The Fa Hien Caves are a unique piece of history in Sri Lanka that you should definitely take the time to get to know if you are in the vicinity. Here is why.
Discovery
In 1968, science and research in post-colonial Sri Lanka were thriving when an archaeologist named Siran Upendra Deraniyagala discovered the caves. Lengthy excavations unearthed prehistoric human remains.
What’s in a Name
The cave is said to have first been discovered by a famous travelling Chinese monk named Fa Hsien in the 5th century. According to this monk’s writings ancient Sri Lanka was inhabited by demons and dragons.
Prehistoric Humans
What was discovered was not mythical creatures but something closer to reality. Initial excavations put the skeletons of three children, a juvenile and two adults at 37,000 years old. But palaeontologists have now put dated the bones at between 6000 to 5000 years ago.
Visiting the Caves
If you are staying at one of the resorts in Sri Lanka you can enquire about hiring a guide to take you to visit the caves as that shall give you more perspective into their importance. The caves are a quick drive from The Blue Water Hotel and Spa.
