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KITHULGALA

KITHULGALA

A Destination of Adventure and History

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, Kitulgala is a small town with a big story. It's perhaps best known as the filming location for the Academy Award-winning movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai." While little remains of the iconic bridge today, visitors can still catch a glimpse of its history as they explore the concrete foundations that stand as a testament to a bygone era along the tranquil Kelani River.

Kithulgala lies on the banks of the Kelani River and is located 100km from Colombo. Kithulgala, better known as the adventure playground of Sri Lanka, attracts the greatest number of adventure enthusiasts on the island. The remote adventure holiday spot with rocky outcrop provides all the ingredients for many adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting adventures, canoeing, mountain climbing, waterfall abseiling, and many other activities. Kitulgala is one of the best places for a one-day adventure trip in Sri Lanka.

While Kitulgala's history is fascinating, it's not the only draw for visitors. This charming town has also gained a reputation as an adventure enthusiast's paradise. White-water rafting is a major attraction, offering a thrilling experience for those seeking an adrenaline rush. The Kelani River provides the perfect setting for this heart-pounding adventure, with its turbulent waters and breathtaking scenery.

For those who crave more excitement, Kitulgala offers a myriad of other leisure and adventure activities. You can explore the lush rainforests through jungle treks, discovering a wide array of flora and fauna that make up Sri Lanka's incredible biodiversity. Canyoning and waterfall abseiling are other options for those who want to combine their love for nature with a splash of excitement.

Visitors to Kitulgala often find themselves retracing the steps of Sir Alec Guinness and William Holden, who starred in "The Bridge on the River Kwai," and experiencing the allure of the natural beauty that served as a backdrop for the epic tale. As you walk along the riverbanks and gaze at the remnants of the bridge, you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of cinema.

The history of Kitulgala is intertwined with the filming of "The Bridge on the River Kwai." This 1957 classic, directed by David Lean, captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. The film, set during World War II, depicted the construction of a bridge by Allied prisoners of war. Though the original bridge constructed for the movie has long since been dismantled, its cinematic legacy endures.

For birdwatchers, the Kitulgala Rainforest is a birding paradise. With over 50 species of birds, including the endemic Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Red-faced Malkoha, and the elusive Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, this area offers a unique opportunity to connect with the avian world.

Beyond the thrills of adventure, Kitulgala also provides a tranquil escape for those seeking peace and relaxation. The lush greenery, calming river, and serene atmosphere create an ideal environment for relaxation and introspection. Whether you're unwinding in a riverside resort, picnicking by the Kelani River, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, Kitulgala's natural beauty is sure to enchant your senses.

There are many other attractions in Kitulgala that should not be missed. Chief among these is the historic Beli Lena Caves, which are reached by a 10km drive off the main road through the Kitulgala tea estate. Archaeological evidence indicates that the prehistoric Balangoda Man lived here 20,000 years ago. David Lean’s epic war film, "Bridge on the River Kwai," was filmed on the Kelani River in Kitulgala, and remnants of the concrete structure of the bridge still remain. The Kelani Valley Forest Reserve on the far bank is a low elevation forest where rare and endemic birds can be spotted, including the Serendib Scops Owl (Otus Thilo Hoffmani). The Forest Reserve also has a host of other rare amphibians, reptiles, frogs, endemic tree snails, and endemic fishes in its stream. Freshwater fishing offers great sport here as the Kelani River has the largest game fish found in Sri Lanka, the Mahseer (Barbus Tor), and also the Freshwater Shark (Wallagonia Attu) and Loola. Kitulgala can be conveniently reached from most popular beach holiday destinations on the western and southern coast of Sri Lanka. Kitulgala is also very close to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, making it easy to reach Kitulgala from any of the aforementioned places.

In conclusion, Kitulgala is a place where history and adventure intersect, making it an exceptional destination for all types of travelers. Whether you're a film enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply in search of a tranquil retreat, Kitulgala welcomes you with open arms. Explore the remnants of cinematic history, navigate the thrilling white-water rapids, or immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty that makes Kitulgala a truly unique and memorable destination.

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    "                  Our Tour in Sri Lanka Traveling through the beautiful Sri Lanka has been great. Cyril warmly welcomed us at the airport and drove us with his always clean car in every part of the country. He provided daily information about the history and the different sites of Sri Lanka. Also, he taught us a lot about Sri Lankan culture, starting from food, traditions, animals and nature, and suggested authentic and less known places we c..." FILIPPO MASI FROM ITALY

    "We had excellent  8 days tour with CYRIL TOURS. It's all credit goes to Mr. Cyril. From the welcoming at Air port to hotels we stayed,food we had and driver who was provided was excellent. We always introduce CYRIL TOURS to all who wiling to tarvel to Sri Lanka. Swaran Kaur and family Kuantan - Malaysia 2012 May 18 - 25 May" Swaran Kaur and family from Malaysia

    "Dear Cyril, We would like to thank youthat you have arrange ourholiday which we have enjoyed so much, that we can call them the best holiday we have ever had. You are avery helpful guide- because you know about your beautiful country very much. We also appriciate your advices that you gave us during our two weeks long journey and your  perfect trip arrangement we have enjoyed every single day. All the best to you and your family. Hope to see you again. Martha & Jarda   08 No..." Martha & Jaroslav Jirout

    "Hello, We had 2 weeks exploring Sri Lanka and for most of that time Cyril drove for usto various towns, sites of interest. Cyril wsa a very pleasant chauffeur. Always prompt and greeted us with a smile. He was well informed about the sites we visited and pointed out many interesting historical buildings en-route. We had a great 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and Cyril's plesant and helpful nature contributed to this briliant holiday. Thank Cyril Sara and Steve from Birmingham, England" Sara and Steve

    "Hello my dear friend Mr. Cyril We are all fine dear, I have visited Sri Lanka and I loved the country, Insha’Allah I will visit again your country, it is amazing place. This is the first  day at work , really I enjoy the tour to sri lanka with my  family  and it was very nice and  I wish  to go again to sri lanka and of course you were very good and polite and respectable guy  -thanks  a lot  for every thing and  I wish you ..." Nasser Mohamed from Oman

    "(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey

    "We had a exellent and memorable trip. That all credit to you Cyril.Indepth knowledge about the place, roads, Culture and history. Very matuared and patient. We were in very safe hands on all the time. Thanks a lot, mainly it's memorable expeirience for all of us. We always recomond CYRIL TOURS to our friends and relatives in Dubai and in India." Awdhesh Kumar and gruop

    "11th April 2014 01 week tour around Sri Lanka A fantastic week was had by all with Cyril, exploring Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Bentota. Your meaningful insights & excellent explanations of the Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and traditions were invaluable. Your smile and charm helped is feel related and comfortable. Not getting stressed once. With your guidance & tips, the holiday flew by with only one problem: it was very short! Your comprehensive list of talents ranges from findin..." Ian Price and family from UK

    "We came for a wedding and then embarked on an amazing holiday. Cyril show us magnificent sights and scenery of Sri Lanka. To do the country just we need to return with more time. Many of the sites we visited just made us want to know more about them, even though Cyril was a fountain of knowledge. We have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Cyril and his excellent company, and it was so nice to go home a guardian angel looking after us. He is consistently courteous & good humored and now fe..." Andy Powell UK

    "CyrilWe are now back at home after the lovely time with you in Sri Lanka, andvisiting Hong Kong.Thank you for driving for us while we were in Sri Lanka.In particular, we appreciated  - your smooth, calm and efficient driving through varied traffic conditions  - your calmness when things did not go quite as expected  - your being available at all times of day - I'm remembering our late  arrival at the airport, and our late departure  - your information about all sorts of ..." Cliff Hooker and Jean from Australia

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