Home · Places · Western

hike · Western

Pahiyangala (Fa-Hien) Cave — Kalutara

Cover photo: Matt Dany (Unsplash)

District

Kalutara

Province

Western

Best for

Fit hikers and archaeology fans; prehistoric cave and giant rock chamber

Map

See it on the map

About this place

Drive about 2 hours from Colombo via Piliyandala-Horana to Bulathsinhala, then climb steep steps to the cave. Go in the morning with grippy shoes; no flip-flops. No entry fee at last reports; carry water and a torch.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• One of Asia's largest natural rock shelters (entrance ~282 ft wide, 175 ft tall); climb steep stone steps ~20 min.
• Go in the morning with grippy shoes; no flip-flops, steps lack railings.
• Named after Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hsien; 30,000-60,000-year human remains found here.
• Carry water and a torch; no entry fee reported but confirm locally.
• Respect the shrine areas inside the cave; keep voices low.

How to travel there

Drive ~2 hrs from Colombo via Piliyandala-Horana to Bulathsinhala (Yatagampitiya village), then tuk to the cave steps; or Horana-Mathugama bus to Bulathsinhala.

Where to stay

Horana/Bulathsinhala guesthouses (basic tier) or day-trip from Colombo/Kalutara.

Nearby places

Bulathsinhala town, Thudugala Ella Waterfall (same Kalutara hinterland), Horana town, Batadombalena Cave (Ratnapura road, further afield)

Read the full guide →