From Kitulgala: 3-Hour Belilena Caves Excursion

Exploring the enigmatic Belilena Caves from Kitulgala is a must-do adventure for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Trekking through lush jungles, you’ll encounter a wealth of wildlife before reaching the caves. What secrets lie within these ancient caverns? Discover the fascinating legacy of the Balangoda Man as you explore this captivating 3-hour excursion. With expert guidance and practical inclusions, this challenge-filled adventure promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour from Kitulgala takes visitors to explore the historical Belilena Caves, home to prehistoric human remains and ancient stone tools.
• The tour includes pickup from the Plantation Hotel, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, refreshments, and water, priced at $55.00 per person.
• The trek through the dense jungle requires a moderate level of fitness and adventurous spirit, with potential natural obstacles and slippery terrain.
• Visitors are advised to bring mosquito repellent, salt for leeches, rain gear, and wear long pants and closed, sturdy shoes for protection.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, and pets, luggage, and large bags are not allowed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Belilena Caves Excursion from Kitulgala offers a 3-hour guided tour for $55.00 per person. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour includes pickup from the Plantation Hotel, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, refreshments, water, taxes, and service charges. Private group options are also offered.

Recommended expedition times are mid-morning or late afternoon. The excursion isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, and guests should bring proper attire and supplies for the adventurous, wet, and rugged terrain.

Activity Details

As the tour unfolds, visitors can expect a 3-hour duration with a live English-speaking guide. The excursion includes pickup from the Plantation Hotel, and a private group option is available.

The activity is recommended for mid-morning or late afternoon expeditions.

The hiking experience involves:

1. Trekking through dense jungles with rough terrain and slippery ground.

2. Opportunities to encounter rare birds and wildlife for photo ops.

3. Preparation for sudden rainfall, requiring long pants and closed shoes.

Recommended items to bring include mosquito repellent, salt for leeches, and rain gear.

Hiking Experience

Trekking through the dense jungles of the Belilena Caves excursion will challenge visitors with its rough terrain and slippery ground. Rare birds and wildlife provide photo opportunities along the way, but guests must be prepared for sudden rainfall.

| Item | Recommendation |

| — | — |

| Clothing | Wear long pants and closed shoes |

| Gear | Bring mosquito repellent, salt for leeches, and rain gear |

| Footwear | Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes |

The hiking experience requires a moderate level of fitness and adventurous spirit. Visitors should be ready to navigate the natural obstacles of this jungle trek.

Belilena Caves Exploration

Located behind a cascading waterfall, the Belilena Caves require a slightly difficult climb to access.

These caves hold historical significance, as excavations from 1978-1983 revealed:

The caves hold historical significance, as excavations revealed skeletal remains, stone tools, and ancient rubble foundations.

1. Skeletal remains of prehistoric humans (Balangoda Man) dated between 32,000 to 9,000 years ago.

2. Geometric micro litchi stone tools dating back 30,000 years.

3. Rubble foundations that are approximately 16,000 years old.

Visitors can see the excavated remains and learn about Balangoda Man through plaques and guide narration, offering a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s ancient past.

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Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The Belilena Caves excursion includes an English-speaking trekker, entrance fees, refreshments, water, and all applicable taxes and service charges.

However, food, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses are excluded. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour.

Though the hike through the dense jungle can be challenging, the opportunity to explore the historic Belilena Caves and learn about the Balangoda Man makes this excursion a unique experience.

Preparing for the Excursion

While the Belilena Caves excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient archaeological sites, it’s crucial to come prepared for the challenging hike through the dense jungle.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, consider the following:

1. Wear appropriate footwear. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction are essential, as the terrain can be slippery and uneven.

2. Bring rain gear. The weather in the area can be unpredictable, so having a lightweight, waterproof layer can make a difference.

3. Pack insect repellent. Mosquitoes and leeches are common, so having a reliable insect repellent is a must.

Highlights of the Belilena Caves

As visitors make their way through the dense jungle towards the Belilena Caves, they’re greeted by the sight of a cascading waterfall, which serves as the dramatic entrance to these ancient archaeological sites.

The caves themselves hold a significant historical significance, with excavations from 1978-1983 revealing skeletal remains of prehistoric humans known as the Balangoda Man, dating back 32,000 to 9,000 years.

The Belilena Caves hold significant historical value, with excavations revealing skeletal remains of the prehistoric Balangoda Man dating back 32,000 to 9,000 years.

Inside, guests can see the excavated remains and learn about the Balangoda Man through informative plaques and guide narration.

The caves also house notable finds, including geometric micro litchi stone tools from 30,000 years ago and rubble foundations from 16,000 years ago.

Discovering Balangoda Man’s Legacy

Visitors to the Belilena Caves are immersed in the rich legacy of Balangoda Man, a prehistoric human species whose remains were discovered through extensive excavations conducted from 1978 to 1983.

The excavations revealed several notable finds:

1. Geometric micro litchi stone tools dating back 30,000 years.

2. Rubble foundations from 16,000 years ago, providing insights into early human settlements.

3. Skeletal remains of Balangoda Man, dated between 32,000 to 9,000 years old, offering a glimpse into the lives of these ancient ancestors.

Plaques and guided narration at the site allow visitors to learn about the significance of these discoveries and the story of Balangoda Man.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes refreshments and water, but you can bring your own food and drinks if you’d like. However, large bags and luggage are not allowed on the tour.

Is There a Restroom Available During the Excursion?

The tour information doesn’t mention specific restroom facilities during the excursion. However, it’s recommended to use the restroom before the hike, as the caves are remote and there may not be designated facilities along the trail.

Can I Take a Break or Rest During the Hike if Needed?

Yes, visitors can take breaks as needed during the hike. The terrain can be challenging, so the tour guide will accommodate any requests to rest along the way. Visitors should listen to their bodies and communicate with the guide.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Cannot Attend the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option available if you need to cancel or reschedule closer to the tour date.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, there’s a private group option available for the Belilena Caves tour. Travelers can book a private tour to explore the caves and learn about the prehistoric Balangoda Man remains with a dedicated English-speaking guide.

The Sum Up

The Belilena Caves excursion from Kitulgala offers an incredible opportunity to explore a remarkable part of Sri Lanka’s rich history. Trekking through the jungle and accessing the ancient caves is a challenging yet rewarding experience, revealing the fascinating legacy of the Balangoda Man. With expert guidance and essential inclusions, this 3-hour adventure is a must-do for adventurous travelers seeking to uncover the secrets of Sri Lanka’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here: