Batatotalena Cave

Located 85km from Colombo at Sudagala, about 5 km away from Kuruwita, it has been used as a dwelling place and dates back over 25,000 years. This has been used as a dwelling place during many historical eras as per the archaeological 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 the climb starts. The cave is high at 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

Located in the 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 have been found here. You may encounter colourful butterflies and hundreds of bats residing in this cave’s cool interior.

A must-visit cave in Sri Lanka! Batadombalena Cave is situated in close proximity to Kuruwita, which is about 90 kilometres 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 freshwater 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 archaeological treasure trove behind a gently cascading waterfall, and it creates a mesmerizing scene with the soft breeze of the wind.

Waulpane cave is also named the ‘Cave of Bats’, as hundreds of thousands of bats call it their home! Located in the
eastern foothills of the Sinharaja range and is 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 in Sri Lanka and it has a beautiful internal waterfall which provides habitats to water monitors, amphibians and fish species too.

Located between Kumana and Lahugala-Kithulana, Mahalenama Cave is a very different cave from others. It was inhabited 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.

This cave is home to a wide variety of fishes, butterflies, birds, reptiles and bats. You will feel like you have stepped into an underground zoo. The Cave has two main caves situated near an enchanting waterfall. The prehistory of these caves is estimated to be around 500 million years old and has some smaller caves as well containing ancient stalagmites and stalactites.

You can visit Andirilena Cave while you are on the southern coast. It is about 4km from Udugama in Galle District. The space inside is huge even though the entrance is very small. There are two tunnels dividing the main cave and those funnels guide to a few more caves. After 500m these two tunnels join back together

Located about 2km away from the famous city of Ella. Quite a small cave compared to other caves in Sri Lanka. History says that this cave is used by King Ravana to hide Princess Sita same as the Sthripura cave. It is believed that this cave is connected with cities/dairy farms & airports by Kind Ravana. The man-made tunnels prove that this cave had been used to transport through the hills and as a secret passage.

The history says that Bogoda Cave has been used by a Sri Lankan king called Walagamba as one of his hideouts 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, the Dowa rock temple at Bandarawela and Ravana Ella cave in Ella. But as time passes the tunnels have been covered by dense vegetation and earth over the years.

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 is one of the largest natural rock formations in all of Asia. The prehistoric remains of this cave go back 37 000 years while those were one of the region’s oldest prehistoric human settlements

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 by Princess 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!