Sabaragamuva Province

There are several ancient caves in this area of which the Belilena Caves, about 8 kms from Kitulgala, is of greatest archaeological significance. This is where the skeletal remains of the pre-historic `Balangoda Man’ and several other fossils were discovered.

Andirilena Caves: Situated nearby Udugama, the Andirilena Caves with an entrance only 4 ft high, extends up to about 500m into the hills through several inter-connecting caves. Andirilena caves are situated 4 kms from Udugama. Distance from Belihuloya is 25 kms on the Balangoda – Colombo road.

Batatotalena Cave: This adventurous cave sight is accessed by walking about 400 metres from Sudagala to the base and then climbing another 50 metres to the entrance of the cave which extends about 25m.  Buddhist literature suggests that this cave is the sacred `Diva Guhawa’ where Lord Buddha rested on his return from Sri Pada. Studies date this cave back more than 20,000 years and excavations have revealed skeletal remains, ancient paintings and a Buddhist shrine room.

Batadombalena Cave: Significant prehistoric remains have also been found in this cave, situated nearby Batatotalena Cave in Kuruwita.

Belilena Cave: Famed for the discovery of 12,000 year old skeletal remains of the pre-historic ‘Balangoda man’ (Homesapiens Balangodenis), this extensive cave is also of great significance.  It’s damp, dark depths are now home to thousands of bats and butterflies.  Belilena Cave is reached through the wilderness in Kitulgala close to the Ing Oya Rubber estate.  The distance from Kitulgala is about 8 kms.

Pannila Calcarious Caves: Consisting of two main caves which are joined by a stream, the Pannila Calcarious Caves possess many stalactites and stalagmites which are estimated to be about 100 million years old.  The caves are inhabited by a variety of amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, birds and bats. The cave site is located 400m from a 15m high waterfall. About 300m into the first cave, there are a number of smaller caves leading to the second main cave which is about 500m in length.  
 
Waulpane Cave: Known as the `cave of bats’, Waulpane is famous for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites dating back 500 million years.  Set against the eastern slopes of Rakwana Mountain Range, this cave is located about 1.5 hours from Pallebedda.  Upon entering the cave, a 300m underground descent reveals a pre-historic world with ancient fossils in the cavern walls.  A stream running through the cave feeds the stunning waterfall located towards the centre.  The dark, moist depths of the cavern are inhabited by numerous bats, water monitors, amphibians and fish.

Southern Highlands

Several ancient caves are found in the Southern Highlands, near Ella, Bandarawela, Belihuloya, Balangoda, and Welimada.

Bogoda Cave: According to legend, the Bogoda cave was used by King Walagamba as one of his many hideouts from the invading south Indian forces.  This cave is considered to be part of an extensive ‘tunnel network’ which includes the Narangala mountain cave, Dowa rock temple at Bandarawela and Rawana Ella cave in Ella. However, this ancient legend is yet to be proven since the Bogoda cave only leads about 15m into the tunnel through a narrow passage.

Sthripura Cave: Consisting of a series of three caves, the Sthripura Cave is associated with the ancient epic of Ramayana and is believed to be one of the sites where King Rawana of Sri Lanka held captive princess Sita whom he abducted after defeating her husband, Prince Rama of India.  The cave is located at Kiriwanagama about 16 km from Welimada. The distance from Belihul Oya is 55 kms.

Rawana Ella Cave: Situated 2 kms from Ella town, the Rawana Ella cave is also associated with the Ramayana Epic and is considered to be a site where King Rawana hid Princess Sita.  The cave is connected to the Dowa rock temple in Bandarawela. It is also believed to be a part of the 'tunnel network' used by King Walagaba.  The cave measures about 50ft wide, 150ft long and 60ft high.  Once inside the cave, there are several others that run 20 to 40 ft deep into its walls.

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Information on caving in Sri Lanka, cave map and detailed information on each cave site, caving gear.

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'Early man and the rise of civilisation in Sri Lanka:  The archaeological evidence'
by S. U. Deraniyagala, Director-General of Archaeology, Sri Lanka - Click Here

'Pre and proto-historic settlement in Sri Lanka'
by S. U Deraniyagala, Director-General of Archaeology, Sri Lanka - Click Here