Wavulpane Cave

Pallebedda Sri lanka

Guide

10 Best Places to Visit in Udawalawe – Wavulpane (Wawulpane) Cave

Places to visit in Udawalawe are not limited to its world-famous national park. For travelers seeking adventure, history, and natural wonders, Wavulpane Cave, also called the Limestone Bat Cave, is a must-see. This spectacular dripstone cave is Sri Lanka’s largest and most impressive, estimated to be around 500 million years old. Visitors can marvel at stalactites and stalagmites, a hidden underground waterfall, and a massive bat colony, making it a favorite among adventurers, nature lovers, and geology enthusiasts.

Location – Wavulpane Cave

The cave is located near Pallebedda in the Sabaragamuwa Province, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Udawalawe. Nestled in a protected forest reserve, Wavulpane Cave is surrounded by rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Staying at Imperial Resort Udawalawe provides easy access to this natural wonder, as well as other top places to visit in Udawalawe, such as the Udawalawe Reservoir and Udawalawe National Park.

Things to See at Wavulpane Cave

Exploring Wavulpane Cave is a journey into Sri Lanka’s geological history. Highlights include:

  • Dramatic limestone formations such as stalactites and stalagmites creating natural sculptures
  • A 60-foot underground waterfall, the tallest known in any Sri Lankan cave
  • A massive bat colony hosting hundreds of thousands of bats of various species
  • A mineral-rich spring near the entrance, believed to have therapeutic properties
  • Fossils embedded in the cave walls showing evidence of ancient marine life
  • The surrounding forest with diverse flora and fauna, ideal for nature walks

This cave can easily be combined with a safari in Udawalawe National Park or a visit to the Udawalawe Reservoir, making it a top place to visit in Udawalawe.

Best Times to Visit

  • Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and active wildlife
  • Bring a strong torch or headlamp, wear sturdy trekking shoes, and prepare for forest paths

Distance from Imperial Resort Udawalawe

    • Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers
Transfer Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes by vehicle, plus a short trek to the cave entrance

External Resources

For more information and travel tips:

👉 Sri Lanka Tourism 👉 Tripadvisor – Udawalawe Attractions