There are 103 rivers in total on the island. Moreover, the length of most of Sri Lanka's rivers does not exceed 100 kilometers.
Mahaveli river
Mahaveli is the longest river on the entire island. The length of the current is 335 kilometers. The source of the river is located near the city of Hatton (Central Province). Then the river goes north (through Kandy), after which it changes direction to the east, but overcoming the mountains, again turns to the north. The mouth of the river is the waters of the Bay of Bengal (Coddiyar Bay, slightly south of Trincomalee).
Kalu river
The total length of this island river is 129 kilometers. The literal translation of its name is "Black River". The source of the river is the slopes of Mount Adam. Kalu flows into the waters of the Lakkadive Sea (Kalutara region). The largest tributary is the Kuda River.
Menik Ganga River (Tangalle)
Menik Ganga is a miniature river, the waters of which are considered sacred by the locals. The river bed passes through the territory of the city of Katagarama, dividing it into two parts. The complex of temples, which is a sacred area, is located on the northern bank of the river. Sacred ablution takes place every year and falls on the period of the religious holiday in the month of July. Local residents claim that the trees growing on its banks give the healing properties of water.
The river is shallow, the maximum width is 200 meters. During the period of heavy rains, the Menik Ganga overflows, but becomes very shallow in drought.
Polwatta Ganga River
The bed of the Polwatta Ganga passes through the lands of the Matara district and flows into the waters of Weligama Bay (Laccadive Sea). The water in the river remains warm almost throughout the year.
The banks of the river are extremely picturesque. Here you will find beautiful tropics, dense mangroves, natural stone terraces, and unusual grottoes made up of large boulders. Here boat safari walks are practiced, during which you can meet crocodiles and monitor lizards.
Bentota Ganges River
One of the most beautiful rivers in Sri Lanka, flowing into the waters of the Indian Ocean. At the confluence of Bentota with the ocean, there is the best beach on the entire southwest coast of the island.
In summer, small river walks along the river are organized here, because there is something to see here. On the banks of the Bentota are the ruins of the ancient temple of Galapata Vihara, where ancient frescoes and statues are perfectly preserved. If you wish, you can catch a few fish in the river. The water in the river is very clean, which makes it possible to practice scuba fishing and swimming.
Due to the numerous rapids, the Sri Lanka rivers attract people who are fond of kayaking and rafting. And the best rivers on the island in this regard are the rivers Kelani, Mahaveli, Kotmale-Oya, Gorokhoya and Situvaka.
