From Kitulgala: 3-Hour Belilena Caves Excursion

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush wilderness, the Belilena Caves offer a captivating glimpse into the island’s ancient past. This 3-hour excursion from Kitulgala promises an immersive adventure, guiding visitors through the rugged trails to uncover the secrets hidden within these historic caverns. Led by knowledgeable experts, the journey unveils a treasure trove of archaeological wonders – from skeletal remains to ancient tools that have withstood the test of time. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this excursion promises an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. But what lies beyond the entrance to these captivating caves?

Key Points

• This 3-hour hiking tour takes visitors through the jungles around Kitulgala to explore the Belilena Caves, known for their archaeological significance.
• The tour is priced at €50.35 per person and includes round-trip transportation, a private English-speaking guide, equipment, and all necessary fees.
• Visitors can expect a challenging hike on rough terrain with opportunities to spot rare wildlife, and are advised to bring appropriate gear like long pants, closed shoes, and rain protection.
• The Belilena Caves have been excavated from 1978 to 1983, revealing skeletal remains of Balangoda Man and tools dating back to 30,000 years.
• The tour is suitable for small groups interested in the natural and archaeological heritage of the region, with a private guide providing personalized information.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Belilena Caves Excursion offers a 3-hour tour that takes visitors on a hike through the dense jungles around Kitulgala, culminating in a visit to the historic Belilena Caves.

Priced at €50.35 per person, the tour includes pickup from the Plantation Hotel and a private, English-speaking guide. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and reserve their spot without paying anything upfront.

The experience is ideal for small groups looking to explore the area’s rich natural and archaeological heritage. With opportunities to spot rare wildlife and traverse rugged terrain, this excursion promises an immersive adventure in the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

Pricing

At just €50.35 per person, the Belilena Caves Excursion offers an affordable opportunity to explore the rich history and natural wonders of the region. The 3-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala, an English-speaking guide, and all necessary equipment and fees. Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to book now and pay later. The following table outlines the key details of the tour:

Feature	Details
Duration	3 hours
Price	From €50.35 per person
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours before
Pickup	Included from Plantation Hotel
Group	Private with English-speaking guide

The Belilena Caves Excursion provides an affordable and immersive experience for visitors to discover the historical significance and natural beauty of this remarkable site.

Hiking Experience

Trekkers embark on a journey through dense jungles around Kitulgala, where the trail begins at Inoya Estate and leads them to the Belilena Caves.

The terrain is rough, with narrow trails, slippery ground, and dense undergrowth. However, the trek offers opportunities to spot rare birds and other wildlife species.

Recommended times for the hike are mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the high sun. Proper preparation is essential, as trekkers should wear long pants and closed shoes to protect against thorns and insect bites.

Plus, they’re advised to bring salt for leeches, mosquito repellent, and rain gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable excursion.

Belilena Caves Significance

Belilena Caves hold historic and archaeological significance, as excavations conducted between 1978 and 1983 revealed skeletal remains of prehistoric people (Balangoda Man) dating back 32,000 to 9,000 years. Notable finds include skeletal remains dated to 16,000 years ago, geometric micro litchi stone tools (30,000 years old), and rubble foundations (16,000 years old). Fossils of animals used for food and remnants of food plants were also discovered.

Age of Finds	Type of Finds
16,000 years	Skeletal remains
30,000 years	Geometric micro litchi stone tools
16,000 years	Rubble foundations

These discoveries provide valuable insights into the lives and habits of our ancient ancestors who once called Belilena Caves home.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Safety and Preparation

From Kitulgala: 3-Hour Belilena Caves Excursion

Safety and Preparation

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors should wear long pants and closed shoes to avoid thorns and insect bites.

Bringing along salt for leeches, mosquito repellent, and rain gear is also recommended.

Explorers should closely follow the guide, especially in unexplored areas and live excavation sites, for their own safety.

The caves are accessible via a slightly difficult climb behind a waterfall, so guests should be prepared for this challenging terrain.

Inclusions

The excursion includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees (if applicable), refreshments, water bottles, and all relevant taxes and service charges. This ensures guests have a knowledgeable companion and seamless access to the historical site.

Inclusions	Exclusions
English-Speaking Guide	Food or Drinks
Entrance Fees (if any)	Gratuities (optional)
Refreshments	Personal Expenses
Water Bottles
All Taxes and Service Charges

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the challenging trail and cave access. Guests are advised to come prepared with the right gear for a rewarding experience.

Exclusions

Aside from the inclusions, the Belilena Caves excursion doesn’t cover food or drinks, gratuities (which are optional), and any personal expenses incurred by your.

While the tour price includes an English-speaking trekker, entrance fees, refreshments, water bottles, and all taxes and service charges, it’s important to note that guests will need to bring their own supplies like salt for leeches, mosquito repellent, and rain gear.

The excursion also isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the challenging terrain and slightly difficult climb behind a waterfall to access the caves.

Guests should be prepared for the roughness of the hike and follow the guide closely for their own safety.

Pickup and Private Group

Included in the Belilena Caves excursion package is pickup from the Plantation Hotel in Kitulgala, allowing guests to conveniently join the private group experience with an English-speaking guide.

This personalized tour ensures a more intimate and focused exploration of the historic site. The small group size enables the guide to provide tailored information and attention to each guest’s interests and needs.

Travelers can relax and enjoy the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Belilena Caves without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.

This seamless experience allows participants to maximize their time and fully enjoy the 3-hour adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Caves Independently Without a Guided Tour?

You can visit the Belilena Caves independently, but it’s not recommended. The caves require a slightly difficult climb and are located in unexplored areas, so it’s safer to go with a guide for security and to learn about the site’s significance.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of People in a Private Group?

The private group excursion doesn’t have a limit on the number of people. However, the tour is a personalized experience with an English-speaking guide, so group size should be manageable for an optimal hiking and exploration experience.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for the Hike to the Caves?

The hike to the Belilena Caves is considered moderately challenging, with narrow trails, slippery ground, and dense undergrowth. The terrain is described as rough, requiring hiking through dense jungles along the way to the historic excavation site.

Are There Any Opportunities to Explore the Caves Beyond the Guided Tour?

The guided tour does not allow for independent cave exploration. However, visitors may inquire about arranging a separate, self-guided cave tour with the tour operator, subject to safety considerations and additional fees.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour duration and itinerary can be customized. Guests can extend the tour time or request a more personalized experience by discussing their preferences with the tour provider. Additional fees may apply for customizations.

Recap

The Belilena Caves excursion offers an immersive adventure, showcasing Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and rich archaeological heritage.

Guided by experts, visitors can explore the historic caves and trails, uncovering ancient skeletal remains and tools.

With round-trip transportation, safety gear, and a focus on small groups, this 3-hour experience from Kitulgala provides an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the country’s captivating past.

You can check if your dates are available here: