Hilland Group, Kitulgala
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1 night, 2 adults
Includes taxes and charges
1 night, 2 adults
Includes taxes and charges
“The staff were very attentive and we ate dinner there both nights overlooking th…”
“The service was first-class and very courteous”
“Excellent location, good food and friendly staff”
“Peaceful location, friendly staff and a great acting experience”
“Our room was right next to a fast-flowing river”
“I loved falling asleep to the sound of the river below the balcony”
“It is open to nature and has a rustic touch but it was very clean and sooo nice …”
“Exceptional service, cleanliness, private access to holy Kelani Ganga river, whe…”
“The staff are friendly, helpful, serving good food, the breakfast was plentiful …”
“The breakfast was great with eggs your choice and both sri lankan and english op…”
“Truly relaxing, with lovely crafted wooden furniture, half decent wifi and a few…”
Rafters Retreat is located amidst nature in Kitugala, Sri Lanka. At the property, guests can enjoy the views from their river-facing rooms, and arrange for an adventure filled day of white water rafting, cycling or diving. Rustic accommodation features wooden interiors and a balcony. Each room is fitted with a fan, and a private bathroom with shower facilities. Besides free parking, complimentary WiFi access is provided in the property’s public areas. Assistance can be sought with airport shuttle, or the rental of barbecue facilities. Breakfast consists of a choice of Western or Sri Lankan delights. Fixed lunch and dinner menus are also served at the open-air restaurant. Room service is provided. This property is 64 km from Bandaranaike International Airport.
Kandy
couple
May 24, 2026
“Great location.”
Our room was right next to a fast-flowing river. We slept to the beautiful sound of the water. The staff were very attentive and we ate dinner there both nights overlooking the river.
James
couple
April 16, 2026
“River therapy”
Excellent location, good food and friendly staff. I loved falling asleep to the sound of the river below the balcony. There’s a fantastic jungle walk if you cross the river on a little ferry (take money) just by the next property. Once across follow the paved track to the reserve entrance (it’s about LKR 1000 entry) and enjoy jungle immersion, all well signposted and about 5km of tracks.
Oskar
extended_group
March 10, 2026
“Close to nature, but not worth the price”
The food was very tasty and the portions were big. We also liked that it was possible to book activities like rafting and canyoning directly on site. The small houses are located very close to nature, which creates a nice atmosphere.
Lauren
couple
February 28, 2026
“Lovely rainforest stay with rafting”
Peaceful location, friendly staff and a great acting experience. The food was lovely and they were very helpful organising our onward transport.
Petra
couple
February 23, 2026
We stayed in a nice cottage very close to the river. Everything was ok, meeting our expectations. Rating was great!
Lenita
couple
February 7, 2026
The service was first-class and very courteous. The accommodation itself is perfect for nature lovers because of the strong sound of the river rapids. The location is stunning, with the Makandawa rainforest right in front, accessible by ferry. The room wasn’t new, but without us asking, we were given a better room with windows. White-water rafting was fun, and they also offer many other services you can book to your liking.
Kira
couple
January 12, 2026
Lovely staff, delicious food, fun rafting experience and stunning location!
Lewis
family_with_children
December 23, 2025
“Wonderful stay.”
We came 22 years ago as young honeymooners and once again but this time with our teenage children! We loved the location, the rafting, the chilled out feel of the place. The staff are friendly, helpful, serving good food, the breakfast was plentiful with a Sri Lankan element. The accommodation is basic but comfortable. You are living among nature by a river so expect to see the nature!
Klairi
couple
August 19, 2025
“Generally everything was good”
Location, vibe, the tour in the cinammon factory
Jacopo
couple
June 29, 2025
Staff very kind and position is amazing
Medis
couple
June 1, 2025
“Mixed”
The location is excellent, offering plenty of rafting, adventure activities, and authentic local experiences. I especially loved the old colonial-style bungalow.it's not part of the resort, but the resort was built around its grounds. It looks absolutely stunning for photos!
Lova
extended_group
March 12, 2025
“Incredible value in beautiful, natural setting!”
First of all, we highly recommend staying here! We stayed a night in the eco room. It was the most amazing room right by the river. It is open to nature and has a rustic touch but it was very clean and sooo nice with the nature so close. To sit and just watch the birds and the water rush by was wonderful. It gives a beautiful, natural peace even though the river and crickets are loud. Some in our group wished there was a blanket as it was a bit chilly in the night. The breakfast was great with eggs your choice and both sri lankan and english options. All kitchen/bar staff was very attentive! We would happily stay here again!
Brooke
couple
March 10, 2025
“If you are looking for an authentic sleep on the river bank this is it, very unique”
The beautiful sound of a river rushing by under your balcony or listening to the sound of whilst falling asleep is a unique experience. The rafting experience provided by the onsite staff is awesome and the skipper excellent
Lea
extended_group
March 8, 2025
“Zen.🧚🏼🌴💫🌊”
Exceptional service, cleanliness, private access to holy Kelani Ganga river, where you can take dips, superb food-with amazing kitchen staff, and very hospitable manager. The team took really great care of us. 🙏
Sharon
solo_traveller
February 21, 2025
The location is magical and you really are at one with nature! The views are stunning and going to sleep to the sound of the rapids was amazing. The staff are great, willing to do anything to make your stay brilliant. Food is awesome too.
Barry
family_with_children
December 28, 2024
“Waterside Location with comfortable rooms and great food. Great Welcome too from lovely people”
Absolutely loved it here. This is a rustic hotel on the very edge of a fast moving river (or it was in Nov), with amazing open views over the water and the wildlife. Truly relaxing, with lovely crafted wooden furniture, half decent wifi and a few beers for the evening. Food was excellent and very plentiful. Service was never intrusive, but always there if you needed anything. Our room had an open aspect (ie no glass in the windows, just a fine grill that can be opened or closed) so the sound and sight of the water could be experienced from your bed. Mosquito net was in place and we never got bitten by anything at all during our stay. Bathroom was clean and shower was hot ! They did some laundry for us too (extra cost). The management team here have great English and it was nice to chat to them. We had already booked a whitewater rafting session with another company, so I was surprised to see that the hotel has its own WWRafting company on site. Definitely give this a go when in Sri Lanka. I would absolutely stay here next time.
AYR
couple
December 19, 2024
“Best getaway place on a short drive from colombo.”
The Location and the service of the hotel is perfect and we loved it from the time we have checked in.
Thomas
couple
December 2, 2024
“Fun”
Very beautiful location by the river. Not a lot in the vicinity but that isn’t why you stay here. Rafting was great fun and easy to arrange
Cindy
solo_traveller
August 4, 2024
“remarkable location, friendly staff. enjoy it for what it is”
the location is unbeatable!! as previous reviews state the property is a touch rundown. but if you look past that and enjoy it for what it it’s fantastic! right on the river (the noise of the river is like white noise I slept great!) the main house is rundown but it adds to the charm- have a walk through and it’s like being in 1885 (or whatever era it was built) I had lunch - buffet which groups who just do activities get- I didn’t mind it. breakfast was passable but nothing to write home about. the activities were perfect and they have the activity leaders on site so no wasting time going to a check in facility
Ilona
family_with_children
August 2, 2024
“Totally overrated accommodation, dirty and falling apart.”
The view was really nice.
Fishing, Hiking, Cycling, Water sport facilities on site, Open-air bath, Walking tours, Bike tours, Happy hour, Tour or class about local culture, Cooking class, Live music/performance
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay, Property is cleaned by professional cleaning companies
Board games/puzzles, Kids' outdoor play equipment, Baby safety gates
Kid-friendly buffet, Wine/champagne, Fruits, Breakfast options, Snack bar, Special diet menus (on request), Restaurant, Bar
Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
Bicycle parking, Family rooms, Non-smoking throughout, Designated smoking area
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
BBQ facilities, Garden, Outdoor furniture, Picnic area, Outdoor fireplace
Accessible parking, Free parking, Parking, Parking on site, Private parking
Contactless check-in/check-out, Physical distancing rules followed
Water slide
24-hour security, Key access, Security alarm, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguishers
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available, Access to health care professionals, Thermometers for guests provided by property, Face masks for guests available
Shuttle service, Lockers, Shared lounge/TV area, Daily housekeeping, Concierge service, Shuttle service (additional charge), ATM/cash machine on site, Babysitting/child services, Dry cleaning, Airport shuttle, Packed lunches, Car hire, Express check-in/check-out, Tour desk, Fax/photocopying
Airport pick up, Airport drop off
This twin/double room offers a fireplace. Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. The twin/double room provides a private entrance, a dining area, as well as a patio and a balcony. The unit offers 1 bed.
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