper fall looks like it may go as well. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to go and have a proper look. Possible first descent available?
Dave running Birthday Falls
Niamh inspecting Ketambula Falls. Possible park and huck at the top of the Goorook oya?
Kotmale oya
We found out about this river as a group of Russians had been here a few years back and seemed to think it was good:
http://playak.com/article.php?sid=1135
Andy Sommers write up(Nuwara eliya creek): http://playak.com/article.php?id=1223
However we think they made light of this run, it is an absolute classic. More clean Grade IV-V than you could shake a paddle at.
The Kotmale starts near the town of Talawakele
Blog Post: http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/tea-cake-and-slides.html
Hint: If travelling up from the south west, go via the Goorook Oya for a couple of days of world class boating.
Upper Section- Above St Clairs Falls: IV (V) ~ 2km
Since the Russians were here a huge dam has gone in which will flood the section from Talawakele to the dam. As the Dam was not finished when we were there we were not allowed to put on below it however perhaps this is something to look into before you go. We managed to get down to the river on river left after the dam unfortunately missing a couple of rapids. You can then takeout above the huge St Clairs falls (massive and looks like it lands on rocks) on river right and climb up through the tea plantation.
This section is fairly short but a great time to session the drops, take some nice pictures and hone some skills for the longer section.
Hint: Have tea, chocolate cake and ice cream at the tea shop overlooking Devon falls. This is not optional.
A= St Clairs Falls
http://playak.com/article.php?sid=1135
Andy Sommers write up(Nuwara eliya creek): http://playak.com/article.php?id=1223
However we think they made light of this run, it is an absolute classic. More clean Grade IV-V than you could shake a paddle at.
The Kotmale starts near the town of Talawakele
Blog Post: http://www.kayaksrilanka.co.uk/2/post/2011/08/tea-cake-and-slides.html
Hint: If travelling up from the south west, go via the Goorook Oya for a couple of days of world class boating.
Upper Section- Above St Clairs Falls: IV (V) ~ 2km
Since the Russians were here a huge dam has gone in which will flood the section from Talawakele to the dam. As the Dam was not finished when we were there we were not allowed to put on below it however perhaps this is something to look into before you go. We managed to get down to the river on river left after the dam unfortunately missing a couple of rapids. You can then takeout above the huge St Clairs falls (massive and looks like it lands on rocks) on river right and climb up through the tea plantation.
This section is fairly short but a great time to session the drops, take some nice pictures and hone some skills for the longer section.
Hint: Have tea, chocolate cake and ice cream at the tea shop overlooking Devon falls. This is not optional.
A= St Clairs Falls
Plenty of lines on the Upper Kotmale. Paddlers: Nick, Tom and Sean
Lower Section- Below St Clairs Falls: IV-V ~ 15km
This section just keeps giving and leaves you exhausted at the end of the day turning each corner expecting to find a takeout but instead finding clean beautiful rapids and slides. (Allow a fair amount of time for this and perhaps don't take too many pictures on the first run down)
Put on below St Clairs, we did this on river left by heading down into a village that gos partly down the valley and then through the tea plantations below before a final bushwack to the river.
We came out below a huge slide which looked a bit marginal and with a long day ahead of us we left it but after that, 15km of beautiful pool drop grade IV-V rapids await you. You can get out after 5km if needs be at a broken bridge and head up a long road through the tea plantation. However the takeout is at a large roadbridge over the river with a somewhat dirty rapid below.
Hint: Watch out for buffalo at the takeout.
Put on below St Clairs, we did this on river left by heading down into a village that gos partly down the valley and then through the tea plantations below before a final bushwack to the river.
We came out below a huge slide which looked a bit marginal and with a long day ahead of us we left it but after that, 15km of beautiful pool drop grade IV-V rapids await you. You can get out after 5km if needs be at a broken bridge and head up a long road through the tea plantation. However the takeout is at a large roadbridge over the river with a somewhat dirty rapid below.
Hint: Watch out for buffalo at the takeout.
Niamh getting some air on one of the first of many rapids of the Lower Kotmale.
The Mahaweli Ganga
This is Sri Lanka's longest river and many of the rivers descrided above eventually flow into it. We had a quick look at some rapids just outside of Kandy which looked like fun bouncy grade III. It is rafted but apparently the water quality can be poor as it is downstream from the city. In our research we did see some pictures of very big rapids which may be on this river somewhere however we are not quite sure where they are so could be one to look into. Most of the river however is flat.
Coming soon...
These guides are now mostly complete for our favourite sections however we will soon update with a list of rivers we looked at which were dammed, dry or just a steep chossy portage fest so you don't have to bother going there or whether we thought it may be worth a look.
If you have been or are going to Sri Lanka and want to contribute some river guides or if you have some questions send me an email : will_eldred@hotmail.com
