Waulpane limestone cave

Description

Waulpane limestone cave is found in the Bulutota Rakwana range near Udawalawa and is an imperative archaeological site in Sri Lanka.
Waulpane limestone cave is placed in the Bulutota Rakwana range near Udawalawa and is an important archaeological site in Sri Lanka. This cave is over 400m long-drawn and could witness hundreds of thousands of bats, species of lizards, frogs and various insects and fish that have adjusted to the dark.
You access the cave and get the opportunity to analyse this unusual nature. About 300m underground, you will expose the ancient world of ancient fossils in the cavern walls and a stream within the cave. Furthermore, an impressive waterfall is placed in the centre hence is ideal for views.
At the centre of the cave cascades a brilliant creation of nature, the only internal waterfall of Sri Lanka. It is 60 ft tall and is estimated to be the tallest interior waterfall on the island and the 2nd highest in the world. The critical point about this waterfall is that the volume of water that cascades down the rocks predominate during the year. The environment, amount of water in the stream, or other environmental factors do not affect the waterfall volume.

More Details about this Attraction

Waulpane Limestone Cave holds immense value as a natural and historical treasure. Nestled within a picturesque wilderness, it once possessed excellent tourist potential. However, the cave's cool and silvery water stream, which greeted weary visitors, has lost its charm due to rampant gemming operations. The ancient limestones within the cave have formed stunning "pencil columns" of stalactite and stalagmite, which took centuries to develop. Preserving these unique formations is crucial to safeguarding nature's remarkable gift.

Threats to the Waulpane Limestone Cave

The primary menace to the Waulpane Limestone Cave stems from illegal gemming activities. Unfortunately, the allure of precious stones has led to the destruction of the environment surrounding the cave. Woodcutters, gamers armed with tools, and treasure hunters employing dynamite have ravaged the once-pristine area. This ongoing devastation diminishes the cave's historical value and threatens the delicate ecosystem that thrives within its confines.

Environmental Impact of Illegal Gemming Activities

The indiscriminate gemming operations near the Waulpane Limestone Cave have caused irreparable environmental harm. Once a source of delight for visitors, the stream now suffers from the aftermath of excessive digging and disturbance caused by gem hunters. The delicate balance of the stream's bed has been disrupted, leading to ecological imbalance and the loss of natural beauty. The detrimental consequences of these activities extend far beyond the immediate surroundings of the cave.

Destruction of the Stream and Surrounding Environment

The stream flowing through the front entrance of the Waulpane Limestone Cave used to be a refreshing surprise for visitors. However, uncontrolled gemming activities have marred its beauty. The once-silvery water now bears witness to the aftermath of mass excavation and the overturning of its bed. In addition, the surrounding flora and fauna, which relied on the stream for sustenance, have been disrupted, further exacerbating environmental degradation.

Preservation of Unique Natural Formations

One of the main reasons to save the Waulpane Limestone Cave from destruction is the preservation of its extraordinary natural formations. The pencil-like stalactite and stalagmite columns, painstakingly formed over countless years, are a testament to nature's artistry. These formations, found exclusively within the cave, are irreplaceable. Therefore, halting gemming activities is essential to ensure the survival of these rare wonders and their continued awe-inspiring presence for generations to come.

Historical Significance of Waulpane

Apart from its natural beauty, the Waulpane Limestone Cave holds historical importance. The discovery of "Balangoda Man" at the nearby Batadomba Lena, estimated to be around 30,000 years old, indicates a strong possibility of connections to Waulpane. Furthermore, excavations in Waulpane, guided by archaeological sources, may yield evidence of early settlers and their stone implements. Such findings would contribute to a deeper understanding of our human heritage and challenge the notion that such tools were exclusive to European regions.

Connection to Balangoda Man and Batadomba Lena

The findings at Batadomba Lena, including micro-thin stone implements, debunked the notion that such tools were only found in Europe. These discoveries also hint at the likelihood of similar evidence within the Waulpane Limestone Cave. The connection between Balangoda Man and Waulpane could provide valuable insights into the region's ancient history of human settlement. Therefore, exploring the cave through archaeological excavations is imperative to uncover this hidden past.

International Support and Negligence of Local Authorities

In 1986, the Netherlands financed the construction of a road to facilitate access to the neglected village of Waulpane, recognizing the value of the ancient cave. However, local authorities failed to follow up on the international support, and the access road now lies in disrepair. This negligence reflects a disregard for the potential tourism development and the preservation of a rich heritage. The authorities must act promptly to protect and restore this valuable natural asset.

Urgent Need for Halting Mining Activities

The illegal gemming activities within the Waulpane Limestone Cave must be halted immediately to prevent further damage. The continued destruction threatens the environment and undermines the site's tourist potential and historical significance. Without decisive action, this remarkable cave and its surroundings risk irreversible ruin. Therefore, the authorities must recognize the situation's urgency and take the necessary steps to safeguard this invaluable heritage.

Rehabilitation and Development of Waulpane

To secure the future of Waulpane, concerted efforts are required from various experts and stakeholders. Archaeologists, geologists, ecologists, and environmentalists must collaborate with provincial and central government authorities to develop a comprehensive research program. This program should focus on the rehabilitation and sustainable development of the area, ensuring the preservation of both the natural environment and the historical treasures within the cave.

Involvement of Experts and Research Programs

The involvement of experts is vital in creating effective conservation strategies for Waulpane. Archaeologists can conduct thorough excavations to uncover hidden artifacts and illuminate the region's ancient history. Geologists can provide valuable insights into the geological formations and aid in devising plans for sustainable development. Ecologists and environmentalists can contribute their expertise to protect the cave's delicate ecosystem. With a research-backed approach, Waulpane can be saved for future generations.

Lack of Proper Signage and Information

The current lack of adequate signage and informative displays is disheartening. The absence of clear identification boards denies the public an opportunity to appreciate the significance of Waulpane Limestone Cave fully. The existing board deteriorated and was unimpressive, failing to provide visitors with the necessary information. Authorities must rectify this situation and create informative signage highlighting the cave's historical, archaeological, and ecological importance.

Experience of Exploring the Waulpane Limestone Cave

Walking through the Waulpane Limestone Cave is a unique experience, despite its current challenges. The cave offers a pathway leading to an exit on the other side, allowing visitors to appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. However, exploring the cave involves traversing a layer of slippery bat droppings and ticks, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance and safety measures. In addition, the awe-inspiring 60-foot-tall internal waterfall within the cave adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination.

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