Can I take a piece of rock from Nil Diya Pokuna as a souvenir?
No, removing rocks, stalactites, or any other natural formations from Nil Diya Pokuna is strictly prohibited, and yes, that includes anything small you might think is harmless. Preserving the delicate geological balance inside this very old cave system is crucial for the people coming later and also for the local ecology.
Most cave formations take thousands of years to form through patient natural mineral deposits. If souvenirs are taken, even a little, the structural integrity changes, and the site loses a lot of its aesthetic value. Visitors should follow universal "Leave No Trace" principles. That means the underground environment stays completely unaltered, undisturbed, and pretty much as it was found in the first place.