Lavinia Woolf
Rustic Habarana is known for its savannah style jungles, wild elephant population and sleepy village hamlets. The local food is spicy and flavoursome while the environs are just right for relaxing.
Kaudulla National Park was established in 2002; it is mainly an enclosure to protect the migratory wild elephant population of the area. Apart from the huge elephant population the park is home to large numbers of endemic and migratory birds. Steeped in history Kaudulla is the 16th irrigation tank that was built by Sri Lanka's illustrious King Mahasen. Around the tank you can observe a thriving collection of exotic plant species while August to December is the best time to spot migratory herds of elephants crossing through the park.
The Habarana Savannah is ideal for nature lovers; home to a number of indigenous animal species as well as wild Asian elephants the jungles and Minneriya National Park located quite close to the rustic Habarana Village by Cinnamon are ideal to explore via jeep safaris. Make sure to book yourself a top Sigiriya hotel that offers easy access to the jungles and parks of Habarana; there you can easily locate seasoned trackers via your hotel for a comprehensive exploration of the area.
Famous as an archaeological gem the Ritigala Monastery is not far from your Habarana resort. Located at the highest point in the north central region the ancient site comprises of 3776 acres of land that incorporates four mountain peaks. Ritigala Kanda or hill is the highest and most famous of these peaks. It is the highest point in comparison to Dambulla, Sigiriya and Mihintale all famous landmarks within the cultural triangle.
You must visit a traditional Irida Pola Sunday Market for an authentic flavour of village traditions. At this fair you will come across a large collection of vendors selling homegrown vegetables and fruits as well as traditional handicrafts, bees honey and other tit bits indigenous to the area. Both locals and foreigners are known to browse the market which is quite a colourful affair. This market is the best place to pick up some interesting souvenirs to take back home.
Bullock cart rides into sleepy village hamlets are available to tourists wanting to experience a touch of local flavour. The rustic bullock cart is a favoured mode of transport in the village and riding one into the jungle villages will prove to be quite a thrill. Within the village you will also be treated to a delicious home cooked meal.
There are many tour operators in Habarana who will organise lunch, dinner or a barbeque at one of their rural mud huts located within the jungle. These marvellous premises fashioned out of mud, come complete with tree houses, mats for sitting on and even a lake for bathing.
