Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock
One of the notable architectural sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress that is accessible by steep stairs and is home to the ruins of an ancient 5th-century city. This place holds great significance in the history of the nation and is one of the most spectacular architectural wonders around Habarana. It is situated around 15 kilometres away from the city and is easily accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk. Sigiriya is also listed under UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and is a must-visit place for anyone travelling to Sri Lanka.
Safari at Minneriya National Park
Previously a wildlife sanctuary, Minneriya National Park is the perfect choice for nature lovers, especially if you want to witness a glorious elephant gathering. The park is also one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Sri Lanka. Apart from the elephant, the park also inhabits two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka — the purple-faced langur and the toque macaque — along with deer species, sloth, grey slender loris, leopard, bear and a great number of bird and reptile species. The park also holds a third-century reservoir constructed by the ruler of that era, and you can enjoy the thrill and beauty of this nature trail via an adventurous jungle safari. The park is located around half an hour to an hour away from Habarana and is easily reached by taxi or jeep.
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Another architectural and cultural marvel of Sri Lanka you cannot miss is the Dambulla Cave Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cave monastery with five sanctuaries and is the largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in the country, having remained a holy pilgrimage centre for 22 centuries. The temple has various Buddhist mural paintings throughout its surfaces and also has 157 statues depicting various Buddha postures and other religious architecture. It is considered one of the most magnificent Buddhist complexes in South Asia, with its intricate designs, interiors and continued tradition of Buddhist rituals.
Bullock Cart Ride at Habarana
Everyone wants a glimpse of the good old days, and what better way to live it than a ride on a bullock cart? You can encounter this traditional Sri Lankan mode of transportation in the village of Habarana, on a pathway amidst lush green paddy fields. A 30-minute ride lets you steadily enjoy the farm life of Sri Lanka — a memorable travel experience.
Catamaran Ride at Habarana
A journey to Habarana is incomplete without a catamaran ride for a first-hand experience of village life in Sri Lanka. Live this adventure through a ride across the lake and watch fishermen at work, see the farm life, spot fish and other native fauna, and taste some delicious local cuisine along the way. The ride leads through a lake filled with beautiful water lilies surrounded by palm trees, all while enjoying the sound of nature.
Kaudulla Eco Park Jeep Safari
Kaudulla National Park is one of the most rewarding destinations for nature lovers, popular as a habitat for elephants, sambar deer, axis deer, wild boar and chevrotain, along with bird species like the grey-headed fish eagle, Asian spoonbill and painted stork.
Explore Polonnaruwa
Popular as the ancient royal city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is on the bucket list of every traveller in the country. What makes this ancient place worth visiting includes a wealth of architectural attractions: the King's Royal Palace, a well-preserved King's Audience Hall with amazing stone carvings on its walls, the royal swimming pool, the Sacred Quadrangle, the circular relic house called the Vatadage, an ancient Hindu temple called Shiva Dewale No. 2, the third-largest dagaba in the country called Pabalu Vihara, another spectacular dagaba called Rankot Vihara, the milky-white Kiri Vihara, a huge Buddha statue at Lankatilaka, and amazing Buddha figures at Gal Vihara. This ancient city is just one hour away from Habarana.
Explore Anuradhapura
Known for the well-conserved ancient ruins of the Sinhala civilisation, Anuradhapura is a major city located around 60 kilometres from Habarana. It is a major tourist centre, noted especially for the religious significance of the Maha Bodhi tree, which was grown using a cutting from the tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Major attractions in and around the city include the Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya Monastery, Thuparamaya Stupa, Abhayagiri Vihara, an archaeological museum, the Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya), the hills of Mihintale, the Samadhi Buddha statue, the Isurumuniya Buddhist temple, Ranmasu Uyana, Jayanthi Vihara temple, the Kadhiresan Kovil Hindu temple, Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya and various dagobas. For a glimpse into the history and culture of the country, Anuradhapura is one of the best places to visit.
Climb Pidurangala Rock
Interested in a good climb with a beautiful panoramic view? Pidurangala Rock is a must for you. This gigantic rock formation, located near Sigiriya, also houses a rock temple on the way up. It is recommended to hike Pidurangala during sunrise to get the best view of both the sunrise and Sigiriya rock itself. The hike takes around half an hour or more depending on your ability, and reaching the top rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding area — a wonderful place to sit quietly and enjoy the calm.
