Habarana: Culture, History & Safari (5 Days)

Visiting Items & Key Attractions

UNESCO Sites: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Ancient City, Dambulla Cave Temple
Wildlife: Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park (Famous for the Elephant Gathering)
Viewpoints: Pidurangala Rock (Sunrise view of Sigiriya)
Culture: Hiriwaduna Village Tour (Bullock cart, boat, cooking demo), Ritigala Forest Monastery

Travel to Habarana

Depart Colombo (Fort or Airport) for Habarana. Scenic dry zone route.

Check into your jungle or lake-view resort and have lunch.

Distance: 135–175 km | Time: 3.5–6 hours

Method: Car/Taxi or Train

View Route on Map

Check-in: Habarana

Afternoon Leisure & Habarana Lake

Settle in. Relax by the pool or stroll around the resort.

Optional: Tuk-Tuk to Habarana Lake for sunset and birdwatching.

Distance: 2 km | Time: Afternoon

Method: Foot/Tuk-Tuk

View Habarana Lake

Relaxation Day

Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock)

Morning: Drive to Sigiriya (20 min). Climb the ancient Lion Rock (UNESCO Site) to explore palace ruins, frescoes, and sky gardens.

Start early (before 8 AM) to avoid heat.

Distance (Round Trip): 30 km | Time: 3–4 hours

Method: Tuk-Tuk/Car

View Sigiriya

UNESCO World Heritage

Pidurangala Rock Sunset View

Afternoon: Climb Pidurangala Rock for the best photo view of Sigiriya.

Watch sunset from the summit.

Distance: 5 km | Time: 2 hours

Method: Tuk-Tuk/Car

View Pidurangala

Sunset Spot

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Morning: Day trip to Polonnaruwa (UNESCO Site). Explore Gal Vihara, Audience Hall, and Royal Palace ruins.

Rent a bicycle to explore the large site.

Distance: 50 km | Time: 1 hr drive + 3–4 hrs visit

Method: Car/Van (Bicycle on site)

View Polonnaruwa

Medieval Ruins

Dambulla Cave Temple

Afternoon: Visit Dambulla Golden Temple & Cave Complex (UNESCO Site).

Explore 5 caves with murals and over 150 Buddha statues.

Distance: 25 km | Time: 30 min drive + 2 hrs visit

Method: Car/Van

View Dambulla

2,000-year-old Murals

Minneriya/Kaudulla/Hurulu Safari

Morning: Jeep safari in Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park.

Famous for the "Elephant Gathering" (Jun–Oct).

Time: 3–4 hours

Method: 4x4 Safari Jeep

View Minneriya Park

Elephant Safari

Hiriwaduna Village & Ritigala

Afternoon: Choose Hiriwaduna Village Tour (bullock cart, boat ride) OR Ritigala Forest Monastery ruins.

Distance: 10–20 km | Time: 3 hours

Method: Tuk-Tuk/Car

View Hiriwaduna

Cultural Immersion

Morning Leisure & Relaxation

Enjoy a relaxed morning at the resort. Swim, walk, or shop for souvenirs in Habarana town.

Final packing and check-out.

Distance: Local | Time: Morning

Method: Foot

View Habarana Town

Check-out

Departure to Colombo

Begin return journey to Colombo or Bandaranaike Airport (CMB).

Trip concludes upon arrival.

Distance: 135–175 km | Time: 3.5–6 hours

Method: Car/Taxi or Train

View Return Route

Trip Ends