Habarana Village by Cinnamon | The Adventure Travel Site

A Weekend in Habarana to Make You Feel Relaxed

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, Habrana is quite the place that is going to definitely pique your interest. There are hotels in the midst of greenery, animals at every corner and lovely fresh air to breathe in. Here are a few things to do on a weekend there.

Minneriya wildlife safari

This place is a short distance away from hotels like Habarana Village by Cinnamon. The main animal you will be looking out for on your safari would be elephants. Try to start your safari around 4:45/5 pm to avoid the heat.

Pidurangala Rock, Sigirya

You will need to pay a small entrance fee to climb this rock, but its totally worth it! Once you reach the top, you will be greeted with a splendid view of Sigirya Rock in the distance and the mass of greenery surrounding the area.

The Golden Temple

There is so much more than the prominent golden Buddha you will see no sooner you reach the foot of the temple. You will have to indulge in a 20-minute hike to the hill on which the temple is situated. Moreover, there are stunning rooms with several images of Buddha to discover.

Spend some time at the pool

Take the chance to explore the Sri Lanka resort you are lodged at as well with a dip in the pool and perhaps a good meal at the buffet. You could also hit the bar for one of your favourite coolers.

Elephant back safari ride in Habarana

Elephant Back Safaris in Sri Lanka is one of the most joyful leisure activities for a number of reasons. It is also a very rare experience that’s loved by westerners the most.

Why elephant back safaris are fun?

Rather than just holidaying in a Sri Lanka resort enjoying luxury, experiencing an elephant back safari is fun and exciting. You simply share some hours of your day with an elephant while exploring nature.

The experience

On one such safari, you can view the exotic wildlife from the back of a majestic elephant. You also get the chance to feed the elephant and see how it gets groomed after a bath, which is a rare sight to enjoy.

Why Habarana?

Habarana is one perfect transit point for herds of wild elephants who belong to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. So, Habarana has become one of the locations that provide this experience in Sri Lanka allowing guests of nearby resorts the likes of Habarana Village by Cinnamon to have this firsthand experience.

The best periods

Water levels are good during the months of March and July; needless to say, this makes the best time for a safari!

The Ancient City of Sigiriya

One of the most popular historic sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya was named a UNESCO Heritage Site and is a brief capital of a tragic king who ruled during the 5^th century.

Image result for sigiriya — Sevenryder, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

A Brief History

The fortress and city surrounding the rock was built around the 5^th century by Kashyapa who became king after murdering his father as he had no legitimate claim for the throne being the son of a concubine even though he was the eldest.

He left the capital Anuradhapura behind for fear that his half-brother would seek revenge. He made sure the fortress was impenetrable with fortified walls, moats and a network of waterways that would flood the city and make it impassable.

When his half-brother did come, Kashyapa met him outside of the fortress in battle and died by falling on his sword. How it got to that is shrouded in mystery.

Sigiriya was lost to history after that and was only discovered in the early 1800s. Kashyapa’s rule though it lasted no more than 11 years made the city the spectacle it is today, even in ruins.

Tips to Remember

Sigiriya can be accessed from two small cities nearby; Dambulla and Habarana; each with a drive less than 30 minutes. The site belongs to the Cultural Triangle and is a celebrated area by both tourists and locals in Sri Lanka. Resort hotels have come up in the area to cater to the many tourists. One of the closer resorts is Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

Getting up close with elephants

Everyone that witnesses an elephant is truly fascinated by these majestic beings and their intelligent behaviour. As one of the few remaining megaherbivores on the planet, elephants hold great national value as a major tourist attraction. There are numerous places to see elephants in the country, listed below are a few.

Image result for Udawalawe — Mstyslav Chernov, Bathing elephants. Udawalawe National Park. Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 3.0

Udawalawe
Declared a national park in 1972 and spanning 30,800 hectares, Udawalawe is home to roughly 500 elephants and other animals. A former teak plantation, they graze in scattered herds in the grasslands amongst the remaining teak trees. There’s an elephant orphanage nearby, where you’ll find injured or abandoned elephants being cared for, after which they’re released into the park.

Minneriya
Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 to protect the Minneriya tank and wildlife of the surrounding area, you’ll find between 150 to 200 elephants roaming the park from July to August. In the dry season, an event is known as the ‘elephant gathering’ occurs and is a great opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe the social behaviour of the elephants in the wild. Just a 30-minute drive from Habarana Village by Cinnamon, a rather well-known Sri Lanka Resort, Minneriya is ideal for those looking to get a glimpse of these beasts in their natural habitat.

Pinnawala
Located in the central hills, this elephant orphanage was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Abandoned and disabled wild elephants get care and protection at this special place that spreads across 24 acres. You can observe elephants bathing, as they play and splash around.

Nature Trails in Habarana

Lankarama Temple | Image Courtesy : Orient Tours

Cushioned between Sri Lanka’s most prominent historical sites and exuberant nature, Habarana is a tiny town located in the Anuradhapura district. Its strategic location has made it a favourite among locals and tourists. Also, if you want to meet the royalty of Sri Lanka’s jungles – the elephant – Habarana is the ideal place for you. Habarana Village by Cinnamon is an eco-friendly Sigiriya hotel that has developed a lasting relationship with its surrounding nature. Such properties offer the ideal starting point to begin a nature trail.

Located in very close proximity to Habarana, the Minneriya National Park is a hotspot for elephant lovers. A knowledgeable guide and sporty jeep will take you on a mud strewn track, through a penetrable jungle. Wayward branches and tiny twigs fling tiny blows onto your face. However your eyes stay peeled to spot the undisputed kings and queens of the Sri Lankan wild.

Soon, the waters of the Minneriya tank glisten in the distance and the horizon is speckled with grey dots. Slight movements are visible even from a distance and on a close observation, you will notice that these female elephants show great maternal care as they guide their calves to safety. In order to avoid disturbing the animals, your jeep will be parked a safe distance away from the herds.

Tusker in Minneriya National Park |Image Courtesy : The Hungry Grape

A close and rather scary encounter with a lone elephant must also be anticipated. You would be truly fortunate to spot this majestic being, spending some alone-time rummaging through the jungle. Maintain your calm and be as least intrusive as possible, and the King will loosen his defences.

Visit Habarana for adventures with nature!

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+