Overview
Fa Hien Cave is one of the most archaeologically significant prehistoric sites in Sri Lanka and indeed in South Asia, located in the Kalutara District hinterland near the village of Bulatsinhala. The cave — named after the ancient Chinese Buddhist monk Fa Hien who visited Sri Lanka in the 5th century CE — contains evidence of human habitation stretching back approximately 37,000 years, making it one of the oldest known prehistoric dwelling sites in South Asia. Archaeological excavations at Fa Hien have yielded an extraordinary trove of material — bone tools, geometric microliths, the remains of hearths, red ochre pigments, and most remarkably, the skeletal remains of early humans including an infant burial that represents one of the earliest formal burials identified in South Asia. The cave itself is a large limestone cavern with impressive formations, and it continues to be a site of active scientific interest. Despite its profound historical significance, Fa Hien receives very few visitors.
Highlights
- Human occupation dating back approximately 37,000 years
- One of the oldest prehistoric sites in South Asia
- Ancient bone tools, microliths, and ochre pigments excavated here
- Evidence of one of South Asia’s earliest formal infant burials
- Named after the 5th-century Chinese monk Fa Hien
- Ongoing archaeological research and active excavation site
- Impressive limestone cave formations
- An extraordinary and largely undiscovered heritage site
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; dry season (December–April) is more comfortable for access. Weekday visits allow more time with the caretaker.
Activities
- Cave exploration and archaeological site visit
- Photography of the cave and surrounding landscape
- Learning about South Asian prehistory
- Hiking through the hinterland to reach the cave
Suitable For
History and archaeology enthusiasts, adventure travellers, off-the-beaten-path explorers, researchers
Nearby Attractions
- Pahiyangala Cave (20 min drive)
- Richmond Castle (15 min drive)
- Kalu Ganga River (20 min drive)
- Kalutara Bodhiya (30 min drive)
- Thudugala Ella Waterfall (30 min drive)
Travel Tips
- A local guide is strongly recommended as the site is not well signposted
- Wear sturdy footwear — the path to the cave can be muddy and slippery
- A torch/flashlight is useful inside the cave
- Respect all signage — this is an active archaeological site
- The significance of what you’re seeing is far greater than its modest appearance suggests
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