evidence: While most people are familiar with the stories about the Sigiriya Rock experience, one should make time to experience a lesser trumpeted ancient site. Head out for Kalutara district to poke around the prehistoric chapters of the annals of Sri Lanka’s ancient history. Located in the remote hamlet of Yatagampitiya is the 200m high Pahiyangala Cave, dating back to a 37,000-year-old prehistoric civilization. Also referred to as the Fa Hien Cave, this is one of Asia’s the largest natural rock formations. Amongst the finds discovered at this archaeological dig were some human skulls, weapons made from animal bones and stones. People pay their respects to the 40 foot long statue of the reclining Buddha at the entrance. The cave was once a Buddhist shrine. Unmissable heritage sites are Kandy’s Buddhist site of Sri Dalada Malig or the Temple of the Tooth; the Sacred City of Anuradhapura; the palace and fortified city of Sigiriya of King Kassapa 1, dating to the 5th CE; Polonnaruwa, the second capital of ancient Ceylon; Golden Dambulla Cave Temple and the old port town of Galle and its fortifications.