Quick answer
The best natural caves to visit in Sri Lanka are the Fa Hien cave at Pahiyangala, a vast prehistoric shelter near Bulathsinhala; Batadombalena near Kuruwita, home of Balangoda Man; Belilena near Kitulgala; Istripura near Pundaluoya, with tunnels and water; Ravana cave above Ella, linked to the Ramayana; and Waulpane, a limestone cave with bats in Ratnapura district. Cave temples such as Dambulla are a separate category.
Key takeaways
- Several caves have yielded human remains tens of thousands of years old.
- Balangoda Man is the name given to Sri Lanka's prehistoric people.
- Most caves lie in the wet zone, in Sabaragamuwa and Kalutara district.
- Paths are steep and slippery after rain; wear shoes with grip.
- Do not touch bats or cave formations, and carry a good torch.
Caves and Sri Lanka's first people
Excavations in Sri Lanka's caves have found human remains, stone tools and food remains going back tens of thousands of years, among the earliest evidence of modern humans in South Asia. Archaeologists call these people Balangoda Man, after the area where the culture was first identified.
Their caves are mostly in the wet south-west, in rainforest and hill country, where food and water were plentiful. Many are now Buddhist shrines too, with a small temple built inside the overhang.
Visiting them combines a forest walk with a sense of very deep time.
- →Fa Hien cave: the largest shelter.
- →Batadombalena: Balangoda Man.
- →Belilena: early remains near Kitulgala.
Fa Hien cave at Pahiyangala
The Fa Hien cave, at Pahiyangala near Bulathsinhala in Kalutara district, is one of the largest natural rock shelters in South Asia. It is named after the Chinese monk Faxian, who is said to have stayed there in the fifth century, though that link is traditional.
A long flight of steps leads up through forest to the cave, where a reclining Buddha and temple stand under the huge overhang. Excavations found human remains and tools tens of thousands of years old.
The cave is roughly two hours from Colombo and fits with a visit to Kalutara or a drive towards Ratnapura.
- →Steep steps through forest.
- →A temple inside the shelter.
- →Roughly two hours from Colombo.
Batadombalena, Belilena and Waulpane
Batadombalena, near Kuruwita in Ratnapura district, is reached by a steep forest path. It is one of the key sites for Balangoda Man, with finds of tools, beads and shells. Bopath Ella waterfall is nearby, making a good half-day.
Belilena, near Kitulgala in Kegalle district, has also yielded very old human remains. A short walk leads to it, and a small display explains the finds. It combines with rafting or birdwatching at Kitulgala.
Waulpane, in the south of Ratnapura district, is a limestone cave with a stream running through it and a large bat colony. It is one of the few true limestone caves in Sri Lanka and needs a local guide.
- →Batadombalena: with Bopath Ella.
- →Belilena: with Kitulgala.
- →Waulpane: limestone and bats.
Istripura and Ravana cave
Istripura, near Pundaluoya in the hills north of Nuwara Eliya, is a cave system with narrow passages and water, explored by torchlight with a local guide. It suits adventurous visitors who do not mind getting wet and muddy.
Ravana cave, above Ella, is linked in local tradition to the Ramayana, as a place where Sita was hidden. A climb of several hundred steps leads to a modest cave with views over the Ella gap. It is popular and easy to combine with Ella's walks.
Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange experienced local guides for the less visited caves, where paths are unmarked and conditions change with rain.
Smaller caves are scattered through the hills and dry zone too. Many rock shelters in the Cultural Triangle, including those at Pidurangala and Ritigala, were used by monks and still show drip ledges and early inscriptions, giving a link between Sri Lanka's prehistoric cave dwellers and its later monastic life.
- →Istripura: water and narrow passages.
- →Ravana cave: Ramayana legend near Ella.
- →Use local guides for wild caves.
Visiting caves safely
Most caves are reached by steep forest paths, slippery after rain. Wear shoes with grip, carry water and a good torch and avoid visiting during heavy rain. Leeches are common in wet-zone forests.
Respect wildlife and heritage: do not touch bats or formations, do not remove anything and keep noise down where there are shrines. Some caves are active temples, so dress modestly and remove shoes where asked.
Go with a local guide to the less visited caves, and tell your hotel where you are going.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest cave in Sri Lanka?
The Fa Hien cave at Pahiyangala, near Bulathsinhala, is often described as one of the largest natural rock shelters in South Asia. Its huge overhang shelters a temple and reclining Buddha, and excavations found very old human remains and tools.
Who was Balangoda Man?
Balangoda Man is the name given to Sri Lanka's prehistoric hunter-gatherers, whose remains and tools have been found in caves such as Batadombalena, Belilena and Fa Hien. They lived tens of thousands of years ago and are among the earliest modern humans known in South Asia.
Is Ravana cave worth visiting?
Ravana cave near Ella is worth visiting for its Ramayana legend and views, if you are already in Ella. The cave itself is modest. The climb involves several hundred steps and takes roughly 30 minutes. Combine it with Ravana Falls below.
Can I go caving in Sri Lanka?
You can go caving in Sri Lanka at sites such as Istripura and Waulpane with local guides. Expect narrow passages, water and mud. There is little formal caving infrastructure, so choose experienced guides and avoid caves during or after heavy rain.
How do I get to the Fa Hien cave?
The Fa Hien cave at Pahiyangala is roughly two hours by road from Colombo, via Horana and Bulathsinhala. From the car park, steps lead up through forest to the cave in roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Go in the morning and wear good shoes.
Are Sri Lankan caves suitable for children?
Some Sri Lankan caves suit children, such as the Fa Hien cave and Ravana cave, which have steps rather than scrambles. Wild caves like Istripura and Waulpane are better for older, confident children with a guide. Always supervise children on steep, slippery paths.
What should I bring to visit caves in Sri Lanka?
Bring shoes with good grip, a strong torch or headlamp, water, insect repellent and leech socks for wet-zone forests. Clothes you do not mind getting muddy help in Istripura or Waulpane. A light rain jacket is useful, as approach paths are often in forest.