Rustic Stay in Habarana

Habarana is a small town at a crossroads in the dry zone, surrounded by forest and old reservoirs. It is close to Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, and to the national parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla, which makes it a natural base. This package is about something simpler: two nights at a rustic retreat in the forest, where the wildlife is the main event.

The stay

The retreat is set in quiet, largely untouched surroundings. Wild elephants live in the area, and part of the appeal is watching them come to drink at small pools near the camp, sometimes only a few metres from where you were sitting earlier in the day. Mornings and evenings are the best times to watch, when the animals are most active and the heat drops.

This is a stay for people who like quiet: expect birdsong, insects and night sounds rather than resort entertainment.

Things to add nearby

• A jeep safari at Minneriya, where large herds gather by the reservoir in the dry season, roughly August to October.
• A village tour by bullock cart and boat.
• The climb up Sigiriya rock fortress, about half an hour away.

Good to know

Elephants are wild animals. Follow your hosts' advice, keep your distance and never approach them on foot. Ask us for the current property, inclusions and transfer options when you enquire. For more on the area, see Habarana.

When to go

The dry zone around Habarana is driest from about May to September, when water is scarce and wildlife comes to the pools more often. From roughly October to January the north-east monsoon brings rain and greener forest.