Alawala Prehistoric Cave and Dunumala Waterfall

Alawala caves is a prehistoric cave near Atthanagalla in the Gampaha district. Recent archaeological findings of human remains indicates this cave has been inhabited as far back as 13,000 years ago. The place is littered with bones of small animals and sea shells. The finding of ornaments made of shark bones indicates interaction of inhabitants of this cave with others living near the cost pointing possible trade links.

Just one and half hours from Colombo, its a nice easy access place to visit a prehistoric cave. One can also visit 2 waterfalls in the area, the Dunu Mala Ella and the Algama Ella. Dulu Mala Ella is sign posted, by the keeper of a private parking spot. Best to park the vehicle there, the approach is just 10 meters from there and its an easy climb down and up to get to the waterfall, there is a path way to get to the top of the water fall. Not to be missed. Another road is from the opposite side of the parking place, which takes you to the top of the water fall. Unfortunately the are has been spoilt by the selfish louts who consume alcohol there and litter the place with bottles, beer cans and plastic bottles, not to speak of the glass shards from broken bottles.

The place is on the mountain opposite the Alawala Pothgul Len Raja Maha Vehera, a quaint little cave temple. The road to the caves is the same as to the temple. The approach is motorable upto about 500m of the temple. The recently erected stairway leading to the caves is about 100ms past the sign post for the temple. There is no proper place to park, but one can leave the vehicle near the turn off to the temple. Its a easy climb upto the cave.

The cave has a drip ledge carved into part of the cave. Inscription from the 2-3rd century BC indicates that the cave belonged to one Gamini, son of Gamini Tissa.