Cyling in Habarana & Sigiriya

It’s a fun and Knowledge filled activity to do Cycling in Habarana and Sigiriya. Habarana and Sigiriya are two destinations where you can interact with real locals and experience real local life. While you Cycle through the gravel roads of Habarana and Sigiriya you will pass vegetable fields, rice fields and many other crop farms done by the villagers. Both villagers from Habarana and Sigiriya live hood is based on agriculture. While you cycle through quaint villages of Habrana and Sigiriya you will come across people carrying their cattle to gaze in the meadows and village women collecting firewood to prepare their meals and young children hurry to their schools in villages and kids playing alongside the roads with neighboring friends. Apart from these While cycling in Habarana and Sigiriya you will come across village vendors, Farmers working in their paddy fields and tree houses build on top of trees to protect their cultivation and village fishermen fishing in lakes.

Minneriya Elephant Gathering

You stare out over the big reservoir, a tranquil scene of flat, drying meadows and gently rippling water as the sun sets and the temperature drops. Elephants gently move out of the shade of the trees and into the plains toward the river, shimmering in the last of the afternoon sun as shadows begin to develop from the surrounding bush. These amazing animals congregate seemingly in all directions. With water as their sole objective, various herds are moving as one. As you relax and observe, the enormous creatures play, drink, and graze on the lush, green grasses that the receding water has uncovered. As you relax and observe, the enormous creatures play, drink, and graze on the lush, green grasses that the receding water has uncovered. Over 300 elephants from the North Central Province of Sri Lanka have come to live in this small, natural area during the dry season. This annual gathering of wild animals is not a migration. You can be there to see this amazing spectacle firsthand. Herds travel as far as Kantale to drink from the Minneriya tank's lovely waters.Below mentioned are some FAQ about Minneriya elephant gathering.

Where does the Minneriya NP situated?

Minneriya NP is situated in the North central province of Sri Lanka.

Why does the gathering happen?

The Minneriya elephant gathering happens in Minneriya National Park and this is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife phenomenon. The Asian Elephants gather in large heard because of the dry season in Sri Lanka’s North central and Eastern provinces.

Where can we witness the elephant gathering in Minneriya NP?

You can witness the elephant gathering in the Minneriya NP and you can witness the large herd of elephants gather to bath and gaze in Minneriya tank. Apart from the elephants you can witness huge flocks of water birds in the shallow waters.

Where does the elephant gathering happen?

The famous elephant gathering happens in Minneriya NP.

Is the Minneriya Elephant gathering a migration?

The Minneriya elephant gathering in not a migration it’s an annual get to gather of wild elephants from Minneriya and Kudulla area and some from as far as Kantale.

How many elephants are there in the gathering?

There are around 300 elephants in the gathering.

Can we get up close with elephants in Minneriya?

Yes you can get up close and personal with Minneriya Elephants.

What is the best time to witness the Minneriya elephant gathering?

The best time to witness the Minneriya elephant gathering is from July to October.

How far the Minneriya NP is from Habarana?

Minneriya NP is about 10 minutes’ drive from Habarana town.

Is the Minneriya tank a manmade or natural one?

Minneriya tank is a man made one.

Apart from the elephants what are the other animals that you can witness in Minneriya NP?

There are other animals such as spotted deer, Samber deer, purple face langur monkeys and macaque’s monkeys.

Why does the gathering happen?

The annual gathering happens because of the drying water supply around North central province of Sri Lanka. The elephants gather around Minneriya tank to sip the sweet water of the tank. The receding water expose the sweet grass around the banks of the tank and this droves the elephants all around the Minneriya area.

How can a person can witness the Minneriya Elephant gathering?

To witness the gathering you have to head the Minneriya NP and we can easily tailor this to your visit in Sri Lanka.

Bird watching in Sigiriya Sanctuary

If you are a keen birdwatcher and love watching feathered kind for long time in the lush greenery then bird watching in Sigiriya sanctuary is just for you. Sri Lanka is known as a birders paradise and its known for 439 of recorded bird species.33 of them are endemic and 236 resident and 203 are migrants. Sri Lanka has been recognized as bio diversity hot spot and its one of the ten spots around the world.

Bird watching in Sigiriya sanctuary is happening around the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya is a UNESCO world heritage site. Sigiriya sanctuary is a perfect birding place and it is less crowded and undisturbed. While bird watching in Sigiriya sanctuary you can witness the over 5000 hectares of dense forest and many natural watercourses. This watercourses offers a perfect environment for its resident and migrant bird population.

While bird watching in Sigirya Sanctuary you will be guided with an expert naturalist with immense knowledge about birds and flora and fauna around Sigiriya Sanctuary. The Sigiriya bird watching naturalist can speak English fluently and he will accompany you with the trails that takes you to the heart of the Jungle. While you do the bird watching in Sigiriya sanctuary the naturalist will guide you to the favorite places where birds’ hangout and he will help you to identify the birds with their calls. While bird watching in Sigiriya sanctuary you will come across both endemic and migratory birds. Orange headed Trush,Asian Paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta, Indian blue chat, Eagle Owl, Shahin Falcon and Ceylon grey Hornbill are few to mention as birds that you will witness while birdwatching in Sigiriya sanctuary.

Apart from bird watching in Sigiriya sanctuary there is a popular destination for bird watching there is Habarana a mere 45 minutes’ drive away. Habarana has large forest canopies which makes it another hotspot to spot birds.Yo can witness Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Red vented Bul Bul and the Black headed oriol.