Tag: Habarana

Nature Watch in Habarana

Sri Lanka is known around the world for its palm tree lined beaches and warm tropical waters. The heart of the country however boasts vistas of a different kind. Mountains, rocky outcrops and lush greenery are a stark contrast to the coastal areas. Habarana is located in the district of Anuradhapura which is part of the North Central Province. Chaaya Village Habarana offers a real feel for the land and maintains a close to nature setting with cottage type accommodation that is styled on the thatched roof huts found in the surrounding areas.
Habarana is located at the heart of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle’. It is a convenient base for exploring the historical cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Sigiriya. Hotel accommodation is also easy enough to find. Minneriya National Park is located close by and having a more tranquil setting than some of the other parks in the country, it is perfect for observing the local fauna. The park surrounds the Minneriya tank which is frequented by sambar, deer, leopard, sloth bear and birds such as jungle fowl, grey herons, white pelican, grey hornbills and more. It is also a good place to spot large gatherings of Asian elephants.
Habarana and the surrounding towns, in general, are brimming with picturesque scenery: lakes, reservoirs, colossal trees, sweeping open spaces and more. You can book a guide and a vehicle to visit Minneriya or Kaudulla Park, explore the village shops on foot or go on a bird watching excursion. Cycling, hiking and boat tours can also be arranged through the hotel concierge or a tour company. The historic sites in Polonnaruwa are woven around waterways; the ancient palace in Sigiriya is built on an imposing, natural rock while the cave temple in Dambulla is built making use of a natural rock formation.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Take a Bullock Cart Ride through the Village

Even with the rapid development witnessed by the 21st century, small villages in Sri Lanka remain largely untouched by the dramatic changes in transportation and lifestyle. A place where time seems to slow down and life becomes uncomplicated, most villages in the island scarcely witness fancy modes of transportation and stick to bullock carts to transport produce and other items from the fields to their homes or to the local village markets as they are cost efficient. A glimpse into this village lifestyle is a valuable insight tourists can obtain when staying at a Sigiriya hotel in the vicinity of the Habarana villages such as Chaaya Village Habarana. One such way, in addition to close proximity, is to indulge in a bullock cart ride through the village while a three wheeler, or in the more popular vernacular, a tuk tuk, would be the best way to explore the city.

A bullock cart ride is undeniably a very traditional mode of travel, but it is a modern way to explore the undisturbed village life in the rural areas. When travelling in a bullock cart, tourists will have the opportunity to travel through lush green paddy fields and observe the manner in which the villagers lead their daily lives. Since the roads are often mere footpaths, travelling by car would be highly uncomfortable, but the bullock cart traverses the well trodden country lanes with ease. The slow paced travel provides tourists with ample time and opportunity to witness the beauty and serenity of the village.

Exploring the nearby villages should also include a visit to a village house where tourists can have the opportunity to taste the delights of a ‘plain tea’ sweetened with a small piece of juggery. This coupled with an authentic Sri Lankan lunch of red rice and curry is bound to leave tourists yearning for the simple life.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Elephant rides and bullock cart tour in Habarana

Habarana is a small town in Sri Lanka located within the Anuradhapura district. It is one of the popular tourist destinations for nature and safari lovers, with the famous Minneriya sanctuary and the Habarana jungle in close proximity for some wildlife fun and adventure. Since the town serves as the base for Sigiriya and several other safaris you find that there are hotel Sigiriya Sri Lanka that you can choose for accommodation and relaxing.

Located within the centre of the cultural triangle made up of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is an exclusive hideaway for the entire family. In Habarana this is the ideal location for leisure or business travellers who is looking for a perfect location during their stay in the town. You find superior and deluxe rooms as well as a number of suites that you can choose according to your requirement. The hotel also offers an exclusive spa, a range of sporting activities, a massive pool and many more facilities that you can expect at a luxury accommodation provider.

When you are in Habarana there are some interesting things you can experience such as elephant back rides. These maybe a bit pricey but its all well worth it. The wildlife that you will see from the elephant back would be unique since you will go through different terrains and you get to experience the wildlife in its full glory. The experienced mahout will guide the tamed elephant while you will be sitting on a platform with space up to four people.

Bullock cart rides are also quite popular in Habarana and is an exciting experience for both young and old alike. Bullock carts were long ago a main mode of transport for the locals. You will be able to ride the cart through the village, along paddy fields admiring the beauty of the surrounding in this unique vehicle. You can get a taste of the lives of the village folk in the olden time when you hop on for a ride.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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