Sri Lanka’s white-water rafting capital sits where the Kelani River runs fast and the rainforest presses in on both banks – making Kithulgala simultaneously one of the island’s best adventure and birdwatching destinations. The river’s grade 2-3 rapids are accessible to beginners while the surrounding forest trails lead to endemic bird species and the famous filming location of the Bridge on the River Kwai. Best May-October for white water; year-round for birding.