5 Things to do in Habarana – For a Memorable and Fun Trip

If you are into historic architecture and love hearing about people of the ancient years and see how they lived, a visit to the Sigiriya will be a good idea. A royal city built on top of a rock, the Sigiriya is a fine climb that leads you past many gardens, swimming pools, lotus ponds, a few thousand stairs and to a viewpoint that will make you hold your breath in awe. Sunrise is the best time to visit the rock, and this is the time at which you can avoid the crowds too. A steady climb of about 40 minutes will take you to the summit and palace ruins on top.

Named after the reservoir close to it, the Minneriya National Park is an enthralling place that has a wide range of flora and fauna for you to take a look at. Elephants are the most sighted animals in the park and for you to witness them at their best, visit the park during the months of May, June, July, and October. This park is known for having the biggest Asian elephant gatherings in the entire world. About 300 elephants can be spotted at a time during the dry seasons, as they make their way across the Minneriya National park and towards the banks of the reservoir, in search of water and food.

Yet another short climb up stairs carved onto the side of a mountainous rock, this will lead you up to the caves. Within the caves, you will find hundreds of Buddha statues, reclined, sitting, standing, basically in every position imaginable. The caves are a beautiful site and when you make it in time for the sunset, the views you would get to see from the mountaintop are worth any feat you might have to overcome during the climb up to the temple.

Unlike the Sigiriya, this is more of a rock climbing effort. Natural stairs can be found in some parts, but for the most parts, it's just you and the rocks. The top of the Pidurangala Rock does offer the best view of the Sigiriya Rock though, and almost every photograph you see of the summit engulfed by forests around must have been taken from atop this rock. Do not attempt both the climbs in one day, unless you like the challenge and do not get tired easily.

Habarana has many beautiful viewpoints, and some of the best can be seen near the lakes. Sigiriya hotels and other hotels in the area like Habarana Village by Cinnamon offer great dining opportunities with views that mesmerise you. Romantic dinners and beautiful gestures can be made during a dinner under the stars at Habarana, don't miss the opportunity!