The feeling of stepping back in time, a time when kings rode on the backs of these magnificent mammals, and the chance for you dear visitors to do the same is what we offer in Habarana. Directly off the balcony of the main lodge onto the backs of these gentle giants, the tour will take you along the forest trail, across the river, through the village and back to your lodging all on the elephant back ride. This jungle trek on elephant back is an adventurous experience. Accompanied by the mahout – the elephant handler - you set off for a ride of a lifetime. The choice of either being adventurous and riding bareback or on comfortable elephant saddles are the only choice you will have to make. A pleasant experience is virtually guaranteed.
The cart ride is on a jungle path that wends through dense shrub forests home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephant. Simply lie back on the cart and enjoy the unique view of the forest canopy as the cart rambles through… flashes of blue sky through the dense forest cover, the sight of a giant squirrel hanging precariously off a branch or a flock of rose ringed parakeets flying overhead… all this accompanied by the sound of the bullock clip clopping on the gravel path and the tinkle of the large bells hanging round its neck… a dream holiday in the making….! This journey also enables the interaction with village people while crossing a small village path and discover their rural life style.
Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8890 hectares of Minneriya National Park is an ideal eco tourism location in Sri Lanka. The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka's favorites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank. During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters. Kaudulla National Park is on the other hand Sri Lanka's newest national park, wildlife reserve and eco tourism attraction situated around the ancient Kaudulla tank, the national park provides a 6656 hectare elephant corridor, only 6 km from off the main Habarana - Trincomalee road. Once again fantastic opportunities to witness many wild elephants at close range that also has become a popular destination for wildlife safaris.