The start of your scenic canoeing adventure will be at “Ratnapura”, a town famous for its gem mines, and from here you will paddle gently downriver through breathtaking scenery to finally arrive in a little riverside village called “Kiriella”. This upper section of the Kalu River is relatively easy to navigate and does not require any special canoeing skills; beginners are welcome to join!

After passing through the populated “Ratnapura” town area, the riverbank environment becomes quieter and more picturesque. Little houses are enveloped by vegetation such as thick feathery bamboo whilst silent river crossings and hard-at-work sand miners give you an insight into this unique aquatic way of life. Along the route you can admire many vegetation types, witness the ever-changing landscapes, view wildlife and appreciate this privileged insight into the way of life of the rural communities living beside the river. During most of the journey, the only noises you will hear are the sounds of birdcall and the gentle ripple of the water from your paddle.