Nuwaraeliya Rafting & Waterfalls from Colombo: 5 Major Rapids

Navigate scenic river bends and discover colonial charm beyond the currents

A day trip from Colombo to Nuwaraeliya combines white water rafting on the Kelani River (covering 5 major and 4 minor rapids over 5 kilometers) with visits to Gregory Lake, St Clair's Falls and Devon Falls. The rafting is open to anyone 10 and up, with safety gear, modern rafts and a pre-activity briefing from instructors. Pickup is available from Colombo, Kandy or Ella. The full day runs 7 to 11 hours and includes private transport, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nuwara Eliya sightseeing and rafting

• Visit Gregory Lake
• See St Clair’s Waterfall
• Walk to Devon Falls
• Experience White Water Rafting on Kelani River

The experience

The day starts with a drive from your chosen pickup point into Nuwaraeliya's highland landscape. The town itself has a colonial feel, with British-era bungalows and gardens that give it the nickname "Little England." Before the rafting begins, you'll visit Gregory Lake, built in 1873 by a British governor and now a centerpiece of the area, then move on to St Clair's Falls, an 80-meter cascade that splits into three sections as it drops into a pool below. A walk through a plantation leads to Devon Falls, named after a British coffee planter whose estates border the site.

The rafting itself happens on the Kelani River, a 5-kilometer stretch with 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. You'll be outfitted with modern rafts and full safety gear, and the instructors give a comprehensive briefing before you launch. The activity is designed for anyone 10 and older, so families can paddle together. The river and the forested banks create the setting. What you're doing is steering the raft through the current and working with your group to navigate each rapid.

Your pickup point determines the drive time and route: Colombo is the farthest departure, Kandy sits in the middle, and Ella is closest to Nuwaraeliya itself. The vehicle is air-conditioned and includes WiFi on board, so you can stay connected during the journey. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. The full outing takes 7 to 11 hours depending on traffic and how much time you spend at each stop.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your chosen pickup point.
• white water rafting with modern rafts and full safety gear.
• comprehensive safety briefing from instructors.
• visits to Gregory Lake, St Clair's Falls and Devon Falls.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• WiFi on board.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and additional languages.

Options for this experience

3 options

Car pickup from KandyGuide in 12 languages · 07:00Pickup is included with the sedan car

Car pickup from EllaGuide in 12 languages · 07:00Pickup is included with the sedan car

Car pickup from ColomboGuide in 12 languages · 07:00Pickup is included with the sedan car

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by MIRISSA CABS SRI LANKA

Is this one for you?Choose your pickup location based on where you're staying: Colombo for travelers based in the capital, Kandy if you're in the central highlands, or Ella for those already in the eastern tea country. The full day works best if you're comfortable with 7 to 11 hours of travel and activity combined, since the drive to Nuwaraeliya takes time before the rafting even starts.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hindi, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Hebrew.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the rafting stretch on the Kelani River?

The rafting covers 5 kilometers of the Kelani River, with 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids along the way.

What age can children start white water rafting on this trip?

Children 10 years old and up can participate in the rafting, provided they wear the safety gear and listen to the instructor briefing.

Which pickup location is closest to Nuwaraeliya?

Ella is the closest departure point to Nuwaraeliya. Kandy is in the middle, and Colombo is the farthest option.

What is St Clair's Falls known for?

St Clair's Falls is called the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka" and drops 80 meters in height and 50 meters in width, splitting into three cascades as it falls into a pool.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned during the drive?

Yes, the private transport is air-conditioned and includes WiFi on board, plus bottled water throughout the day.