Had a jolly good boat ride experience in Habarana lake whilst our stay at a nearby hotel. There are all sorts of flowers: lotuses and lilies.

Pleasant Experience Since we arrived in Habarana early, around 0930 on 8th August 2018, well before the checking-in time at the hotel, we decided to while away the time by visiting Habarana Lake, situated about 4 km from Habarana Junction. It was an unexpectedly pleasant and an enjoyable experience. This is a public place and requires no permission nor tickets. We went along the gravel path on top of the lake bund. On one side is the lake and on the other side is a lush green forest and trees with chirping and twittering birds. We saw some people from the village enjoying a bath in the lake. There were some boats with fishermen too at the centre of the lake. At the end of the lake bund is the spillway that carries spill water when the tank spills over. There is a sluice gate too that provides irrigation water to the fields downstream. Although this walk along the bund would not take more than 30 minutes one way we spent about two hours enjoying the scenery and soaking its quiet beauty. Although you can drive along the path you have to turn back at the end of the bund. Situated close to the entrance is a safari company that carries people atop elephants. These colourfully dressed elephants with its human cargo too are taken along the bund accompanied by the mahouts. Though I found this sight rather distressing, many tourists did ascend the seats placed on the elephants for a ride lasting perhaps about 30 minutes.

Habarana lake, one of the most captivating places and prime attractions of the city. Habarana Lake is perfect for taking elephant-back rides or walking amid serene surroundings of the lake area. The lake is also suitable for bird-watching.

Small lake with a motorable bund, about a 1km long if you walk along the granite hill then gravel road. Flocks of waterbirds can be seen through out the day, better in the early mornings. Use to be the center for elephant back rides, hopefully that will be stopped. There is a small bar close to where the rock and gravel road meet looks nice for sundown drinks.

Ideal place for bird watching. I made this place a hotspot for birding as well. Also certain Photographs on reviews here are not relevant to Habarana reservoir. Those are taken elsewhere.

Very nice place with nature

This reservoir is constructed across the upper reach of Yan Oya. The reservoir is mostly full during the year which has helped to promote tourism in this area.

Best place to see wild elephants. There's a large number of herds and getting up and close with them was an unforgettable experience. Yes, there are other wildlife too here, but main attraction would be these giants. The entire safari could last up to 2 to 3 hours and seems to be less crowded and touristic than other national parks. So it was great. Very much enjoyed it!

Kaudulla National Park is a protected area located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is situated approximately 190 kilometers away from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The park covers an area of around 6,900 hectares and is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Kaudulla National Park is primarily recognized for its large population of wild Asian elephants. The park provides a crucial habitat for these majestic creatures and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park is also home to other animal species, including sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, and various species of birds. One of the main attractions of Kaudulla National Park is the Kaudulla Tank, a man-made reservoir that was constructed in the 1950s. The tank plays a vital role in providing water for the wildlife in the dry season and also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris around the park, which allow them to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Kaudulla National Park is during the dry season, from June to September, when the water levels in the reservoir recede, attracting large herds of elephants to gather around the tank. It is recommended to hire a local guide or join a safari tour to make the most of your visit and ensure a safe and informative experience. Please note that the information provided above is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and it's always a good idea to check for any updated information or guidelines before planning a visit to Kaudulla National Park.

These are the photos of kaudulla tank please come here enjoy the nature but dont spoil it

One of the best place to see elephants. We saw more nearly 100 or more elephants. However we went on a rainy day so couldn’t see all them. Lot of birds are there. It was said, it is better to visit the park in the morning for bird watching and evening to see elephants. We went on the evening. Better to enter before 2.30 p.m. Has to leave the park before 6.00 p.m. Most the elephants were gathered near the lake. Didn’t seem dangerous to the visitors. There were lot of new borns and baby elephants. These elephants usually stay here at Kaudulla or go to Minneriya park. Has to take safari jeeps to enter the park. Usually they know the locations of elephants and take guests to those locations. Cannot get out of the vehicles. Additionally can have a off road experience on jeeps. Eagles and many more birds are there.

Really it is a lovely visit. We could see some elephants, wolfs and peockocs. Cost for safari depends on the season .

1. advice: go in the morning 2. advice: Minneriya from June to August, after that Kaudulla Full review: A tour in this park might very well be the highlight of your trip to Sri Lanka. We went on a tour on a wednesday morning with Shiran from "Minneriya & Kaudulla Jeep Safari". We originally wanted to go Kaudulla National Park, however since we were there in the midst of June, it was the season of Minneriya National Park (best time for Minneriya is June to August - after that the park is flooded an all the animals move to Kaudulla which is better in the months starting from mid August). Since the animals, parks, tours and prices are more or less the same, this review is applicable for both parks. We went in the morning and we are so glad we did, because in the afternoon there are over 100 jeeps on the same route and everything is really crowded. In the morning we were exactly two jeeps. If you look at other reviews and pictures you can see the crowds everywhere - of course so many vehicles also scare the animals away. We were picked up at 6 am at our hotel and drove there. You will be asked to pay before the tour at the entrance of the park. Our tour was 49500 lkr for 4 persons - which is not cheap compared to other offerings, but it was worth it. However, you might be able to get a better deal. The roads were rough, but out driver did very well and spotted every little bird everywhere. He also explained a lot about the animals, their habits and the surroundings. It was really interesting and you can clearly see, that he is in love with the nature around here. We saw deer, water buffalo, about 30 elephants and lots of different birds and eagle. Our diver was always patient and asked us, if we are ready to move on. He also made sure to not get to close to the animals or disturb them in their natural habitat. By 10 am we were back at the hotel.

The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple is a fascinating historic and religious site worth visiting. Be prepared for a climb — there are over 300 steps to reach the top, and it can get busy with tourists, so an early visit is ideal. As this is a sacred Buddhist site, a modest dress code is enforced: legs must be covered below the knee, and no bare shoulders are allowed. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. Inside the caves, the statues and wall paintings are remarkably well preserved, showcasing centuries of artistry and devotion. While the majority of the site is dedicated to Buddhist figures, you will also spot a few statues of Hindu gods, adding a unique cultural touch. The Golden Temple at the base is equally striking, with its massive seated Buddha statue welcoming visitors. Overall, it’s a place of spiritual significance, rich history, and stunning craftsmanship — a must-see when in the region.

This is an active place of worship for Buddhist, so be considerate. The temple is under the UNESCO protection. The parking area for accessing the temple is not very obvious to visitors who are coming without a group. You have to buy a ticket at the parking lot and then climb about 200 to 300 stairs to access the cave on top of the mountain. You have to remove your shoes to access the temple. There are monkeys in the area. I have not seen a toilet near the temple, but there is one on the parking lot.

Dambulla Cave Temple — also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla — is one of Sri Lanka’s most magnificent and best-preserved cave temple complexes. Located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, about 70 km north of Kandy, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1st century BCE. The temple complex consists of five main caves, each filled with ancient statues and vibrant murals depicting the life of the Buddha and various historical events. Over 150 Buddha statues, along with statues of Sri Lankan kings and Hindu deities like Vishnu and Ganesh. Beautiful murals covering over 2,000 square meters of cave walls and ceilings. The Golden Temple with its massive golden Buddha statue at the base of the rock. Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the hill.

This is a quite spectacular set of caves containing stunning images of buddhas, kings and bodhisattvas dating from 500 CE. There is a large modern temple at ground level with a huge golden buddha followed by a fairly steep stair up to the cave entrance. Justifiably the site is on the main tourist trails in Sri Lanka and visitors shouldn't be put off by crowds.

Review: Five caves filled with golden Buddhas, calm air, and echoes of ancient faith. Every inch of wall and ceiling tells stories painted centuries ago. It’s like walking through living art. Tips & Tricks: ✅ • 🕒 Go around 8–9 AM before it gets hot. • 👟 Wear easy-to-remove shoes (no footwear inside). • 💧 Bring water — you’ll climb a small hill to reach the top. • 📸 No flash photography — respect the ancient paintings. —————————————————————————— Specialties:🤩my • Five caves filled with golden Buddhas and murals. • Religious and historical treasure trove. • Panoramic view of surrounding farmland. Mind-blowing Facts: 🤯 • Murals cover more than 2,100 square meters of wall space. • The caves have been a place of Buddhist worship for over 2,000 years. • 157 Buddha statues inside, ranging from 1 meter to 15 meters tall.

Rangiri Dambulu Raja Maha Viharaya is a breathtaking historical and cultural treasure of Sri Lanka. The cave temples, filled with centuries-old Buddha statues and stunning wall paintings, are truly awe-inspiring. The climb to the top rewards you with panoramic views of Dambulla and its surroundings. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual, making it a perfect place for reflection and learning about Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. A must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site for anyone traveling to the Cultural Triangle!

The caves are interesting and worth visiting, but make sure you buy your entrance tickets at the counter on the side of the parking lot before you start the climb. You must get your tickets there or risk having to climb back down the mountain — there is another entrance, but you can’t buy tickets there either. Be prepared to leave your shoes at the entrance. The attendants will insist on a “donation” before giving your shoes back, which feels more like a mandatory fee. We gave 20 LKR, but saw another visitor hand over 1,000 LKR simply because they weren’t sure what to do. Have small change ready so you don’t end up overpaying and can get through the process quickly.

Dhilip is a very kind and knowledgeable man. It was exciting to see all the special birds and Dhilip knows all of their details. In general he had a good vibe and I enjoyed his company. The only point of improvement is that I did expect a much longer bird watching walk, to see more birds and also enjoy the natural surroundings more. I think the 40/50 USD is not worth the 2 hour walk we had. This might be different for others, but this is my opinion.

We met Dhilip during our stay in Haberana and straight away he leapt into action answering our questions and spotting birds! He took us on a great walk in the evening and we spotted around 20 species. During this walk Dhilip told us lots of tips on bird call recognition, bird behaviours and local stories too. The following morning we went for another bird walk and spotted around 40 species. Dhilip was very considerate of the wildlife and made sure we did not disturb anything. We even saw mating eagles. If you are interested in Sri Lankan bird species, meeting Dhilip is a must.

Dhilip is a great guide to the Habarana/Sigiriya area and if you're into birdwatching he is essential! His knowledge of the area and specifically the birds of Sri Lanka, is unrivaled. He is also a very fun and vibrant person to be around. Don't hesitate, and book a trip with Dhilip when you're around.

*Outstanding Ornithologist* Recently i had a bird trail With Dhilip de Alwis in the morning. It was, outstanding with his knowledge on birds and other animals. We spotted more than 50 species of birds within few hours and three were endemics. Explanation was par excellent with his knowledge of English... I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone and wish him good luck as well. Its really worth the money

Dhilip is a excellent guide for birdwatching in the Habarana area, lots of knowledge about local fauna. Also very pleasant and fun guy to be around with. I enjoyed my two birding days with him a lot!

Great Experience I had great experience doing a bird trail with Dhilip de Alwis. Before, i tried different guides for bird guiding from reputed hotels in and around Habarana and it was a real flop as their knowledge of English language especially when comes to explanation really bellow standard than what i expected. Dhilip was recommended to by another friend and this time i chose the right person as his knowledge on Aves and explanation on English was outstanding. Please note that he is an Ornithologist and not a wayside guide. He also conducts, island wide coverage as well...depends on his bookings, but he will recommend you to another knowledgeable Ornithologist if he is in such situation. I will  seek his knowledge again, sooner or later to discover the undiscovered speicies.... No doubt i recommend Dhilip, to any one who loves to spend time with nature and observe Aves...May be other species as well.. Its really worth the money... Roney Ousmand

I took an early morning walk with Dhilip on the far shore of Habarana lake. We spotted 21 bird species in about 1.5 hours. I wouldn't have spotted half of them without Dhilip, or known what they were. The highlights were a white- bellied sea eagle in flight, a grey-headed fish eagle and a stork-billed kingfish searching for prey, and two enormous owls. Dhilip is a real expert and great company too.

Great sights for elephant lovers 🐘. This is the place where you can see many elephants at one time in South Asia. The jeep safari was incredible our driver was so good he knew the places where elephants would come. Worthy for the money 💰 and to see elephant in their natural habitat without chains or people riding them. I would recommend this to anyone who has a passion for wildlife and elephants.

At times, it did feel like the M25 (UK) on a Friday night during rush hour. Loads of individual tours trying to give their customers the opportunity to see an elephant. That said, our guides left the crowd, and we had a fantastic chance to see Sri Lankan Elephants in the wild.

Great sights for elephant lovers 🐘. This is the place where you can see many elephants at one time in South Asia.

We had an amazing time with our guide! We also did see other guides getting very close to the elephants, having a traffic jam etc. But our guide was very mindful and we even saw some elephants just alone in our car. We did see a lot of elephants and also the national park is very nice. We went for afternoon safari 3 hours (enough) and booked through our hotel

Full of nature and wildlife. It's was an amazing Jeep tour . And special thanks for our Eco park tour guide, Aanta. He's very professional,friendly, and caring about his tourists . And I must say that all of the guides are highly trained for driving safely in jungle. In a word's the Hurulu Eco Park is full of enjoyment and beauty overloaded.

We saw many elephants, but I couldn't imagine we will participate to this track. There were more than 35 jeep, around the hard of elephants, leaving no space for them, approaching till 2 or 3 meters, cutting their way. It was really awful and crazy. Totally unrespectuous of the wild animals ...never more we will do that and for those who love and respect animals, we counsel to not go to this Hurulu awful park !

Amazing safari! Got to see many elephants, baby ones and a group of elephants etc. Loved it! ❤️❤️❤️😍😍

The Minneriya National Park was an unforgettable experience. Watching over 200 elephants in the wild, interacting and moving together, is something I will carry as a core memory forever. We also spotted water buffalo and peacocks along the way, which added to the adventure. I highly recommend starting your safari before 3 pm, as the tour lasts around 3 hours and drivers must return by 6 pm—otherwise, they risk being banned from the park for a month.

Minneriya National Park is a magical place—it truly feels like you've been plucked from reality and dropped right into a nature documentary! When we visited, there were hundreds of elephants dispersed near the water source and in different spots across the park. The surrounding nature, combined with the sight of the elephants and the vast landscape, was absolutely breathtaking. The guides and drivers have immense respect for the elephants. You are not allowed to exit the jeeps, and the drivers strictly stay on the designated paths. To ensure the animals are not disturbed, they switch off the engine while observing the herds. The park is wonderfully clean and well-maintained. The entry fee is a little pricey, but this is typical for tourist sites in Sri Lanka, where foreigners pay a higher price than locals. For me, the cost was completely justified by the experience. It was an unforgettable and highly recommended adventure!

This is the best spot to see wild elephants, peacocks, jackals and special birds. But one has to wonder if animal welfare has the highest priority for the tour providers. If you miss big city traffic jams, you’re definitely at the right place — especially if you don’t mind sitting in an open air jeep stuck between hundreds of other jeeps, right next to the elephants. Truly, meeting the elephants was a humbling experience, but the hundred jeeps around you really make you question your decision.

An unforgettable experience at Minneriya National Park! Watching elephant families walking together across the river during sunset was truly magical — a moment I’ll never forget. Big thanks to Hey Lanka Travels for arranging everything so smoothly, and special mention to Rumesh, who was incredibly supportive, caring, and funny throughout the journey. He made our trip so comfortable and enjoyable. Absolutely love Sri Lankan people for their kindness and hospitality! 🇱🇰🐘❤️

Incredible elephant experience at Minneriya! Just got back from an amazing safari at Minneriya National Park and I'm still in awe! This place is absolutely worth every penny if you want to see elephants in their natural habitat. The elephant gathering was phenomenal - we counted over 150 elephants in one area! It was like nothing I've ever seen before. The guide told us this is what Minneriya is famous for, and now I understand why. Watching entire herds with babies, adults, and elders all together was truly magical. Highlight of the trip: We were lucky enough to spot the famous Sumedha tusker! What a magnificent creature. Our guide was so excited and said we were very fortunate to see him. The tusker was impressive and definitely a sight to remember. Yes, there are quite a few jeeps around, especially during peak times, but don't let that discourage you. The park is large enough that it doesn't feel too crowded, and honestly, when you're watching over 150 elephants gathered together, you forget about everything else. The safari guides are knowledgeable and know exactly where to find the herds. Our driver was excellent and positioned us perfectly for photos and viewing. Tips: Go during dry season for the best elephant sightings. Bring a good camera with zoom lens. Early morning or late afternoon safaris are ideal. Minneriya definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants. Highly recommend!

I have been reading the reviews of this national park and I'm glad I went with the safari tour guide who was not only sensible but was sensitive. He never took the animals for granted and did not force his way towards any animal. It is hot right now in Sri Lanka and he told us very nicely that we may only see elephants and we were ok with that. It was the experience that was important for us. We started our safari by seeing an elephant outside on the road first. A male elephant has an inclined back and the hind legs are apparently shorter while the females have a straight back with equal lengths of her arms. This was a nice info by our guide. After this we saw a wild lizard too on a tree and how my guide managed to drive and catch this site that was opposite to his side of car is beyond my understanding. We then ended up catching glimpses of a lot of birds, Eegret, pelicans, eagle, crane and a few others. We saw more elephants, monkeys, langurs, spotted deer, mongoose, water buffalos and a montior lizard. So from being told that it's hot season and animals would be hidden or near water bodies only, we saw a lot of animals. Our hearts were filled. The tour guide was so genuine and helpful. His knowledge too seemed great.

We chose Sinhagirin Tours based on most reviewed on Tripadvisor. A day before the team sent a WhatsApp message saying rescheduling to Hurulu Eco Park will have a better chance of elephant sightings. However, the topography is mostly bushes and yes there were elephant mommy with junior elephants you’re crammed with 6-7 other jeeps. After like 1.5 hours I chose to change back to Minnerya National Park. Come what may due to the large lake there should be animals anyway! Our driver Bhashitha was very accommodating reconfirming again our choice with the office and off we went to Minneriya National Park. Excellent choice! Hardly any other jeeps. Just saw two others near the lake. Luckily, we found a small here of elephants 3 adult females and a week old baby elephant. Saw several large male elephants too, 3 sightings of a deer herd, kingfisher, mongoose, sly fox all within the first 30 mins in the park. The track was nice and shady too compared to the bushes of Hurulu Eco Park. So for the new comers! Stick to Minneriya National Park and you’ll surely see many types of animals. Kindly note, entrance fee to Minneriya National Park is LKR10,786.78 per foreign adult while Hurulu Eco Park is LKR2,060. Bring sunglasses and a hat to protect against the sun. Thank you Sinhagirin Tour for being flexible and a shout-out to Bhashitha for his sharp eyes in pointing out the many different animals, types of species and good knowledge of the animals! Highly recommended. We paid USD69.60 for 2 adults on Tripadvisor.

Kavudulla National Park is a dry zone forest with elephants for wildlife lovers, especially during the dry season when large elephant gatherings occur. Its serene landscapes, lush grasslands, and scenic reservoir make it ideal for a peaceful safari. Birdlife is abundant too, offering a rewarding experience for nature photographers. A must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, uncrowded Sri Lankan wilderness.

Kaudulla National Park was an incredible experience. We visited around midday and were the only ones there, which made it feel extra special. We saw a herd of about 25 elephants up close – absolutely breathtaking! The park is peaceful and perfect for wildlife spotting. A must-visit for nature lovers.

An unforgettable experience! Kaudulla National Park is absolutely beautiful. We saw dozens of elephants up close in their natural habitat. The safari was well-organized, and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend visiting if you love wildlife and nature!

Incredible time on the elephant safari in this beautiful national park. It offered an unparalleled close-up view of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife conservation, making the experience both educational and memorable. I highly recommend this safari to anyone looking to connect with nature and witness the incredible beauty of elephants up close. A truly unforgettable adventure!

We went at 2pm until 5pm and counted around 80 elephants. It can get verry busy with jeeps when there is a big herd. You will drive in a big circle so there will always be jeeps in front and behind of you.

We had an amazing Safari today with an excellent guide! We saw almost 100 elephants and a range of different animals. The safari trucks treated the elephants with respect and they did not seem bothered by the visitors.

Highly recommend kawdulla national park.Make sure to travel in a way that does not disturb wildlife.best wildlife officeres service very quickly take the tikets taking more . More birds elephant's gathering you can look. I was my Spain tourist clients

A night safari to Paluguswewa As planned, Pradeep with his friend naturalist Amal picked Murali and me up at 8 p.m. in his Toyota Land cruiser BJ43, a 1978 model beast he purchased from the military auction. As we boarded the vehicle, Amal equipped us with powerful spotlights and night vision goggles. Amal was scanning both sides of the mud path with his red-filtered lights, and the first encounter was with a pair of glowing eyes at a distance. He identified it as a fishing cat. We got down from the jeep and moved slowly in the direction. Sensing our presence, it started driving back; we could see the glowing eyes moving farther. After a few minutes of waiting, we started again. As we ventured deeper into the safari, we encountered nightjars, a jungle cat, packs of jackals, and a crocodile resting on the mud path, which vanished in a few seconds, sensing our presence, roosting grey hornbill and other birds. The most magical moment was when we saw the glowing eyes of a grey slender loris, the first time in my life. We got out of the vehicle slowly and tried to locate it without making noise, but it was moving away and deep. We waited silently, tracking its path with the red filter spotlight. Suddenly, a few alarm calls from spotted deer shivered down our spines, and we started moving. After a while, Amal screamed to stop the vehicle, noticing a pair of sparkling eyes in the dark again. We got down and walked with cat steps to the area; down the mud path in the tall grass, we saw another loris on a small isolated tree and could move near. The shy mammal hid inside the leaves, and we waited silently without moving. Then it came out slowly, and we could click a few pictures. We returned to our hotel by 2 a.m. Thanks to Piyumal Pradeep and Amal for the unforgettable experience of witnessing the mysteries of nature unfold under the cover of darkness.

A very beautiful and calming place. One of the best getaways for an amazing trip

It was a really fascinating experience. I enjoyed it very much

(Translated by Google) A great time discovering the different bird species of central Sri Lanka! He is passionate! If you like to exchange and spend a moment of discovery in nature, don’t hesitate! THANKS! (Original) Un super moment à découvrir les différentes espèces d oiseaux du centre du Sri Lanka ! Il est passionné ! Si vous aimez échanger et passez un moment de découverte dans la nature n’hésitez Pas! Merci!

(Translated by Google) Night safari to do during your stay in the area! We feel small in the face of nature and darkness Amal is a great guide, he is precise, gentle and accommodating I recommend! (Original) Night safari à faire pendant votre séjour dans le coin! On se sent petit face à la nature et l’obscurité Amal est un super guide, il est précis, doux et arrangeant Je recommande!

(Translated by Google) The team was exceptional, whether during the tour or at sunset, they even offered us cold beers, which were really great. (Original) L'équipe à été exceptionnelle que ce soit pendant le tour ou le sunset il nous on même proposé des bières fraîches franchement génial

Restaurant with A/C and good food. We came 2x, had noodles, club sandwich and deviled chicken. Noodles and deviled chicken were good. Club sandwich average with some ham instead of chicken. Prices also ok.

If you want LOCAL, this is a very good place. I went there twice and I would go again.

Ok food. Popular place for locals to eat fried rice :) nice staff.

We were tourists to Sri Lanka. Our quest is to eat good and affordable. There are many touristic restaurants that look beautiful. We learned to eat where it does not look very appealing from the outside. But if there are locals eating there, it must be good. So, once again, this restaurant fit the profile, not appealing from the outside, locals eating inside. And we must say... It was delicious!!! And, of course, affordable. Thank you guys!

This is nice place in Habarana. Clean and A class restaurant ( A grade means their food hygiene standard is very good according to government food and safety inspection). Good service and air-conditioning restaurant/good price.

Good cheap filling food.

Not worth to go there, really bad food. they don't care about clients at all. We asked the availability of pork several times and they said yes we can make a mix chopsuey with pork so we orderd mix chopsuey. After 20, 30min we got a nice looking dish. But almost 70% vegitables. My friend found a prown and no pork at all. We asked about pork. They didnt say anything. Women went to kitchen and man went somewhere suddenly. There was only a boy. No point of talking best thing is update everything here.

Curry and Rice is the perfect spot for anyone craving authentic flavors and hearty meals. The food is full of taste, with curries that are rich, aromatic, and cooked to perfection. Every dish feels freshly made, and the portions are generous—just the way a good rice and curry should be.special thanks for Mr.Mahesh rajapaksha.❤️

We had super good quality food here, the atmosphere is nice and you can grab from the buffet which also has a little dessert section (with yummy sago pudding, but also tea/coffee). We really enjoyed our food here, my favorites were the curried potatoes, the sour mango and the sago pudding 🫶🏼

Really lovely place, friendly service and good food. We went there 2 times: first time for some drinks and second time to try the buffet. Sarisa is a great guy and he stayed with us for some time talking about Sri Lanka and other interesting stories. We met also the owner of the place and he helped us with something we needed. Sarisa explained to us also about the different food dishes that they served, so we passed again to try them and we found everything well cooked and tasty. The chicken is a bit spicy, but nothing like crazy hot. The buffet is open till 4pm daily, so plenty of time to go there during the day.

Nice local Sri Lankan rise and curry. Clean and comfortably quiet when I visited on Sunday night. Chatting with staff was also fun and interesting experience for me.

Very good place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Everything very tasty and very fast, all waiters very nice, lovely place

The food at Curry and Rice – Habarana was absolutely delicious! Authentic Sri Lankan flavors and perfectly cooked dishes. Highly recommended!Fresh ingredients, rich spices, specially loved the rice and curry selection.If you’re looking for real Sri Lankan cuisine, this is the place. The curries were flavorful and the portions generous. Great taste and quality! The vegetable and meat curries were both full of flavor. A wonderful culinary experience in Habarana.

amazing food!!! loved the variety of fresh fruit for dessert

I realize that Sri Lanka has gone through a lot and I am ok paying more than locals because I am an obvious tourist but I was completely overcharged for mediocre food. My kofffu and 1 beer cost me more than the equivalent meal would have cost me in Singapore. I am very very disappointed.

We have to wait 45 minutes since order. Foods are not tasty, but normal. I think they didn't use MSG. (Can't guarantee 100%) There is Free WiFi (Speed test screenshot attached below) Overall satisfaction is neutral.

After long-tie I visited this place. Toilet is quite bad. But restaurant areas is decorated nice. Price is bit high I think this is due to countries situation at this movement.

Had tea, a juice and fruit and nut ice cream here. Really tasty, great service and very reasonable prices.

Had dinner over there (fried noodles ) ,food was quiet tasty and worth for what you are paying.

Great tasty food!! Friendly service!! Recommend this place to everyone!

Clean and reasonable priced Manager courteous and friendly

One of the best dinner in Habarana. Had a delicious chicken fried rice. Nice vibe within the restaurant & commendable staff. Attractive lighting arrangements..

A great open air place tucked off the main road, Seats about 40 but feels cozy. Good standard menu. Coming back tomorrow night!

Set back from the main road but well marked, it’s a nice little restaurant with a variety of options whether you want Sri Lankan food or pasta. Tried the Koththu which is like fried noodles but with roti instead of noodles and really enjoyed it

We stopped here for early dinner. Very nice place, good vibes, friendly staff and tasty food.

Good food, good ambience, great staffs and nicely decorated. We were three and took mixed fried noodles and sea food soup. Although they said each platter is for 1 person, I felt like each platter is for two. I mean the quantity was enough. Dewata villa is just 50-70 steps inside the highway and ia nicely decorated having all sides almost open for natural air and light.

Ordered chicken Koththu, penne carbonara, BBQ chicken, and chicken fried noodle. The food waiting time is almost 30 min and very long. The taste is not so good. I think I should say the taste is bad. There are lots of flies in the restaurant. The price is so expensive. I can understand that there is no customer except us. I think I will never visit again here^^; Chicken Koththu : 1950 rs Chicken noodle : 1950 rs Carbonara: 2100 rs BBQ chicken : 2750 rs 2 Beers : 1900 rs

Extraordinary service ❤️❤️❤️❤️ food was awsome. Nice cozy environment. Wanna feel sri lankan hospitality?? Then this is the place ❤️❤️ great work guys keep going ☺️

We stoped here to have a small snack, the staff was super friendly and nice, they had no problem in preparing a couple of rotis for us although it was not on the menu! The environment was calm and the place was clean and beautiful, we will come back to try the main dishes!

We had some good tea and coffee here. The waiter was very friendly and welcoming. Authentic and relaxing place.

.absolute trash, the cooked rice was literally expired. Couldn't it, js vomited by the taste.

Don’t go. They have to learn what is the meaning of buffet. Hiding foods and limiting the foods. Worst place ever seen. Not worth for the prices

Very nice food and excellent service from Haru.

Good location but food not good

Not worthy for the price Not satisfied 😕

Nice local bakery, fresh and clean, good choice of various items. You can eat there or take it to go. Maybe a bit of advice here ( as far as language is a concern); ‘bread’ and ‘egg’ are not the same word ;) there was a bit confusion about when I went there. Anyhow, the spice topping kicked my taste buts! Yum!

We are Indian British and whilst we liked some of the other food we had, we felt it was a western version of sri lankan food. We weren’t disappointed here. We came for lunch and came back for dinner! The short eats for lunch were delicious. We came back for delicious hoppers, paratha, dal, and kotthu. It’s not the most stylish of places - plastic tables and chairs, basic toilets - but very very tasty A family of 4 filled ourselves with a bottle of water for 1220 rupees Bargain a

We loved this place for short eats. Egg hoppers, pastries, roti ... all were exceptional. Breakfast or lunch for only a dollar or two per person. We came here a number of times. Thoroughly recommended.

Popped in here for breakfast today. The stuffed roti were amazing and great value. Very friendly. Highly recommended for authentic local food at local prices.

Hidden Gem !! Best Kottu and fried rice we had in Sri Lanka. Our 5 years old ( food picky) daughter LOVED it. We came 3 days in a row. Huge portion, super light price, adorable people. 💛✨

Best egg kothu paratha here. Very kind and honest. Tea and coffee have a lot of sugar - so tell them before you order.

Great Food, nice people!

I love this little restaurant because it’s super charming. The people are incredibly kind, gentle, and always so welcoming. The food is absolutely delicious. During my stay in this little town, I’ve already eaten here three times, and honestly, it’s been wonderful every single time. I highly recommend it to everyone — the food is truly amazing. I especially love the fried rice with egg, it’s just perfect! Thank you for the lovely experience. 🙏🧡☺️

Amazing rice and curry! Very friendly and attentive staff, Asanka read my mind and brought me second servings - I feel full and satisfied! Super delicious special home made gravy with many herbs on top! The second floor is nice, a bit street noise though.

We recently had lunch from this restaurant. Staff was very kind and helpful. Service is great. Food is also awesome. We ordered mixed rice, chicken devilled and passion fruit juice. All of them were delicious and enough portions to share with two people. Prices were reasonable. Great value for the money.

Great place, friendly waiters. They have is a warm welcome, seated us on the rooftop and introduced all the food. We ate ceylon red chicken curry and vegetable kothu. Out kids where happy with fries and egg. So a good meal for a nice price and good food in a good ambiance.

Amazing food! We ate dinner at Inspire Habarana and we enjoyed it a lot :) The food (Kottu) was delicious and the owners were really friendly. We can absolutely recommend it!

We stopped off here for lunch and it was delicious. The staff were very friendly and keen to make our time pleasurable. Would highly recommend the chicken curry and the Sri Lankan omelette.

Fantastic service, wait staff friendly and so accomodating. Excelent food, it's well cooked and delicious. Walking distance from Cinnamon Resort. Had a beautiful upstairs restaurant well lit. Nice touch, cards on the table for entertainment!

Popped by for happy hour and stayed for dinner. The Tilapia exceeded expectations! No muddy taste. So soft and flavourful. The vegetarian kottu was fresh and filled with veggies. Dessert was milk curd with passion fruit and honey. Was an absolute joy dining at Chill & Swing Bistro!

A very nice place - good food and coffee,lovely atmosphere and very welcoming staff. Enjoyed the chill on the swing. Highly recommended. So glad we found this hidden gem. I will think of the place when looking at the fridge magnet. Diolch yn fawr from your loyal Welsh women xx

One of the best bars we’ve been to in Sri Lanka so far. The staff, including the owner Jerry, are the kindest people who ensure your visit is nothing but incredible. They looked after us so well that we stayed for 5 hours! Highly recommend and we’re sad we’re leaving tomorrow otherwise we would be back again!

The restaurant is authentic and full of character. The host is very kind and welcoming, always smiling while serving delicious dishes. At the end of your meal, try the arrack – the typical Sri Lankan distillate. He’ll be delighted with your choice and will happily join you for a shot.

If you’re looking for a great please to eat, that’s the one. Great food and atmosphere, I love the drinks also. Big thanks for Jerry and his crew

Best coffee and food in Sri Lanka! Nice people, nice music, nice environment, we visit twice in 12 hours…

We had such a great time dining at Swing & Chill in Habarana. The food was absolutely delicious – freshly prepared, well seasoned, and beautifully presented. The menu offered a great mix of local and international dishes, and everything we tried was excellent. What truly made the experience special was the exceptional service and genuine friendliness of the staff. We felt warmly welcomed and very well taken care of throughout our visit. To top it all off, we were even given a small souvenir to take home, which was such a thoughtful surprise. And after dinner, they offered to drive us back – such a kind and generous gesture! All in all, it’s a lovely place with great food and people who truly care about their guests. Easily one of our favorite restaurants in Sri Lanka!

Delicious chicken biryani. Although it's not on the menu yet, it seems like a hidden gem. He didn't use Basmati rice (more like a Bangla/Kolkatta style rice), but the dish was crafted exceptionally well.

Great food, quick and kind service and a lovely owner! Highly recommend

Our family had dinner here a few nights ago. Lovely spot. Food was great. Lots of western and local food options. Staff super friendly.

Really nice, relaxed evening with a lovely helpful team who served us. Excellent food, fast service and good atmosphere....and fruit salad with ice cream for dessert 😋

Shitty pizza and im waiting 1h for eat. High price.

Great food. Nice man serving us. No waffles though, only at christmas 😭

We didn't want the usual uninspiring food on the menu at every restaurant nearby. The owner advertises fried fish but when we checked in the afternoon he didn't have any. So he went and bought some, marinated it and cooked it when we arrived. It was really good.

Delicious food! We spotted local police eating here and figured that it must be good. What a find... by far the best restaurant we went to in Habarana. Generous portions of food and lovely staff. The egg hoppers were awesome. Also had string hoppers, chicken curry, veg curry, dhal, and sambal - all great.

Just ate at a garbage "beach hotel" as they call themselves in trincomalee yesterday. It cost so much and was disgusting, due to stomach problems I didn't eat for a week and any food I had I spat out. Then on our way back to colombo we came here and I was like, oh another bad food store, not going to be digestible, but the rice and curry taste like god sent, the chicken was so soft and made my mouth feel good again my stomach problems seem to have been relieved, thank you so much prassanna, defiantly come here again when I vist from canada

Foos here is amazing, authentic Sri Lanka food at reasonable prices. They will go above and beyond to accommodate to your needs. The stuff is so friendly. We went twice!

We went to this place for breakfast. We just ate rice with dhal curry, lasia root curry, pol sambol, and fried fish. The food was not tasty at all, but the prices were too expensive (LKR 600.00 per person), and they charged us the tourist price even though we are locals. The tablecloths were also very dirty. The staff was very arrogant and rude. The cashier girl did not even know how to speak to a customer. This place is not recommended.

Prasanna Hotel & Restaurant is a great place to stop for a meal. The food was delicious, service was friendly, and the atmosphere was comfortable. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

Best basket hoppers in Sri Lanka. Friendly staff and great price. Popular with the locals.

THE MANAGEMENT ARE A BUNCH OF THEIFS. We are living in Habarana now for 1 year and every time we come to Prasanna they seem to charge more and more. Their food quality has gone down and the management is VERY RUDE AND ARROGANT. DO NOT GO HERE!!!! WASTE OF MONEY!!!!!

After all it’s my home country , Thought sharing my honest feedback 😉. generally a smooth and pleasant experience always here. The airport is compact, clean, and well-maintained, with helpful and courteous staff who made navigation through check-in and security quick and simple—sometimes even more efficient than airports in the UK. There’s a good selection of duty-free shops, cafes, and lounges, though prices are a bit steep. Wi-Fi and lighting were hit or miss in some areas, and seating can be limited when it gets busy. Overall, CMB offers a welcoming and reasonably comfortable experience—just be ready for queues, higher-than-average prices, and bring your own snacks or anticipation for rest areas.

I had a pleasant experience at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. The check-in process was surprisingly efficient and quick, even during a busy morning period, which made navigating the terminal a breeze. The staff were cooperative and helpful, aligning with the warm hospitality I experienced at places like Shangri-La Colombo and One Galle Face Mall during my trip. The airport’s infrastructure is basic but well-designed, with a compact layout that’s easy to navigate, especially for transit passengers. The contemporary design with Sri Lankan cultural motifs adds a nice touch, though it feels a bit outdated in parts. There are various dining options, from fast food like Burger King to local Sri Lankan dishes at places like Palm Strip Restaurant. However, prices are steep, expect to pay ~$12-$15 for a meal, which is high for the region. My main gripe was the limited shopping options. The duty-free zone focuses heavily on electronics, which isn’t ideal for tourists. I was specifically looking for a Lotus Tower souvenir to commemorate my visit to Colombo, but the only option was an expensive glass-covered model that felt overpriced for what it was. Also, I couldn’t find a bookstore, which was disappointing. Overall, CMB is a functional airport with efficient check-in and a decent atmosphere, but the lack of diverse shops and affordable souvenirs holds it back. Fine for a quick transit, but don’t expect a robust shopping experience.

The main airport in Sri Lanka. Caters almost all international flights to and from country. Situated away from the capital Colombo can travel by highway in around 45 minutes. Airport is having one terminal with multiple gates for boarding and landing. It has basic infrastructure to carter a large number of passengers. Yet, there’s almost always a rush. The staff is good, friendly and efficient but may be workload is high. The airport can be more developed and modernized to avoid the rush. It doesn’t provide strollers for kids but have wheelchairs and special assistance for disabled passengers.

I am working in Thailand and usually travel from Trichy to Thailand with a transit at Colombo Airport. The transit experience is always very comfortable, and I really appreciate SriLankan Airlines for their excellent service. Mobile charging points are available, but Thailand-type adapters are not supported at the airport. The food and tea shops are good, and there are plenty of shops inside the terminal. Drinking water is also easily available along the way. Overall, it’s a very convenient airport for Indian travelers. I have transited through this airport many times — it offers many flight options to major destinations across India. The facilities are excellent, the service is great, and the staff are always friendly and helpful.

Overall, it was a pretty decent. The airport felt organized and easy to get around, and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming — that warm Sri Lankan hospitality really shows. From check-in to baggage claim, everyone was polite and helpful, which made the journey smoother. That said, there were a few downsides. Immigration took quite a while since there were very few officers on duty, and the queues were long. The washrooms also need a bit more attention in terms of cleanliness and maintenance. All in all, it’s a nice airport with a great atmosphere — just wish the immigration process and facilities were a bit better managed.

Sri Lanka’s main international airport is quite a busy place, so it’s best to arrive at least three hours before your flight. There are porters available to help you with your luggage, but please note that it’s a paid service. You can simply carry your own bags if you prefer, although you’ll need to handle your luggage at a few different checkpoints (around 2–3 times) yourself. Only passengers are allowed to enter the airport. If anyone else wants to go inside, they need to buy an entry ticket, which is around 500 LKR. Even then, they can only go a little past the entrance – so it’s really not necessary. Inside the terminal, there are a few shops, food outlets, banks, and even a small supermarket. The toilets are clean, and the general facilities are well maintained. Once you check in and go to the second floor, you’ll find many branded stores, duty-free shops, and several nice cafés. I also noticed that they recently added a special area for monks which is a thoughtful initiative. Overall, the airport is functional, clean, and managed well.

This airport is quite small, and I had to spend almost 8 hours here during a night transit. Honestly, it was not very comfortable because there aren’t many places where you can really rest or lie down. The seating is limited and not designed for long waits. Food options in the transit area are also very limited, especially late at night, so it’s better to bring something with you if you know you’ll be staying for a while. On a positive note, I noticed that the toilets have improved compared to my last visit about 5 years ago—they are cleaner and better maintained now. There are sleeping pods available, but the price is extremely high, which makes them not really worth it for most travelers. Overall, the airport is fine for short layovers, but for long transits—especially overnight—it’s quite challenging.

After all it’s my home country , Thought sharing my honest feedback 😉. generally a smooth and pleasant experience always here. The airport is compact, clean, and well-maintained, with helpful and courteous staff who made navigation through check-in and security quick and simple—sometimes even more efficient than airports in the UK. There’s a good selection of duty-free shops, cafes, and lounges, though prices are a bit steep. Wi-Fi and lighting were hit or miss in some areas, and seating can be limited when it gets busy. Overall, CMB offers a welcoming and reasonably comfortable experience—just be ready for queues, higher-than-average prices, and bring your own snacks or anticipation for rest areas.

I had a pleasant experience at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. The check-in process was surprisingly efficient and quick, even during a busy morning period, which made navigating the terminal a breeze. The staff were cooperative and helpful, aligning with the warm hospitality I experienced at places like Shangri-La Colombo and One Galle Face Mall during my trip. The airport’s infrastructure is basic but well-designed, with a compact layout that’s easy to navigate, especially for transit passengers. The contemporary design with Sri Lankan cultural motifs adds a nice touch, though it feels a bit outdated in parts. There are various dining options, from fast food like Burger King to local Sri Lankan dishes at places like Palm Strip Restaurant. However, prices are steep, expect to pay ~$12-$15 for a meal, which is high for the region. My main gripe was the limited shopping options. The duty-free zone focuses heavily on electronics, which isn’t ideal for tourists. I was specifically looking for a Lotus Tower souvenir to commemorate my visit to Colombo, but the only option was an expensive glass-covered model that felt overpriced for what it was. Also, I couldn’t find a bookstore, which was disappointing. Overall, CMB is a functional airport with efficient check-in and a decent atmosphere, but the lack of diverse shops and affordable souvenirs holds it back. Fine for a quick transit, but don’t expect a robust shopping experience.

The main airport in Sri Lanka. Caters almost all international flights to and from country. Situated away from the capital Colombo can travel by highway in around 45 minutes. Airport is having one terminal with multiple gates for boarding and landing. It has basic infrastructure to carter a large number of passengers. Yet, there’s almost always a rush. The staff is good, friendly and efficient but may be workload is high. The airport can be more developed and modernized to avoid the rush. It doesn’t provide strollers for kids but have wheelchairs and special assistance for disabled passengers.

I am working in Thailand and usually travel from Trichy to Thailand with a transit at Colombo Airport. The transit experience is always very comfortable, and I really appreciate SriLankan Airlines for their excellent service. Mobile charging points are available, but Thailand-type adapters are not supported at the airport. The food and tea shops are good, and there are plenty of shops inside the terminal. Drinking water is also easily available along the way. Overall, it’s a very convenient airport for Indian travelers. I have transited through this airport many times — it offers many flight options to major destinations across India. The facilities are excellent, the service is great, and the staff are always friendly and helpful.

Overall, it was a pretty decent. The airport felt organized and easy to get around, and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming — that warm Sri Lankan hospitality really shows. From check-in to baggage claim, everyone was polite and helpful, which made the journey smoother. That said, there were a few downsides. Immigration took quite a while since there were very few officers on duty, and the queues were long. The washrooms also need a bit more attention in terms of cleanliness and maintenance. All in all, it’s a nice airport with a great atmosphere — just wish the immigration process and facilities were a bit better managed.

Sri Lanka’s main international airport is quite a busy place, so it’s best to arrive at least three hours before your flight. There are porters available to help you with your luggage, but please note that it’s a paid service. You can simply carry your own bags if you prefer, although you’ll need to handle your luggage at a few different checkpoints (around 2–3 times) yourself. Only passengers are allowed to enter the airport. If anyone else wants to go inside, they need to buy an entry ticket, which is around 500 LKR. Even then, they can only go a little past the entrance – so it’s really not necessary. Inside the terminal, there are a few shops, food outlets, banks, and even a small supermarket. The toilets are clean, and the general facilities are well maintained. Once you check in and go to the second floor, you’ll find many branded stores, duty-free shops, and several nice cafés. I also noticed that they recently added a special area for monks which is a thoughtful initiative. Overall, the airport is functional, clean, and managed well.

This airport is quite small, and I had to spend almost 8 hours here during a night transit. Honestly, it was not very comfortable because there aren’t many places where you can really rest or lie down. The seating is limited and not designed for long waits. Food options in the transit area are also very limited, especially late at night, so it’s better to bring something with you if you know you’ll be staying for a while. On a positive note, I noticed that the toilets have improved compared to my last visit about 5 years ago—they are cleaner and better maintained now. There are sleeping pods available, but the price is extremely high, which makes them not really worth it for most travelers. Overall, the airport is fine for short layovers, but for long transits—especially overnight—it’s quite challenging.