Batatotalena Cave
Situated in Sudagala, approximately 115km from Colombo and 5km from Kuruwita. This ancient dwelling dates back over 25,000 years. Archaeological excavations have revealed skeletal remains, prehistoric cave drawings and paintings, a Buddhist shrine room, and a Devalaya. Buddhist literature mentions this as a sacred site where Lord Buddha rested during his journey back from Sri Pada (Adam's Peak). Visitors walk about 400m to reach the climbing base. The cave stands 50 feet high. An additional underground cave lies 30m from the main site, partially submerged in a stream requiring swimming to explore.
Belilena Cave
Located in the scenic region of Kitulgala, Belilena ranks among Sri Lanka's largest caves. Evidence confirms prehistoric human presence dating back 32,000 years. Several fossils unearthed here likely belonged to the Balangoda man. Visitors can encounter colorful butterflies and hundreds of bats residing in the cave's cool interior.
Batadombalena Cave
A must-visit cave situated near Kuruwita, about 110km from Colombo. This site served as home to the prehistoric 'Balangoda Man' (Homo sapiens balangodensis) based on uncovered remains. Excavations have revealed land and freshwater shells dating beyond 211,000 BC, plus stone tools interpreted as arrowheads carefully shaped for hunting. This archaeological treasure lies behind a gently cascading waterfall, creating a mesmerizing scene with soft breezes.
Waulpane Cave
Also known as the 'Cave of Bats', home to hundreds of thousands of bats. Located in the eastern foothills of the Sinharaja range, renowned for beautiful stalactites and stalagmites approximately 500 million years old. Visitors can discover prehistoric fossils embedded in cavern walls. This is one of Sri Lanka's only limestone caves, featuring a beautiful internal waterfall that provides habitats for water monitors, amphibians, and fish species.
Mahalenama Cave
Located between Kumana and Lahugala-Kithulana, this cave stands apart from others. It was inhabited by 'Nittaewo' — the mysterious lost race of Sri Lanka. While controversies surround their identity, most describe them as ape-like humans nearly one meter tall, with hairy bodies, short stature, and long, strong dagger-like claws.
Pannila Calcarious Cave
This cave serves as home to a diverse range of fishes, butterflies, birds, reptiles, and bats — making visitors feel they have stepped into an underground zoo. The site features two main caves situated near an enchanting waterfall. Prehistoric estimates date these caves to around 500 million years old. Several smaller caves contain ancient stalagmites and stalactites.
Andirilena Cave
Located approximately 4km from Udugama in Galle District along the southern coast. Despite a very small entrance, the interior space is enormous. Two tunnels divide the main cave, guiding visitors to several more caves. After 500 meters, these two tunnels rejoin.
Ravana Ella Cave
Situated about 2km from the famous city of Ella. This is a relatively small cave compared to others in Sri Lanka. History indicates King Ravana used this cave to hide Princess Sita, similar to Sthripura Cave. It is believed this cave connected to cities, dairy farms, and airports through man-made tunnels built by King Ravana, serving as transport passages through hills and secret routes.
Bogoda Ella Cave
Historical records state that Bogoda Cave was used by Sri Lankan King Walagamba as a hideout from South Indian forces. The king faced numerous invasions during ancient times and used this cave as part of a tunnel network connecting to other caves. He could move to other hideouts including Narangala mountain cave, Dowa rock temple at Bandarawela, and Rawana Ella cave. Over time, dense vegetation and earth have covered these tunnels.
Pahiyangala Ella Cave
Located about 40km from Colombo in Yatagampitiya village, Pahiyangala Cave is Sri Lanka's largest cave. Also known as Fa-Hien Lena, it ranks among Asia's largest natural rock formations. Prehistoric remains here date back 37,000 years, representing one of the region's oldest prehistoric human settlements.
Sthripura Cave
Located in Kiriwanagama village, approximately 16km from Welimada. According to the Great Ramayanaya legend, this cave was used by King Ravana to hide Princess Sita, the princess of India's Prince Rama. Legend states that King Ravana abducted Princess Sita after defeating Prince Rama and kept her in this cave.
Summary Note
Contact Team LF Lanka Tours to receive a carefully curated package including these treasury caves or add any of these impressive caves to your itinerary on request.
Map
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