#Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Underground Marvels
Been there recently?
Sri Lanka’s caves hold secrets that span millions of years, waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls. From towering stalactites to ancient cave paintings, each cavern tells a story of the island’s rich geological and cultural history. Embark on a journey through time as you explore these hidden wonders, immersing yourself in the mystical realm of speleology in the heart of Ceylon.
This is a once in a life time experience which involves mapping, photographing, surveying and exploring of hidden caves in the island as the word ‘Speleology’ describes. The most famous being Batadomba Cave at Balangoda, attributed to the “Balangoda man” a prehistoric man whose skeletal remains were uncovered inside this cave. At present, some of these mysterious cave have been converted into Buddhist Temples or hermitages in Sri Lanka.
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Destination
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Departure
Main Street, Taiwan -
Departure Time
Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM. -
Return Time
Approximately 8:30 PM. -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket. -
Included
5 Star AccommodationBreakfastDeparture Taxes -
Not Included
Airplane TransportBawaCamping TentDinnerGolf ClubLunchPersonal Guide
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Day 1: Kuruwita,
Batatotalena Cave
- Located 85km from Colombo at Sudagala, about 5 km away from Kuruwita, has been used as a dwelling place and it dates back over 25,000 years. This has been used as a dwelling place during many historical eras as per the archeological findings while Skeletal remains, ancient cave drawings and painting, a Buddhist shrine room and a Devalaya has been excavated here. Apart from that, Buddhist literature states Batatotalena as a sacred place where Lord Buddha rested on his way back from Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). Walk around 400m and reach the base where climb starts. The cave is heigh in 50 feet. To add more worth to your cave expedition, head to explore the underground cave which is located about 30m away from the main site. It is partly submerged in a stream and to see the real place, you will have to swim
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Day 2: Kitulgala
Belilena Cave
- Located in picturesque area of Kitulgala, Belilena cave is one of the largest caves in Sri Lanka. Evidence shows that this site had a prehistoric human presence as early as 32,000 years ago and some of the unearthed several fossils probably occupied by the Balangoda man has been found here. You may encounter colorful butterflies and hundreds of bats residence in this cave’s cool interior.
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Day 3: Balangoda
Batadombalena Cave
A must visit cave in Sri Lanka! Batadombalena Cave is situated in close proximity to Kuruwita, which is about 90 kilometers away from Colombo. This has been the home of the prehistoric ‘Balangoda Man’ or Homo sapiens balangodensis, as the remains revealed. Further, various land and fresh water shells which date back over 28000 BC and stone tools that are interpreted as arrow and carefully shaped for hunting has also been uncovered here. You can find this archeological treasure trove behind a gently cascading waterfall, and it creates mesmerizing scene with the soft breeze of the wind.
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Day 4: Udawalawe
Waulpane Cave
Waulpane cave is also named as the ‘Cave of Bats’, as hundreds of thousands of bats call it as their home! Located in the astern foothills of the Sinharaja range and renowned for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites which are approximately 500 million years old. You may discover a prehistoric world with ancient fossils in the cavern walls. This cave is one of the only limestone caves of Sri Lanka and it has a beautiful internal waterfall which provide habitats to water monitors, amphibians and fish species too.
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Day 5: Lahugala
Mahalenama Cave
Located between Kumana and Lahugala-Kithulana, Mahalenama Cave is a very different cave than others. It was inhibited by “Nittaewo” the strange lost race in Sri Lanka. There are some controversies as to the identity of this folk but most of them identify as ape-man who is nearly one meter in height, hairy bodied, short, and dagger claws with great length and strength.
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Day 6: Pannila
Pannila Calcarious Cave
This cave is a home to a wide variety of fishes, butterflies, birds, reptiles and bats. You will feel you step into an underground zoo. The Cave has two main caves situated near an enchanting waterfall. The prehistory of this caves are estimated to be around 500 million years old and has some smaller caves as well containing ancient stalagmites and stalactites.
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Day 7: Udugama
Andirilena Cave
You can visit Andirilena Cave while you are in the southern coast. It is about 4km form Udugama in Galle District. The space of inside is huge even though the entrance is very small. There are two tunnels dividing the main cave and those funnels guide to few more caves. After 500m these two tunnels joining back together
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Day 8: Ella
Ravana Ella Cave
Located about 2km away from famous city Ella. Quite a small cave comparing to other caves in Sri Lanka. History says that this cave is used by King Ravana to hide the Princess Sita same as the Sthripura cave. And it is believed that this cave is connected with cities / dairy farms & airports by Kind Ravana. The man-made tunnels proves that this cave had been used to transport through the hills and as a secret passage.
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Day 9: Ella
Bogoda Ella Cave
The history says that Bogoda Cave has been used by a Sri Lankan king called Walagamba as one of his hide outs from South Indian forces. King Walagamba had many invading from South Indian Forces during the ancient times, so he used this cave as a network to other caves through tunnels. He was able to move to other hideouts such as the Narangala mountain cave, Dowa rock temple at Bandarawela and Rawana Ella cave in Ella. But as the time passes the tunnels have been covered by dense vegetation and earth over the years.
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Day 10: Pahiyangala
Pahiyangala Ella Cave
- Located about 40km away from Colombo in a village called Yatagampitiya, Pahiyangala Cave is the largest cave in Sri Lanka. This is also known as Fa-Hien Lena and one of the largest natural rock formations in all of Asia. The prehistoric remains of this cave go back to 37 000 years while those were one of the region’s oldest prehistoric human settlements
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Day 11: Kiriwanagama
Sthripura Cave
- Located in a village called Kiriwanagama which is 16km away from Welimada. According to the Great Ramayanaya, legend, it is believed that this cave had been used by Kind Ravana to hide princess Sita who was the princess of Prince Rama of India. Kind Ravana was abducted Pricess Sita after defeating Price Rama and the legend says that he kept her in this cave.
- Speak to Team Blue Lanka to get a carefully curated package including these treasury caves or add any of these impressive caves to your itinerary on hand!
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