We have heard many stories about prehistoric man; the way they lived, what they ate, what they did and how they evolved. But has anyone wondered about the places they lived? How would it feel to go and actually see those places? Would anyone be able to imagine their lives? Well, we can find out about it. For that we will have to visit one of the most important historical landmarks in Sri Lanka, Batadomba Lena.
The Location and Geography of Batadomba Lena
Batadomba Lena is a cave system. It is situated in Sudagala, 8km away from the town Kuruwita, in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. One can reach Batadomba Lena by traveling 2 km along the Eratna road which is connected to Colombo-Ratnapura road at Eratna junction and going further 4.5 km along Guruluwana road. There is another 1 km footslog to the cave.
The measurements of the cave are approximately 15m high, 1m wide, and 35m in length. Then the total internal area can be measured as 6,800 m³. To access the cave one should hike 400m from Sudagala, and an additional 50 m to reach the cave entrance.
History and cultural reference to Batadomba Lena
Batadomba Lena, besides Pahiyangala and Beli Lena, is one of the most important archaeological sites and historical places in Sri Lanka.
Another interesting and important story related to Batadomba Lena is that this is known as the Diva Guha in Buddhist literature. It is believed to be the cave in which Buddha spent the day after placing his footprint on Adam’s Peak,from where he is said to have gone to Dighavapi. Thus this is rather significant literature and cultural wise as well. Moreover, here, archaeologists have found prehistoric human skeletal remains and tools of the prehistoric Balangoda culture.
Significance of Batadomba Lena
Batadomba Lena is a wonderful tourists attraction in Sri Lanka for ones who like to engage in adventures. It is actually a nice adventure in Ratnapura region close to Kuruwita. This place is mostly important because of the archaeological findings of a large number of artifacts in the rock shelter of Batadomba Lena. There are several semi-caves in the rock, the largest of which is one of the important prehistoric sites in Sri Lanka and its Balangoda culture.
Archaeologists dated the various findings between 31,000 and 18,000 BP (Before Present). But people’s remains found from Pahiyangala Lena of Balangoda people are 37,000 years old. What is more interesting is, Cornell University in the USA examined the humans remains that were found. Isn’t it a significant historical landmark?
Why should one visit Batadomba Lena?
To put it simply, Batadomba Lena holds so much significance from various aspects. Natural beauty, historical significance, adventurous spirit, cultural significance and religious importance to Sri Lankans are some of them.
The whole path until the cave is full of natural beauty. For a person who wants to connect with nature this is an ideal path. Throughout the path one can see trees filled with green creepers and they are filled with beautiful flowers. The foot path to the cave is the most beautiful. Diverse trees are there. The creepers hold the most pretty flowers. At this rate a Sri Lankan saying emerges; “hidden are the prettiest flowers” implying to people as well. These beautiful flowers and also this unearthly beauty remind people, it is a must to visit Batadomba Lena. Moreover, during the rainy seasons Batadomba Lena serves as a mesmerizing waterfall. Even during the dry seasons the moisture remains preserving the unique beauty. The continuously falling water drops remind one of a nature themed movie scenario.
And also the historical significance this place holds is prominent. Imagine seeing the places where first men walked, lived and created their civilization! The tools that were found from here, and also the artifacts found make us feel a connection with those times and people as well. Through nature and the shapes from the tools one can see the technology and the concentrative work Balangoda prehistoric Man put to their works. This makes one wonder about their thinking pattern and relation of it with modern human civilization.
If we look at the adventurous spirit that this place supplies, it is the most interesting aspect. One has to hike for a considerable distance to reach the Lena and also, be mindful about leeches. It is the adventurous part of the journey. And also because the three caves were spread out along a rocky face it takes a considerable amount of effort to reach them. But once reached they are large and airy. Then, once one reaches we can see the Archaeological Department excavations as well.
The cultural significance Batadomba Lena bears is also remarkable. Apart from the findings mentioned above, another important finding is the remains of marine shells inside this Cave. How did they end up inland of Sri Lanka? Mysterious right? That is why one must visit the Batadomba Lena; information can be found but not the experience. What scholars say is that they are the proof of their extensive networks. But who knows? There could be something else as well.
Scholars have found a tool kit of Balangoda Man and they are distinguished by the occurrences of geometric microliths, comprising small flakes of quartz and chert. Moreover, they are styled by lunate and they are triangular in shape. Thus, these help us to understand their culture and also their lifestyle. One could ask why knowing it is important. Because knowing history is the only means to walk successfully towards the future. Although we tend to forget that, visiting Batadomba Lena reminds us of that. That is another reason why Batadomba Lena is a place in Sri Lanka that one must visit.
Another remarkable significance of this Batadomba Lena is because it can also be considered as a religious place in Sri Lanka. It is said that Buddhist hermits have used some of the rock shelters as “Kuti”s for meditation purposes. This is a religious occurence in Sri Lanka. One can see the former kutis from traces of external walls.
Thus, Batadomba Lena holds such significance as a historical landmark in Sri Lanka. It reminds us how advanced the Prehistoric Balangoda Man, the descendants of First Men, walked on the lands of Sri Lanka. While experiencing the history, for ones who like to engage with nature, love to gain adventurous spirit and visit hidden places to uncover wonders of Sri Lanka, Batadomba Lena is the ideal place.
