The Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka's longest, flows southwest through the Kandy valley before turning north toward the sea. The stretch between Peradeniya and Getambe is pleasant for walking along the bank, particularly in the early morning when fishermen are out and the light on the water is good. The riverside path passes through rubber plantations and paddy fields, with views back toward the Kandy hills.
The river is not safe for swimming — currents can be strong and water quality varies. But the walk is genuinely scenic and takes you away from the city's traffic noise within minutes of leaving the main road. The Getambe suspension bridge is a popular landmark at the end of the river walk from Peradeniya.