Pannila Caving Tour from Colombo

Overview

This full-day tour takes you exploring the hidden limestone caves of Pannila. Hike out to an enchanting little waterfall. Step forth into a world of adventure as you discover the secrets of this series of ancient caves. See the many animals and plants that live underground within these caves. Enjoy the sights of stalactites and stalagmites that are thousands of years old. This caving tour in Pannila is an unmatchable and challenging experience that is not to be missed.

What You Can Expect

Your tour will be starting at 6:00 am from your hotel in Colombo. Your caving guide will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle and take you towards Pannila.

Bring a packed breakfast as you won't be stopping along the way. Your hotel will help provide this if they are informed prior. Make sure that you wear thick socks and hiking boots, comfortable clothes, and a cap or hat. It is also recommended to bring a raincoat, a hiking pole and some salt for leeches.

The vehicle will take you up to the Budugallena Chandraramaya Temple, which is the nearest parking spot before you hike into the forest. You will get there at approximately 10:00 am and will spend a few minutes getting the blessings from the temple before you start your hike.

Your guide will take you on a hike back towards the forest that you just passed when coming to the temple until you reach a fork with a trail that enters the forest on your left. From there you will be doing some tough hiking through the dense rainforest until you get to a waterfall where the caves are located. Along the way, your guide will give you energy snacks and water to keep exhaustion away.

It may take you up till 12:00 pm to get to the caves (mainly due to the trails difficulty). The Pannila caves are entirely made of limestone and calciferous rock. They are believed to be over 500 million years old and have a number of stalactites and stalagmites that show their age. The cave system starts off with a small narrow cave, then trails into a series of larger caves with much to be seen. Over the years the cave system has also become home to a variety of insects and animals; such as water monitors, fish, bats, frogs, and butterflies. You will be able to see all these sights as you explore with your guide. Be ready to do some climbing within the cave, as it involves a tough route.

After exploring, you will enjoy a sandwich for lunch near the waterfall outside and then start your hike back. You will get back to the vehicle at around 3:00 pm and start your drive back to the hotel. The tour will end at approximately 7:00 pm when you return to your hotel

Additional Note

Long Trousers and Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.

Tour includes

• Hotel pick up and drop off from a Colombo Hotel
• Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle
• Service of an English-Speaking Guide
• 2 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water Per Person
• Energy Snacks & sandwich for lunch
• First Aid and safety

Tour excludes

• Food or Drinks
• Gratuities (Optional)
• Expenses of Personal Nature