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The Habarana town is one of those precious gems that mother Sri Lanka proudly owns. Nestled in the North Central Province of the island, this tranquil town is surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife. I personally think that this is one of those beautiful places we could call a paradise on earth. Whenever I feel like escaping from reality, I still recall the magical evening I spent by the lake watching sunset.
To begin with, allow me to reveal to you why Habarana deserves a spot in your itinerary. Let us start with what the region is known for.
Habarana Sri Lanka, is known for being the heart of the island’s “Culture Triangle”, adorned with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cities represented by the three edges of the triangle are Sigiriya, Dambulla, and ancient Polonnaruwa, located few minutes away. Beyond its strategic location, Habarana charms visitors with its serene natural environment, including lakes, jungles, and other ecosystems. The area is also known for its Ayurvedic/herbal treatments, delicious Buffalo curd with Kithul treacle, and entertainment like traditional dancing/drumming!
Like Sri Lanka as a whole, Habarana offers plenty of memorable experiences for everybody. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, nature lover, or someone seeking a relaxed vacation, it will not matter at all!
Keep reading to find out what you can do at Habarana. Honestly, all of these activities and the places I have listed below are too good to miss out!
The area surrounding Habarana is home to vast sanctuaries that facilitate the natural habitat of wild elephants in Sri Lanka. If you love elephants but have never seen them in real life, this is your chance to fulfil your dream!
Situated just 3 km away from the town, Hurulu Eco Park lets visitors enjoy close elephant encounters. Guides of this national park offer exceptional service, allowing you to book private tours as you please throughout the year. Minneriya National Park is located a bit further away, but you can still reach it within 10 minutes from town. During July-September period, hundreds of elephants congregate around the reservoir, making one of the largest seasonal gatherings of the species!
Along the way of spotting elephants, you will also get to take snaps of Leopards, sloth-bears, deer, and exotic birds. If you try your luck, you will even manage to capture an award-winning wildlife image, who knows!
Located just 2 km away from the town, Habarana Lake is a lovely place for a morning/evening stroll. Even though nature offers a pleasant experience already, you can make it even better by going on a canoe trip. Locals may also craft a beautiful lotus garland and the cutest hat out of a lotus leaf just for you! Meanwhile, you can engage in bird watching while also spotting monitor lizards, monkeys, or water buffalo along the shore.
Dating back to the 1st BC time period, this thick forest area used to host Sri Lanka’s 1st Buddhist monastery. Now staying almost hidden from the public eye, this gem offers such a unique experience filled with mystic and serenity. Since this place is not a typical touristy site, you can peacefully breathe in and enjoy your walk or meditation. Since the pathways are virgin, tricky, and stony, make sure to wear good shoes and bring plenty of drinking water!
Just a 30-minute drive from Habarana town lies Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this ancient rock fortress rises dramatically 200 meters above the jungle. The climb to the top takes you past the famous mirror wall, frescoes of celestial maidens, and lion-paw entrance. Once you reach the top, you will get rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
For culture enthusiasts, the site’s museum provides knowledge on Lanka’s history and artistic masterpieces left by citizens of Anuradhapura kingdom. Even after you leave Sigiriya, you will still stay awed by its architecture, legacy, and the blissful nature.
Located right next to Sigiriya, the Pidurangala Rock also offers a rewarding yet more peaceful experience. Once you climb the summit, you will be able to capture a perfect shot of Sigiriya rising above the jungle canopy! Locals especially prefer to see the sunrise or sunset since that is when the golden rays bathe the landscape. Starting from the Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple, the hike takes about 30-45 minutes.
If you are to hike, wearing grippy shoes will make the hike easier since some parts can be steep. Since the hike’s base is a temple, visitors follow a tradition of covering their shoulders and knees when entering.
Located about 24km away from Habarana, this temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back over 2000 years. Carved into a massive rock face, this cave temple complex is filled with over 150 Buddha statues, murals, and frescoes. Climbing up could be a bit tiring, but the landscape view from the top is worth the compromise, trust me. Be aware of monkeys, however, they might try grabbing away your hats and flowers, being a little too naughty!
If you want to have a taste of authentic rural life, there are guided tours that offer traditional village experiences. They include activities like hands-on cooking sessions for local dishes, bullock cart rides, enjoying communal meals served on banana leaves. Many resorts and eco-retreats in Habarana offer Ayurvedic wellness treatments rooted in traditional Sri Lankan healing. Feel free to treat yourself to herbal oil massages, flower foot soaks, detox treatments, steam baths, Shirodhara, etc.
Now, let us find out some of the best hotels in Habarana for you to stay in!
Situated just 400 m away from the town, surrounded by the lushest green forests, this resort offers a 5-star experience. Guests can choose to do many activities, including unwinding at the world-famous spa, playing tennis, swimming, or enjoying billiards. Cinnamon Lodge offers babysitting and butler service for deluxe suites, and for each suite, there will be a private balcony. Various types of well-equipped air-conditioned rooms for two are available from around 160 – 260 USD with or without meals.
Personally, I had the most wonderful experience at Cinnamon Lodge during my stay with my family last time. The hotel had the friendliest staff, and I still remember how delicious the food was with lots of different options!
This 5-star resort, located 2.2 km from the town, greets its guests with an infinity pool and a lush garden. Families especially love staying here due to the availability of family rooms, attentive staff, comfort, hygiene, and entertainment for kids! The restaurant serves British, American, Asian, and international cuisines, accommodating halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets on request. A/C Superior Double Rooms with landmark or garden balcony views are available for around 580 USD, including breakfast and dinner.
Located near the previously mentioned Cinnamon Lodge resort, this 4-star sustainable hotel offers bungalow-style rooms surrounded by well-maintained greenery. Inspired by the charm of Sri Lanka’s rural landscapes, Habarana Village invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Visitors get to experience the warmth of village hospitality, and based on the latest reviews, couples especially love their stay. The hotel offers traditional spa treatments, and you can also enjoy activities including hiking, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. With or without meals, A/C Double rooms with garden or lake view will be available from around 140 – 340 USD.
If you are a nature lover, you will love this 4-star resort since it is surrounded by the Habarana Forest. Reviews mention guests adoring the suite’s woody, brick elements, huge, comfortable bed, modern bathroom, outdoor pool, and the staff’s hospitality. If you are traveling with pets, good news! There are no restrictions, so visiting this resort offering a first-hand jungle experience might be the best choice for you!
Besides, if you are a couple looking for a one-night stay, it will cost around 170 USD only, including breakfast.
Located 2.8 km away from the Habarana town, this 5-star resort is also highly rated by its recent guests. Impressively, the hotel is the one and only location in the region that overlooks the magnificent Ritigala Mountain. While enjoying the views, guests can enjoy their time in the spa, outdoor bar and pools, the fitness center, etc. All rooms have private balconies, and for two, options are available from 145 to 190 USD with/without meals per day.
This 5-star resort is situated 4.4 km from Habarana, featuring a rooftop infinity pool, spa, sun terrace, and lush gardens. Their every luxurious A/C room includes a private swimming pool, sauna, and a balcony with a view facing the gardens! A variety of dining options are also available in Covanro, including a family-friendly restaurant serving British, American, and Asian cuisines. The resort bar offers a fantastic selection of beverages, while guests can also enjoy doing yoga, hiking, or cycling.
You can book a Deluxe double/twin room for a day with all three meals at around 190 USD. The Superior Chalet option is available for around 340 USD, again with all three meals!
Like Covanro Sigiriya, the below-listed 5-star hotels are also located within 4-5 km of Habarana town.
These resorts are worthy options to consider not only because of their impressive standards and facilities. In fact, they are located 5 minutes away from Sigiriya!
Habarana weather is generally warm and tropical throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 26°C to 32°C. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September, when wildlife sightseeing conditions are ideal.
Locals also visit Habarana during the November to January period, even though some rainfall tends to occur. Lush landscapes and the lake filled with varieties of Lotuses and Water Lilies are especially photogenic during this time!
The journey from Colombo to Habarana takes around 4 hours on a day without much traffic on the road. The route with the shortest distance is 171 km, while the destination’s other main route takes 182 km to reach. If you were wondering how long from Habarana to Kandy, the drive takes around 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions. If you follow the fastest route with usual traffic, you can reach the destination after travelling 94.2 km!
If you wondered how many days in Habarana is ideal to spend, a 2 to 3-day stay is just perfect. It will give you enough time to explore the top historical sites we mentioned earlier, while also enjoying safari rides. Nature lovers are always welcome to extend their stay to indulge in the Mother Nature’s serenity Habarana is gifted with. Additionally, if you are keen to learn about our culture and heritage, the locals will gladly walk you through them!
Suppose you choose not to visit Habarana despite staying in Sri Lanka for your vacation. Sorry to say this. You are not at all qualified enough to consider yourself a pro traveler! While blessing your soul with its blissful climate and ecosystems, Habarana beckons you to understand our people’s authentic rural lifestyle. You will again start loving the small things while living in the moment and breathing the happiness our universe offers.
Since sharing is caring, tell all what you learnt about Habarana from here to your friends, family, or partner. Who knows, they might even plan to surprise you with the dreamiest vacation you ever wanted!
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