Pahiyangala : Fa-Hien Caves | AmazingLanka.com

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Pahiyangala (Fa-Hien) Caves - පාහියන්ගල — Pahiyangala (Fa-Hien) Caves – පාහියන්ගල

The Pahiyangala (Fa-Hien Lena) cave is located in Yatagampitiya, a remote village about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Bulathsinhala in the Kalutara District, accessible via the Piliyandala–Horana road (approximately 40 kilometers / 24.9 miles). Archaeological excavations have revealed that these caves were inhabited by prehistoric humans around 37,000 years ago, making them one of the most ancient known human settlements in Asia. The cave is also regarded as one of the largest natural rock shelters in the region.

Key Visitor Information and Travel Tips

Ticket Prices / Entrance Fees: No ticket fee to enter the cave or temple, though a small donation for the upkeep of the monastery is appreciated.
Opening Hours: Accessible during daylight hours (roughly 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week). Natural sunlight provides the only lighting inside the caves.
Best Time to Visit: morning or evening (when the sun is not the brightest).

Photography: allowed
Dress Code: Wear something that covers shoulders and knees if you are visiting the temple premises.
Accessibility: Reaching the cave requires a 20-minute climb up a long flight of stone steps.
Itinerary: Ample water for drinking. Sturdy walking shoes for the climb.

Map of Pahiyangala (Fa-Hiengala) Caves

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Physical Features and Structure

The cave lies approximately 122 meters (400 feet) above sea level. At its huge entrance, it rises to a height of about 53.3 meters (175 feet) and extends over 61 meters (200 feet) in length. It is estimated that the cave could accommodate up to 3,000 people.

Internally, the cave once contained natural tunnels, though these are now blocked and inaccessible. The cave has been divided into four main sections, with the left chamber being the largest and most central. A deep excavation pit created by the Department of Archaeology marks the site where significant prehistoric discoveries were made.

Archaeological Discoveries

Excavations at Pahiyangala uncovered five human skulls, which were carbon-dated in the United States to approximately 37,000 years before present. In addition, tools made of stone and animal bones were discovered, indicating that early inhabitants hunted animals such as monkeys, deer, and porcupines. Evidence also suggests that they consumed gavus (a type of edible snail) and wild breadfruit.

The prehistoric inhabitants, referred to as Pahiyangala Manawākaya (Pahiyangala Man), are believed to have had distinct biological features, including a short vertebral structure, broad jawbones, a large palate, and strong molar teeth adapted for grinding.

Association with Fa-Hien

The name Pahiyangala is derived from the Chinese Mahāyāna Buddhist monk Fa-Hien (Fa-Hsien, Faxian), who is believed to have visited and resided in the cave during the 5th century CE. A devoted pilgrim, he traveled to Sri Lanka in 411 CE, accompanied by Bhadantācāriya and the renowned Buddhaghosa, a scholar of Pāli and author of the Visuddhimagga.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, Fa-Hsien obtained copies of important Buddhist texts, including the Vinaya (Disciplines) and the Dīrgha Āgama, while in Anurādhapura. He later undertook a pilgrimage to Śrī Pāda (Adam’s Peak), traveling through regions such as Bulathsinhala, Kalawana, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, and Gilīmalē. It is believed that he spent several months residing in the Pahiyangala cave during this journey. A vessel thought to have been used by him was reportedly discovered during archaeological excavations.

In the 1940s, another Chinese monk, Thiashu Saṅgarāju, is also said to have stayed in the cave, according to local accounts.

Transformation into a Temple

In later centuries, the cave was converted into a Buddhist temple by a monk named Porogama Thēra. He is credited with clearing the cave entrance using a massive iron tool known as a yakula, similar to a crowbar, measuring approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length. This implement is so heavy that it reportedly requires several people to lift it.

Using this tool, Porogama Thēra removed debris and leveled the ground within the cave. Today, the yakula is tied to the feet of a reclining Buddha statue measuring about 12.2 meters (40 feet) in length. He also constructed two large stone door frames at the entrance to the vihāraya, which remain visible today.

Also See

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Show Location on Google Maps

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

Driving Directions to Pahiyangala (Fa-Hiengala) Caves

Pahiyangala caves lie in Yatagampitiya, which is a remote village about 5 km away from Bulathsinhala (40 along Piliyandala-Horana road) in the Kalutara District. There is a motorable road up to the cave. You can use this road or a flight of stone steps to reach the caves.

Travel Directions to Pahiyangala (Fa-Hien Gala) Caves

Through : Southern Highway – Gelanigama exit – Horana – Ekgal Oya – Bulatsinhala
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps.