Joanna James
A city located in Anuradhapura, Habarana is not a destination per se but a gateway to many other destinations of greater interest. Serving as a base, the city boasts many features aimed at tourists.
The great architecture and imagination that were the essence of the former royal residence are unfathomable – suffice to say that it is an excellent example of human skill and brilliance. The fortress sits 200 meters above the surrounding forests, and there's a stone staircase for you to get to the top. Once you are at the top, you are about to witness the fruits of King Kashyapa's notion of a hideaway. The story behind the fortress – something that makes you feel indignant – is quite horrid and gruesome; having killed his own father for power, the King Kashyapa was on the run from his brother who was determined to take revenge for his father's death. So, King Kashyapa figured that there was no better place to hide than the peak of the Lion's Rock. The result of the feud between the two brothers is now considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.
Despite the fact that it is indeed one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka, the region is inhabited to this day. The remaining ruins of ancient castles and temples are quite amazing and serve as drawcards for the tourists. Visiting Anuradhapura while in Habarana is placed among the things to do in Sri Lanka due to its archaeological and historical importance. So, if you are on an excursion to explore the bygone times of Sri Lanka, visiting Anuradhapura is something you must do!
For the ease of travel, you could without much difficulty find lodgings such as Habarana Village by Cinnamon in the vicinity of Minneriya National Park. A sanctuary for elephants and birds, the park is visited by locals and tourists in equal number. Tough not as glorified as Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park holds its status as a haven for large gatherings for elephants which are loved by tourists. Furthermore, there are packages – full day and half day – for you to choose from. Elephants dominate the list of attractions. However, there's a chance for you to see spotted deer, sambar, sloth bears, monkeys and various other bird species.
It might be hard for you to notice this not so popular rock which is much smaller in comparison to the Lion's Rock – this is the very reason why you should spare some time to visit. Only a six-minute drive from Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock is a more challenging hike. The fun fact is that Pidurangala Rock and Sigiriya have shared a history – Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery before it became the royal residence of King Kashyapa and Pidurangala Rock is where the king re-established the monastery. Getting to the top is quite a challenge though there are fewer steps than Sigiriya. If you somehow bite your teeth and manage to get to the top somehow, you will be greeted by the most breath-taking views. The entrance fee is USD 3.50, and the access is through a temple. You will find it incredibly peaceful at the top as the likelihood of other hikers is minimal.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
