Travel back 500 million years and see what lies beneath this beautiful land of Sri Lanka.

Caving is relatively new here, but the caves have survived from prehistoric times. Discover caves where Stone Age settlements were found, caverns with exquisite stalactites and stalagmites dating back 100 million years, thousands of bats and other creatures live, and featured in ancient epics such as the Ramayana. Ancient caves are dotted around the island and special excursions are available to suit experienced ‘speleologists’ and amateur explorer with experienced local guides and all necessary gear provided. A must see is Belilena Caves, about 8 kms from Kitulgala, of great archaeological significance as 12,000 year old skeletal remains of the pre historic ‘Balangoda Man’ (Homosapiens Balangodenis) and other fossils were discovered here. The Pannila Calcarious Caves comprise two main caves joined by a stream, with stalactites and stalagmites and home to a variety of amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, birds and bats. Waulpane Cave is indeed a `cave of bats’ housing more stalactites and stalagmites circa 500 million years old and ancient fossils embedded in the cavern walls. The caves of Southern Highlands, near Ella, Bandarawela, Belihuloya, Balangoda, and Welimada are home to legends: Bogoda Cave, where King Walagamba evaded the south Indian forces, Sthripura and Rawana Ella caves where King Rawana held Princess Sita captive. There is a fascinating new world below ground – an incredible adventure not to be missed.

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