We live in a world that’s riddled with the advancements in technology. However, what we fail to realise is the existence of prehistoric times and the beings that lived during that time. Belilena Cave in Sri Lanka is one of the most significant prehistoric sites, offering a captivating glimpse into the life of early humans who once roamed this island nation. With immense archaeological importance, the cave provides a glimpse into one of the earliest human settlements in Sri Lanka. Visiting the Belilena Cave is truly an immersing experience, one that makes you realise how far human civilization has come now.
Location And Significance Of Belilena Cave Located
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Belilena Cave is located in the Sabaragamuwa Province, which is close to Kitulgala town. It is one of the closest tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, located near major cities like Colombo and Kandy. The existence of this cave is deep inside the tropical rainforest, which involves a bit of a hike and nature walk.
Archaeological Significance: Given that the Belilena cave offers insights into the prehistoric human settlements in Sri Lanka, the site is of extreme archaeological importance. According to historians and archaeologists, they have found evidence of human existence dating back to 18,000 years and more. From tools to bones to prehistoric artefacts, excavation has revealed a lot of significant elements depicting the existence of Balangoda Man, one of the earliest known inhabitants of Sri Lanka.
Address: 82 Ginigathhena Rd, Kitulgala 71720, Sri Lanka
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Things To Do At Belilena Cave
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Visiting Belilena Cave offers a rich blend of activities that cater to history enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
- Explore The Cave: The main purpose behind visiting the Belilena Cave is to get a glimpse into prehistoric times. Not only do you get to witness the charm of the caves, but you also get to unfold the various stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years.
- Historical and Archaeological Tours: To truly appreciate the historical significance of Belilena Cave Sri Lanka, taking a guided tour is highly recommended. This particular activity allows you to have a knowledgeable guide who helps you with the hike to the caves and then provides you with all the insights that you need to better understand the significance of this place.
- Nature Walks: The trail leading you to the Belilena Cave takes you through a dense tropical rainforest that is home to wildlife and other biodiversity. The trail itself is a journey through various ecosystems, each with its unique flora and fauna. This further adds to the experience and lets you admire the beauty of Sri Lanka and its nature.
- Adventure Activities: For the more adventurous visitors, the area around Belilena Cave offers opportunities for rock climbing and caving. The limestone formations provide natural climbing routes, which can be explored with proper equipment and guidance.
Places To Visit Near Belilena Cave
Once you finish your exploration of the Belilena cave and the surrounding attractions, don’t let the rest of the day go to waste. There are a few nearby tourist attractions that are equally fun to explore.
1. Kitulgala Town
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It is a fairly quaint town that’s primarily known for its adventure sports and lush greenery. Beyond cave excursions, you can also indulge in white water rafting on the Kelani River. There are specific spots for kayaking, rock climbing and abseiling too. Kitulgala is historically significant because the Oscar-winning film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed here. Visitors can explore the remains of the bridge and the movie set.
Distance from Belilena Cave: 6.9 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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2. Makandawa Forest Reserve
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Makandawa Forest Reserve is known for its ecotourism and adventure activities. There are various well-marked hiking trails along the rainforest, which you can explore alongside a guide. However, the best part of this forest reserve is the bird-watching experience. You can spot common and unique species like Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Green-billed Coucal, and the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. Beyond that, the forest is filled with different types of reptiles, plants and insects, which make it even more fascinating.
Distance from Belilena Cave: 6.7 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
3. Aberdeen Falls
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Waterfalls are a pride of Sri Lanka and the closest to the Belilena Cave is Aberdeen Falls, around 18 km away. The waterfall plunges from a height of 98 feet, into a deep pool where you can dip and go for a swim as well. You can enjoy a moderately challenging hike to reach the falls, passing through beautiful landscapes and forested areas.
Distance from Belilena Cave: 6.7 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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Belilena Cave Best Time To Visit
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Visiting and exploring the Belilena Cave Sri Lanka is an adventure activity that starts with a 30-minute hike through the tropical rainforest, followed by a cave excursion and a dip in the waterfall. To be able to execute these without restrictions and with optimal safety, visit between December and March.
During these months, the weather is dry and sunny yet comfortable enough for you to explore the caves and even hike through the forests. The trails are dry and non-slippery, which prevents risks of falls and injuries.
How To Reach Belilena Cave
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The nearest town to Belilena Cave is Kitulgala, which is well-connected to all the popular cities including Colombo, Kandy and Ella. Depending on your start point, you can take a bus, train or flight to reach Kitulgala and then hire a taxi to take you to the base of the Belilena Cave.
From the base of the cave, you’d need to embark on a 30-minute hike, which covers around 1-2 km of nature trail through the dense tropical rainforest. Some of the areas during the hike can be steep and rugged, so ensure that you are wearing appropriate shoes for better grip.
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Belilena Cave is one of the most significant historical sites in Sri Lanka. If the concept of prehistoric humans has fascinated you, you will surely find it beneficial to visit and explore this cave and its surroundings. It is truly an experience that offers a blend of adventure, nature scaping and historical immersion, all at once. On your next trip to Sri Lanka, including this cave excursion in your travel plans is thus mandatory.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Belilena Cave
How do I get to Belilena Cave from Colombo?
You can take a bus or drive from Colombo to Kitulgala, which takes about 2-3 hours. From Kitulgala, hire a local guide or tuk-tuk to reach the trailhead, followed by a 1.5-kilometer hike to the cave.
Are there separate Belilena Cave tickets to purchase?
There are no specific Belilena Cave tickets but you’d need to pay for the entire cave excursion experience to the local tour operators.
What are the best times to visit Belilena Cave?
The Belilena Caves best time to visit is between December and March and during the daytime if you are wondering about the specific day.
Is the hike to Belilena Cave difficult?
The hike is moderately challenging with some steep sections. It's about 1.5 kilometres through the rainforest, so proper footwear and fitness are recommended.
What wildlife can I expect to see near Belilena Cave?
More than wildlife, small mammals, reptiles and birds are more frequently witnessed around the cave and along the trails too.
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