Habarana

Habarana is located in the heart of the North Central Province and serves as a well-suited base camp for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa. The town is surrounded by dense jungle and easy on the eye lakes. Many luxurious eco-resorts have established themselves here to offer travelers relaxation amidst nature. A primary reason for staying in Habarana is the elephant safaris in the nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. This is the site of the famous 'Gathering', where hundreds of wild elephants congregate around the reservoirs. Habarana Lake itself gives opportunities for peaceful boat rides and exceptional birdwatching. The atmosphere remains rural and tranquil despite its central location. Visitors can enjoy traditional bullock cart rides or participate in authentic village cooking classes. The best time to visit is from May to September when elephant concentrations in the nearby parks are at their peak. Habarana is highly accessible via major highways and its own railway station.

Nearby cities

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhalese civilization.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of ancient Sri Lanka and impresses with its massive archaeological monuments.

Marble Beach

A pristine beach near Trincomalee, famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters that shimmer like polished marble.

Aguadulce

An industrial city known for salt production, sugar cane plantations, and shrimp farming.

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Matale

Matale is an agricultural town nestled in a valley in the center of the island, surrounded by spice gardens.

Knuckles Range

A UNESCO World Heritage site with misty peaks resembling a clenched fist, perfect for trekking.

Sembuwatta Lake

A paradisiacal man-made lake nestled within tea plantations, famous for its deep blue waters and misty mountain backdrop.

Kurunegala

Kurunegala is a major transport hub surrounded by giant animal-shaped rock formations in the North Western Province.

History & landmarks

Pidurangala Rock

A massive rock adjacent to Sigiriya, offering incredible panoramic views of the famous fortress.

Nature

Mahaweli River

The longest river in Sri Lanka, passing through deep gorges, fertile valleys, and generating a significant amount of the country's hydroe…

More places

Ritigala

An isolated mountain range in the dry north of Sri Lanka, home to an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Minneriya National Park

A national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka, renowned for the great elephant gathering during the dry season.

Kaudulla National Park

An important elephant corridor connecting Minneriya and Somawathie national parks, centered on the Kaudulla tank.

Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre

The largest wholesale market for vegetables and fruits in Sri Lanka, distributing produce from across the country.

Wasgamuwa National Park

A nature reserve in Sri Lanka that is famous for its large populations of Sri Lankan elephants and sloth bears.

Mihintale

A mountain peak believed to be the site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka.

Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient forest monastery that was once a major center of Buddhist learning.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

One of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins.