Habarana was a transit point between two kingdoms Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura of ancient sri lanka . It is very close to Sigiriya – the 8 th wonder of the world and Ritigala – the area where ancient Yakka people of Sri Lanka lived.Now also acts as the centralized location to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Not only for the cultural triangle, it is a base location to 3 most important National parks – Minneriya, Kaudulla and Eco Park. In addition, it sits on the main highway to Trincomalee. The easy access to the most important East Coast beaches of Sri Lanka Trincomalee, Nilaweli , Pasikuda and Kalkuda is possible from Habarana. Therefore Habarana is an important travel destination in Sri Lanka.
Favourite activities at Habarana …..
Nature walks ( Along the Lake path )
Bird watching & other Wildlife. –
flora and fauna.
Elephant rides and Safari
Jeep Safaris ( Wildlife )
Bullock cart rides & Village Tours
All organized tours to cultural triangle
with English speaking Chaffeur Guides
Jungle Explorations
National Parks
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The area is surrounded by three nature reserves – Minneriya,Kaudulla and Eco Park. These sanctuaries are the shelter for hundreds of wild elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, peacocks, fishing cat, sambar, about 150 species of birds including number of endemic species and even the elusive leopards.Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill, White bellied fish eagle, Grey headed fish eagle, and Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill can be seen in these sanctuaries. Also these parks are very famous to see the biggest herd of wild elephants in Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya – 15 minutes drive
Built in the 5 th century AD, this magnificent complex of geometrically laid gardens, pools, and fountains ( still operatable but not in function) as well as oldest surviving murals of maidens has been a palace of the King Kasyapa. Built on top of a 200m high rock, the entrance to the climb once has been through a lions head. Only the huge paws remain today. Half way up the rock is beautifully painted bare breast
” Maidens ” with flowers whose existence is still a mystery. SIGIRIYA is a must to see in Sri Lanka since it considered as the eighth wonder of the world, The occupation of the gigantic fortress ended when Kasyapa killed himself in a battle with his brother .
Pidurangala Temple
Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple was built by King kassyapa in 5th century A.D. Spread over 13 1/2 acres, the monastery gave sanctuary to 500 meditating bhikkus (Buddhist monks) and a very important place of Archaeological site. Pidurangala Temple is home for the Largest Image of – – Reclining “Buddha” Statue in Asia,built of Clay & Brick & 48 1/2 feet in Length.
Dambulla – 20 km drive
Dating back to the 1st century BC, this is the most impressive cave temple in Asia. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. In 1938 the architecture was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances. Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various Gods & Goddess.
Anuradhapura – 1 hour drive
Well preserved City, full of Ancient Dagobas, Temples ( Hindu ), Moonstones, Ponds & Beautiful
Parks – dated back to the 5th century BC. Walk through the ruins and discover the ancient remains of an old civilization, adorned with beautiful man made lakes. The area is plenty of species of birds and monkeys. Anuradhapura is where you can see the most historical l & the Oldest Tree in the World, The Bo Tree ( Ficus Religiosa ) is venerated by
Hundreds of Thousands of Buddhist all over the world.
Ritigala Mountain – ½ hour drive
Sri Lanka is blessed with so many diverse archaeological sites of historical and cultural values. One such site is the monastic complex on the lower slopes of the Ritigala Mountain – situated in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Anuradhapura. These ruins are some of the most distinctive the island has to offer importance at 766 m above sea level, and 600 m above the surrounding plains, Ritigala is the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka.
Aukana
The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m), has been carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction in the country.
Mihinthale rock – Sacred Buddist site
13 KM east of city of Anuradhapura on the Trincomalee road is the Mihintale rock. It is on this rock that the historic meeting between King Devanampiyatissa and Arahath Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka of India, is said to have taken place in 247BC. This meeting led to the King converting to Buddhism and the establishment and growth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Namal Uyana ( Iron wood ) & Pink Quartz Mountain
IRON WOOD – NA (in Singhalese)(MESUA FERREA)Tree is Endemic to Sri Lanka. The Jathika Namal Uyana in Sri Lanka is the largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain in Asia. The Ironwood Tree is endemic to Sri Lanka and the replanted forest is over 260 acres in extent. According to archeological researcher’s findings, the pink quartz in this historical place has a history of more than 550 millions of years. Namal Uyana is situated in 7kms from Madatugama junction of Colombo-Anuradhapura highway in Sri Lanka. Iron Wood forest is a unique forest in Sri Lanka where the Iron Wood trees dominate the vegetation of the 260 acres of forest. .