The mystical passage through Black River on a canoe – 1 Night / 2 Days

Your journey will start from Saman Dewalaya in Ratnapura, the City of Gems, with an easy 15 km section through calm waters in a low valley after which the river will start curving. You will then continue another 18 km, and once arrive in Ellagawa, you will reach the more adventurous part where the river is flowing faster, creating waves and swirls.

Soon after Ellagawa bridge, you will have a lunch break in a scenic location on the river bank. After the meal, your journey will continue 19 km to Wagawatta village. In this section, the water flows at 4km/hr, which makes it easy to navigate.

Located right next to the river in Wagawatta, the Eco Team Canoëing Campsite is an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing river bath after a day of canoeing. And we do camping in style! Forget about sleeping in cramped tents and sitting on the ground for mealtimes. Our site is set up prior to your arrival, with everything from the kitchen sink, chairs and tables, toilets, showers and cold beer being transported in. In the evening you can enjoy a hearty barbecue meal in a magical setting – the whole area is lit up with traditional flame torches and a roaring campfire. So sit back, relax and let our experienced staff cater to your every need.

Today, your journey will start with canoëing 19 km through very still waters to Thebuwana. Here, forests and rubber estates will start changing to coconut plantations, and you might be able to spot a few monkeys swinging on coconut branches. Then, the riverbanks will get more crowded with fishermen coming ashore and sand miners in long ferries. This last stretch of 20 km will take you to Kalutara through a calm and meandering river, flowing very slowly into the ocean.

The ending point of your journey is Kalutara, a little town by the shimmering Indian Ocean. Upon arrival you will pass the majestic Dagoba of the temple as well as railway and road bridges that go across the river.