Pahiyangala Cave (Fa-Hien Lena)

One of Asia's oldest known prehistoric human sites: a vast rock-shelter temple up a flight of stone steps.

Pahiyangala is a huge natural rock cave in the Paahiyangala/Yatagampitiya area, about 5 km from Bulathsinhala town. Excavations here found prehistoric human remains and stone and bone tools; the cave is estimated to have been lived in around 37,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest human settlements known in Asia. The name is believed to come from the Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien, who is said to have visited in the 5th century. Today it is a cave temple with a large reclining Buddha statue.

The cave sits roughly 120 m above sea level. Most visitors climb a long flight of stone steps (about 20 minutes at an easy pace).

Facilities

Parking

Opening hoursDaylight hours, about 6 am to 6 pm (check locally)

Entry feeFree (a donation to the temple is welcome)

Best timeDecember to March; go in the morning

Good to know

Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) as this is an active temple.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water for the climb.
Renovation work and a new access path were reported in 2026, so ask locally about access before you go.