How to Explore Rejuvenating Places in Habarana

Habarana is located within the Anuradhapura District and near the cultural triangle. The city is a famous stop, and it is found en route to many destinations. Although Habarana is mostly a base for the famous tourist attractions in the area, it is an attraction in its own right, with rich wildlife and a scenic reservoir. Read on to know how to get to Habarana and the places to visit while you are holidaying there with your loved ones.

How to get to Habarana

National Transport Authority has a bus that departs from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Dambulla. It is available every 30 minutes and tickets are priced at Rs. 170 - Rs. 230. The journey may take around 4 hours of travel. Or you can get a train from Fort Station to Habarana, which operates twice daily. Tickets may cost around Rs. 370 - Rs. 600 and will take about 5h 13m to arrive at the destination. Alternatively, hiring your transport such as a car/van might be the faster option.

To get around Habarana

Habarana is a small city, and one can easily walk about or get tuk-tuks to travel if stationed within the city. To get to the more famous attractions away from Habarana, such as Sigiriya and Minneriya, you can arrange a tuk-tuk, or request your accommodation to find a suitable mode of transport. You can try a Habarana hotel the likes of Cinnamon Lodge Habarana if you want to spend a few days here and explore this region.

Best places to visit in Habarana

Lake Habarana

The beautiful Lake Habarana is the main attraction of the town. There is a small footpath that allows visitors to walk around and savour its natural beauty. If you are fortunate, you may experience wildlife such as wandering elephants and birds frolicking in the lake.

Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park is close to Polonnaruwa. It is located within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. It is particularly famous for its vegetation and abundant species of birds. The Park, which is composed of dry evergreen forests, attracts many herbivores due to its dense, rich vegetation. You may spot mammals such as sambur deer, wild boar, Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and the grey slender loris.

Ritigala Forest Reserve

Ritigala is a Strict Nature Reserve, which is recognised by IUCN and World Commission on Protected Areas. The forest reserve is protected mainly for its biodiversity, rare plants, and wildlife. The area is also famous for its Ritigala mountain. The forested areas are home to many species of endemic wildlife. Its premises used to be an ancient Buddhist monastery for meditative monks during the 2nd century BCE. The ruins of the temples and monasteries are visible. There are old stone tablets, stone caves, and archaeologically important structures scattered around.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a Sri Lankan icon! This monumental rock fortress dates back to the 5th century CE. It was built by King Kashyapa. The summit has remnants of the palace, the throne, pools and water garden structures. The palace grounds are amazing, with manicured water gardens, rock-hewn pools, archaeological ruins and stunning frescoes to explore.

Pidurangala

The rock Pidurangala is close to Sigiriya and you have to go via a Buddhist temple to reach the rock. According to legends, King Kashyapa came to these surroundings to worship the Buddha. There are ancient rock-carved sculptures of the Buddha as well. The climb, unlike Sigiriya, is moderately hard, there are no paved steps but a rough path that has opened up over the years of climbing it. At its summit, you will get to see wonderful vistas of Sigiriya and a bird's-eye view of the lush forests surrounding the area. It is best to go at sunset or sunrise, but don’t let it get too dim, as there is limited lighting available.