Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka 

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

After Kaudulla National Park and Dehiwala Zoo, the Hurulu Eco Park was another destination for me to explore Sri Lanka’s wildlife.  If places such as Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka and Kandy in Central Sri Lanka have been the cultural hubs of the country, these parks have shown how people have lived here since eternity in collaboration with nature and wildlife.  The Hurulu Eco Park is especially very close to Habarana, the epicenter of cultural and historical landmarks such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock, Ritigala Forest Monastery, and Ritigala Forest Reserve.  The distance between Habarana and the Hurulu Eco Park, at the edge of the Hurulu Forest Reserve, is just around 3 to 4 kilometers. However, despite the short distance, this eco park is quiet and understated.  Also, you know what makes Hurulu Eco Park different? Here, you relish the art of slow traveling and the scent of wet soil after a fresh spell of rain.  Furthermore, elephants are the heart of this eco park, and watching them grazing through the golden light is a delight.  Here is more about this beautiful eco park in Sri Lanka.  Hurulu Eco Park, Sri Lanka: Quick Details  Hours Open7 AM to 6 PMLast Time to Enter5 PMPark Entrance Fee- $15-25 for an Adult- $5 for Children above 6 Years- Free for Children below 6 YearsSafari Cost$65 OnwardSafari DurationAround 3 HoursBest Time to VisitDecember to June Where Is Hurulu Eco Park And How To Reach?  In Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Hurulu Eco Park is between the landmarks such as Polonnaruwa (1 hour and 15 minutes), Anuradhapura (1 hour and 50 minutes), Dambulla (45 minutes), and Sigiriya (45 minutes).  So, often there is a safari add-on to explore these ancient cities and the cultural landmarks.  Furthermore, as mentioned, it is closest to Habarana. So, ideally, it should be your base.  Habarana also has many budget, mid-budget, and luxury accommodations. Moreover, most hotels in Habarana, Dambulla, and Sigiriya offer door-to-door safari facilities.  You can expect a pick up around one hour before the safari time.  Moreover, you can take a train from Trincomalee, Kandy, or Colombo to reach Habarana Junction. From there, you can take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to reach the eco park.  However, online booking for these train tickets may not work most of the time.  The Landscape Of Hurulu Eco Park  Hurulu Eco Park is a mix of open plains, rock, and jungle.  Furthermore, as a part of the dry evergreen forest area of Sri Lanka, it functions as an important corridor for elephants roaming between Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.  So, you can easily spot Sri Lankan elephants here, especially the mothers and babies making small groups and moving.  Along with elephants, you can also spot peacocks, spotted deer, macaques, langurs, and many birds here.  What I Saw At Hurulu Eco Park  I was initially disappointed the day I had to visit the Hurulu Eco Park. I thought that the tropical rain would mess up my safari experience.  However, I opted for an afternoon safari, and by the time I reached Hurulu, except for the heavy dampness in the air, everything was fine.  Also, the mud on the track was not a problem to start the safari in full swing.  After a few turns in the park, I could spot a herd of elephants, and they were winding up leaves and fruits with their trunks. Moreover, they were flapping their ears.  Then, after waiting for 15 minutes, the herd passed by and we continued our safari.  We passed through rocks, canopies, and bushes. I spotted a peacock and monkeys before reaching an open land. And that was the moment of the entire safari.  At least 25 elephants were grazing, and the younger ones were rolling in the mud.   Finally, the air became cooler, and the sky started getting red. So, our jeep driver planned a return.  How To Plan A Safari In The Hurulu Eco Park?  Safaris in Hurulu Eco Park include a guide, a jeep, park entry, and a pickup and drop off from Hurulu Eco Park.  Morning safaris are the best, ideally starting from 7 AM. Furthermore, like me, you can also opt for an afternoon safari at 1 PM.  Furthermore, each jeep carries about 6 tourists. Also, you must carry some water, wear sunscreen, and a hat. What Is The Best Time To Visit Hurulu Eco Park? The best time to visit Hurulu Rco Park is between December and June. Especially, February to April is the ideal time to see the lush landscapes and the biggest elephant herds.  Furthermore, the number of jeeps is quite low in these months.  Again, from May onward, the conditions become drier, and the elephants start moving from the Kaudulla National Park to the Minneriya National Park. So, in Hurulu Eco Park, you will notice smaller herds of elephants.  Moreover, from October to January is the wet season, and the jungle becomes the most vivid. So, these months are the best for photographers.  Photography Tips For Hurulu Eco Park  You will find a mix of open plains, forest shades, and red earth in Hurulu Eco Park. So, the landscape is challenging yet interesting for photographers.  Furthermore, for photography, you must bring a 70-200 mm lens. It is ideal to capture wildlife, and the wider lens is the best to frame the color and scale of Hurulu Eco Park during the golden hour.  Moreover, after the rain, the conditions become more ideal for photography. Grey elephants, red dust, and the green foliage create wonderful frames.  Again, the light filters through the tree branches becomes low in the late afternoon. So, you can capture the texture and warmth of the Hurulu Eco Park. Things To Keep In Mind For A Visit To Hurulu Eco Park  Do not use single-use plastic bottles during the safari to minimize the impact on the environment, wildlife, and marine life.  Furthermore, keep the water use to a minimum level to reduce the pressure on water resources.  Moreover, collect your souvenirs from the local shops and eat at the local eateries to help the economy of the community.

BY  Sibashree Apr 27, 2026

Search for Habarana on Google, and in 9 out of 10 cases, it will show that Habarana in North-Central Sri Lanka is the base for visiting the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.  However, Habarana in the district of Anuradhapura in itself is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature.  So, if you want to set your cultural itinerary in Sri Lanka right, Habarana will be at the epicenter. In this article, I will talk about the things to do in Sri Lanka from Habarana. I will also discuss the top attractions in this beautiful tourist town with a population of 5000.  Where Is Habarana?  Habarana in Anuradhapura District is around 180 km away from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.  Located in the north-east of Colombo, it is also just 30 minutes away by road from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its neighbor, Pidurangala Rock.  How To Reach Habarana?  The most convenient way to reach Habarna is to take a bus or train from Trincomalee.  I, of course, as always, opted for a train ride after a visit to the Uppuveli Beach and exploring the other things to do in Trincomalee.  Getting To Habarana On A Train  The Habarana Railway Station is on the Colombo to Trincomalee Railway Line. I took a night train from Trincomalee (Night Mail, Trincomalee → Colombo Fort).  This train runs daily and departs the Trincomalee Station at 7 PM and reaches Habarana at 9:30 PM.  I bought a second-class ticket, and it cost me 800 LKR. The third-class tickets will cost around LKR 600.  Getting To Habarana On A Bus  From Trincomalee to Habarana, it is a bus ride of little over 2 hours. The ticket price was INR 300 when I last enquired.  You will get different buses run by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and many private buses.  However, considering the scorching Sun of Sri Lanka, a bus ride is difficult in the daytime, and the Trincomalee to Habarana route remains crowded. Why Is Habarana The Base For A Cultural Exploration In Sri Lanka?  Habarana has a beautiful lake by the name of Habarana Lake. It is a tranquil water body with lush greenery around.  It is a beautiful place for birdwatching. Furthermore, you can also spot monkeys and elephants here.  When you are in Habarana, you can start your day with a stroll along the lake. Then, you can plan a day trip to the following places.  1. The Sacred City Of Anuradhapura  Distance from Habarana: 59 Kms The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the religious and cultural capital of Sri Lanka for 1300 years.  However, it was massively impacted due to the invasion in 993 AD.  The main stupas in this sacred complex are the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa, Jethawanaramaya Stupa, the third-largest man-made structure, and the most sacred Ruwanwelisaya Stupa.  2. Kaudulla National Park  Distance from Habarana: 28 Kms If you want to spot elephants in Sri Lanka, you have to visit the Kaudulla National Park.  However, the Kaudulla National Park is not just about the safaris or spotting the wildlife. During my visit, I found it truly living up to its reputation for animal welfare.  It is one of the places I visited where elephants are not chained.  3. Hurulu Eco Park  Distance from Habarana: 3.4 Kms The Hurulu Eco Park is the closest destination to visit from Habarana if you want to experience the wildlife of Sri Lanka.  Elephants passing between the Minneriya National Park and the Kaudulla National Park use Hurulu Eco Park as an important corridor.  Moreover, the topography of the Hurulu Eco Park is a good mix of plains, rocks, and evergreen jungle.  4. Dambulla Royal Cave Temple Distance from Habarana: 25 Kms The Dambulla Royal Cave Temples are fascinating, and being a two-million-year-old place of Buddhist worship is something extraordinary.  The more amazing thing is that the temples are well-preserved, and people still worship Lord Buddha in these temples.  Spanning an area of 2100 square meters, these cave temples have 157 statues of Lord Buddha and other important figures of Buddhism.  However, among all these statues, the reclining statue of Lord Buddha in the 1st cave will remain etched in my memory forever.  5. Ritigala Forest Monastery Distance from Habarana: 21 Kms The Ritigala Forest Monastery has its historical roots in the 1st century BCE. During that time, Buddhist monks settled here.  Over time, this monastery became an important site for the powerful Pansukulika Sect, which enjoyed the highest form of glory during the 9th to 11th centuries.  However, it was destroyed by Chola invasions in the 10th-12th centuries.  The Ritigala Forest Monastery has a long history of discovery and restoration, too. Moreover, it has a connection with the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana.  In addition, the Ritigala Mountain is home to more than 417 species of medicinal plants and a rich biodiversity. 6. Sigiriya Rock Fortress  Distance from Habarana: 30 Kms The Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is primarily a site of a Buddhist monastery from the 3rd to 1st century BCE. However, there are also legends about this rock fortress being the Golden Palace of Ravana.  Nevertheless, the Buddhist monastery in the Sigiriya Rock rose to importance when Anuradhapura became the capital of Sri Lanka. 7. Pidurangala Rock Distance from Habarana: 30 Kms Many tourists make the mistake of considering Pidurangala Rock as a trekking point that offers a better view of the Sigiriya Rock.  However, along with being a neighbor of Sigiriya Rock, it also has a history of Buddhism associated with it, and the history is 2 millennia old.  After Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Rock the center of power, the monks shifted from there and started residing in the Pidurangala Rock.  It also received royal patronage for its development and for making adequate accommodations for the monks here.  8. The Ruins Of Polonnaruwa Distance from Habarana: 47.5 Kms The ruins of Polonnaruwa are a part of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was a growing religious and commercial center of Sri Lanka for over 800 years.  During the Sinhalese and Chola kingdoms and for three centuries, it was the capital of the country.  Today, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle, the central dagoba, Shiva Devale, Pabalu Vehera, Rankot Vihara, the dagaba Kiri Vihara, and many other ruins and architecture.  Also, the Buddha sculptures in different dagobas or stupas of the complex were mesmerizing.  9. Minneriya National Park  Distance from Habarana: 5.8 Kms Minneriya National Park has a lush landscape, and along with elephants, it is also home to diverse wildlife such as sloth bears, leopards, and different bird species.  The annual gathering of elephants is the most fascinating incident of the Minneriya National Park. It indicates an event where hundreds of elephants have a meeting, or they gather around the Minneriya Tank.  Habarana: Beyond The Gateway To The Cultural Triangle Of Sri Lanka   Although most people think of Habarana as being nothing more than a bus stop for those heading to Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa, it actually turned out to be the best surprise during my trip to Sri Lanka.  The only reason to stay in Habarana is how convenient the location is.  However, staying there provided me with an experience that you couldn’t reproduce in the more touristy areas of the island, which is the natural beauty of the area. A Place For The Gentle Giants The highlight of my time spent in Habarana was the fact that I was so close to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.  I didn’t just see elephants. I witnessed what is known as the "Gathering."  Also, I observed hundreds of wild elephants gathered around one of the ancient reservoirs while driving around in an open-top jeep.  This is due to it being located in the middle of these two migratory areas.  While we still had wildlife encounters in the more touristy areas, they didn’t have the same natural feel or take the same amount of effort as they did while driving around in Habarana. Authentic Village Immersion In addition to going on safari, I spent a morning enjoying the lifestyle of the people living on the shores of a local lake.  I took a traditional horse-drawn carriage to the lake and paddled across the lake in a canoe.  I shared a meal of rice and spicy sambol with a family in their mud hut that was about as authentic as you could get.  This was far more than just a stopping point, and it was an example of the hospitality of the Sri Lankan people and the slow lifestyle that became my takeaways. Where To Stay In Habarana?  If you're looking for accommodations in Habarana, you're sure to find something that meets your budget, with options ranging from "basic backpacker" to "boujie boutique" accommodations.  For a "calm little oasis," Dudley's Nature Resort is a great option, and it is located 15 minutes away from the main strip of Habarana. Furthermore, the resort is set in a lush jungle environment and includes a pool and breakfast served in the garden.  Moreover, if you are looking to be in a social environment, Roy's Villa Hostel is close by and has an incredible communal atmosphere. Where To Eat In Habarana?  For authentic local flavors, Dewata Villa is a must-visit for its legendary "Rice & Curry" spread.  If you're looking for a quick, budget-friendly bite, Cinnamon Lodge offers great snacks, while the main street is lined with "Short Eat" bakeries for spicy pastries.  For a more social evening, head to Roy’s Villa nearby for delicious communal dinners and great vibes.

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

Once you cross the massive bay of Weligama, you will find many hidden beaches and coves on the south-western coast.  There is a stretch that goes through small inlets and has beautiful golden sands. These inlets with coconut palms are called Midigama collectively.  While Midigama will win your heart with its quaint beauty at first glance, it is more popular as a surfing spot for intermediates.  It is no less than a treasure hunt with unexplored reefs and secret waves.  Moreover, the surf spots of the Midigama Beach, such as Lazy Left or Ahangama, are diverse and unique in the experience they offer.  However, a local professional surfer confided that the Coconuts are the best surfing spot if you already have some skills.  Hi, are you planning a trip to Midigama Beach anytime soon? Read this blog to know about the location, surfing sports, and more about this beautiful beach.  Where Is Midigama Beach?  The cluster of beaches, known as the Midigama Beach, is between Weligama and Ahangama, a popular beach town and surfing spot.  Furthermore, the beach spans an area of 6 kilometers, including the clusters of inlets.  The best and most budget-friendly way to reach Midigama. It is a train ride of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the ticket cost me around Rs. 240.  I took the train from Colombo Fort at 6:15 PM and reached Midigama at 9:25 PM, and the ticket price was Rs 550 for the second class.  Where To Surf On Midigama Beach? I have already shared that the surfing spots in Midigama are diverse. So, the size, the type of breaks, and the surfing style will be different from one surfing location to another.   So, here are the surfing spots everyone loves.  1. Ahangama Ahangama, on the northwest of Midigama, has been a popular surfing hub for the last few years.  It has many surf camps and bars, and its reef breaks are excellent for beginners and mid-level surfers.  Kabalana Beach is the best place to start your surfing expedition here.  2. Ram’s Right  Ram’s Right is the toughest surf break in the region, and you really need to make a quick surfing start.  Furthermore, the barrel sections make it fascinating. Also, you really need to look out for sea urchins here.  3. The Combination Of Lazy Right And Lazy Left  These two offer secure reef brakes, and Lazy Left is slightly harder to surf than Lazy Right.  So, Lazy Right is more suitable for beginners. Here, a surfer can enjoy cruisy rides where the surf breaks over a deep reef.  4. Plantations  It is very close to Weligama, and it is an ideal surfing spot for intermediates.  The entry point is an opening in the rock by the Plantation Surf Inn.  Furthermore, the reef here is deep, and surfing usually continues in the right direction and a few lefts.  5. Coconuts  Coconuts is the place where you will enjoy the classic Sri Lankan reef surfing experience.  Here, you can surf right and left, and the breaks are on both ends of the beach.  However, the east end of the beach is choppier.  6. Weligama Once you are done surfing at Coconuts, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama.  Furthermore, with a sandy bottom, it is an ideal surfing destination for beginners.  What Are The Places To Visit Near Midigama Beach?  If you are done surfing, you can explore the historic Galle Fort and the hedonistic Mirissa Beach.  1. Mirissa Beach Mirissa Beach turns into the most Hedonistic place in Sri Lanka in the evening.  The bars here offer amazing happy hour offers. So, you will find the cheapest chilled beer in Sri Lanka here.  2. Galle Fort Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 25 km away from Midigama Beach.  It is one of the best examples of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.  Enjoy climbing up the rampart and having a walk from one corner to another, admire the architecture, and enjoy the 360-degree view of Galle.  Watching the sunset from the top of the fort is also a magical experience.  What Is The Best Time For Surfing In Midigama Beach?  Like all other beaches on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, November to April is the best time to visit Midigama Beach.  Regular storms and high rainfall are the main forces hitting the beach in this season.  Furthermore, when you are planning to surf in Midigama beach, pick early morning or late evening as the time as the winds pick up speed later in the day.  Where To Eat In Midigama Beach?  The main beach of Midigama and the place near the Coconuts have many cool eating places.  Contrary to Ahangama, the Midigama Beach exudes a hipster energy.  If you are looking for a local experience where you will also get some cultural insights, you can visit Sandaru Restaurant.  It is a family-run restaurant, and here you can eat kottu, rice, curry, and other local delicacies.  Another excellent place for trying local delicacies here is the Shirani Home Made Rice & Curry near the Coconut Beach.  Here, you will find the best rice-vegetable combos.  Where To Stay For Surfing At Midigama Beach?  You can stay at the really cool hostels near the Lazy Left if you want to surf at Midigama Beach.  However, if you are traveling with family and you are looking for comfort, Naomi Beach Hotel, the best surfing hotel in Sri Lanka, will be your ideal choice.  It has a stunning infinity pool, and the on-site bar is perfect for chilling after a surfing session.  Moreover, it is close to the Coconuts, for me, the best surfing spot in Midigama Beach.  Also, Surfing Wombats is another place to stay in Midigama for surfing. I can stay here simply because of the pizza they serve.  Furthermore, it is a short walk from the Lazy Left and Lazy Right surfing spots.  Also, if you want to be a part of the surfing camps in Midigama Beach, you must take a tuk-tuk to Weligama, and you will find many reputable surfing camps there.