Kitulgala and 'The bridge on the River Kwai'

by Beverley Jansz

Remember the world acclaimed film 'Bridge on the River Kwai'? It is at Kitulgala that the bridge for the film was built. The beautiful Kelani river over which the bridge was built, is still attracting both foreign and local tourists to Kitulgala.

White water rafting, trekking and bird-watching at the Kelani Forest Reserve, are some of the main attractions at Kitulgala.

A small town in west of Sri Lanka, Kitulgala is in the wet zone rain forest which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka.

Kitulgala comes alive in the first three months of the year, during the dry season.

Kelani river can be crossed by walking out across the shallows and crossing the deep channel in a dugout canoe which is established with an outrigger. The agriculture around Kitulgala is typical of the hilly wet zone.

The Sago Palm, which is called Kitul gives rise to the town's name.

Kitulgala is ideal for bird-watching. The area has most of the main forest bird species in lower number. However, the secondary forest and cultivation at Kitulgala is more open than the woodlands of Sinharaja and species like Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Green-billed Concal and Spot winged Thrush are easier to see.

The hills above the rubber plantations also have Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Treeswift and Layard's Parakeet.

Kitulgala Resthouse

Kitulgala Resthouse, owned and managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the misty mountains and gigantic Kelani river. It has an abundance of nature which takes your breath away and leaves lasting memories. Those who experience the splendour at Kitulgala are always regular visitors to the resthouse.

The climate and lustre of Kitulgala has made it a favourite destination for honeymooners and a dream come true for lovers. The producers and cast of the world acclaimed film, 'Bridge on the River Kwai', made Kitulgala Resthouse their stay during the shooting of the film in 1956.

White water rafting, canoing, river bathing in the Kelani river and boating are very popular among tourists visiting the Kitulgala Resthouse.

Over 50 species of birds have been identified in the vicinity and mountains bordering the resthouse. The scenic surroundings of the Kitulgala Resthouse blends with the friendly and charming staff.

Kitulgala Resthouse was fully refurbished recently, and now offers all modern facilities. However, prices offered are very fair and affordable, specially to Sri Lankans and expatriates, Director Marketing, Ceylon Hotels Corporation and Head of Sales and Marketing, Galle Face Hotel Management Co. Ltd.

Jayantha de Silva said. A special 'Holiday package ' is being offered at all resthouses, hotels and resorts which come under the Gardiner Group, which owns major stares of the CHC.

This special offer includes price reductions on room changes and on food and beverage. It is valid from August 15 to September 15. A special raffle draw, offering complimentary stays at CHC, resthouses, is also included in the 'Holiday Package', Jayantha said.