Known to the experts as 'speleology', the little-known activity of caving is relatively new to the island of Sri Lanka. Involving exploring and photographing caves, some of which date back millions of years and hold much historical significance, this flourishing activity in some exciting locations throughout the island is one that should not be missed. Tours include the accompaniment of an experienced local guide and all safety equipment such as head torch, helmet, ropes and raincoat.

 

Batatotalena Cave

A most exciting location, this cave is of high significant historical interest since evidence found here suggests that it was used as a refuge and dwelling for many centuries. Paintings, a Buddhist shrine room and a Devalaya from the Kandyan era as well as particles of ceramic tiles and glass from the Dutch period provide proof of this. Highly importantly however, archaeologists discovered the skeletal remains of a prehistoric man, dating back over 20,000 years. A short distance from Batatotalena Cave is an underground cavern partly submerged in a stream that if you are daring enough, must swim through to reach!

 

Kitulgala Belilena Cave

This beautiful cave is located up a steep path on the hillside inside from a ledge that looks down over a breathtaking vista of rubber plantation, jungle and hills. Its damp, dark depths are famed for the discovery of the 12,000 year-old skeletal remains of the Balangoda man (Homosapiens balangodenis) though all you'll see now are the thousands of bats that inhabit its cool interior as they flit about to the discomfort of your torchlight. Colourful butterflies can be seen dancing around the entrance to the cave.

Andirilena Caves

These little-known caves are a collection of large underground inter-connecting caverns with an entrance of only 4ft high that reach back as far as 500 metres into the hillside. There is plenty of exploring to be done here!

Pannila Calcanous Cave

At a remote spot 400m from a 15m high waterfall are found two caves joined by a small stream. The first cave is about 300m deep while the second, a short distance below the first, reaches to about 500m in depth. In the second are found spectacular stalactites and stalagmites believed to be about 100 million years old.

 

It is a long walk from the village of Endana to the caves however you will be rewarded with the sightings of many amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, birds and bats that can be observed along the way.

Ravana-Ella Cave

The popular Ravana Cave, located up a steep track from the Ravana Temple close to Ella is famous for its legendary association with the Ramayana story. It is believed that when King Ravana of Lanka abducted the Indian Princess Sita, the Ravana Cave was one of the places that she was held captive.

A human skull dating back 20,000 years has been found in the main cave, that inside leads to some smaller caverns. Legend also states that this cave is connected to the cave at the Dowa rock temple in Bandarawela by a tunnel built under the order of King Walagamba.

Stripura Caves

Stripura consists of three caves, located at Kiriwanagama, believed to be the most extensive in the country. They are famously connected with the Ramayana story in that they were one of the locations where King Ravana of Ceylon held the abducted Indian Princess Sita captive.

Waulpana Cave

Waulpana Cave is the perfect adventure. Located eleven kilometres from Uda Walawe, the Waulpana Cave contains numerous beautiful stalagmites and stalactites estimated to be a staggering 500 million years old. You can venture 300 metres underground into the dark cave and see fossils buried in the cavern wall as well as a mysterious waterfall in the centre fed by a small stream. Damp and earthy-smelling, the interior of the cave is home to thousands of bats as well as some reptiles and amphibians.