Habarana Lake
Habarana Lake
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Habarana Lake
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
46 within 3 miles
Attractions
16 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
30 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
10
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
1
N!li
Old Peradeniya, Sri Lanka875 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
We were sadden to see the Habarana lake just with a small patch of water last month because of the drought. Heard that elephants visit this patch around 4-5 in the evening in large groups.
Written October 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seevali D
Colombo, Sri Lanka8,965 contributions
Jul 2019
Three of us staying at the Sorowwa Resort had a walk along the top of embankment bund of Habarana Lake on 19th July 2019. The water level had receded almost to the rock bottom. The walk along the bund was pleasant with fresh air reviving us. There were many birds near the water chirping and flying about. Fishing boats however were lying on the banks - unmanned. We encountered many others too enjoying a walk on the bund. Speaking to the guard at the nearby hotel, I learnt that the reduction of water level was intentional. The authorities are planning to remove the silt collected at the bottom.
When we were here last year in August 2018, there were tourists riding on Elephants - so called 'Elephant Safaris'. This year however, there were no elephants and no elephant rides probably due to the reduction of tourists due to the extremist attacks in Sri Lanka in April 2019.
Later, I also walked along the upstream side of the lake among the few houses there.
When we were here last year in August 2018, there were tourists riding on Elephants - so called 'Elephant Safaris'. This year however, there were no elephants and no elephant rides probably due to the reduction of tourists due to the extremist attacks in Sri Lanka in April 2019.
Later, I also walked along the upstream side of the lake among the few houses there.
Written August 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElizabethLimassol
Limassol City, Cyprus68 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We enjoyed a morning fishing on the lake. The fisherman provided a ride from our hotel, ambesawana resort as well as rods and we went out on his small catamaran. It’s very relaxing and as well as fishing it was great watching the wildlife on the shore.
We were a couple but it would be fun for families. Very reasonably priced.
We were a couple but it would be fun for families. Very reasonably priced.
Written February 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seevali D
Colombo, Sri Lanka8,965 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
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 in its quiet beauty. Although you can drive along the path you have to turn back at the end of the bund as there is no through way.
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.
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.
Written September 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikey1952uk
Aldershot, UK198 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
If you are staying at a hotel nearby especially the Habarana Village this tour is a must. You are taken to a local village by jeep where you will see typical village houses and take a short walk to the lake. Here you embark on what is two canoes tied together with seats. The lake early morning is beautiful. We saw many types of duck, heron, egret, fish, three types of eagle, kites, kingfishers, monkeys, squirrels. You the disembark to see a farm and the farmers tree house and enjoy a coconut freshly cut from his trees. Back on the boat a short ride to meet carts pulled by oxen that return you via paddy fields to the jeep that returns you to your hotel. About 2 hours in length you won’t regret it. Don’t forget to put the mosquito spray on and u will need the suntan cream.
Written April 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bhoops2011
Cape Town Central, South Africa80 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
This lake is teeming with birdlife both on water, on its shores as well as in the surrounding jungle. Reasonable variety of bird species can be ticked by taking a stroll alongside the lake. The still waters make for great sunset photography as well.
Written January 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ioana
Kandy, Sri Lanka76 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
if the lake is not dry (so mainly, from December to July), this is something not to be missed while you are staying in Habarana. They organize catamaran rides, and the lake is full of beautiful lilies and surrounded by palm trees.
I enjoyed my ride soooo much. Just keep quite and listen nothing but the sounds of nature and the noise of the catamaran sliding gently among the lilies...
I enjoyed my ride soooo much. Just keep quite and listen nothing but the sounds of nature and the noise of the catamaran sliding gently among the lilies...
Written November 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SEs
London, UK25,844 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
This is a beautiful lake here. A good place to go for a walk or spend time. A breeze is cooling. A good place go in the evenings.
Written December 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jitub77
Singapore, Singapore54 contributions
Oct 2019
Considering the number of attractions to see while in Habarana, this is not a first choice (or probably even a second choice) attraction. However if at all you have some time, nothing to do and want to have a small outing, you could consider this place.There is not a lot of water and you will come across more beautiful lakes at other places in Sri Lanka (as in Nuwara Eliya or Kandy). We didnt spend a lot of time here in hindsight would have preferred relaxing at our hotel.
Written October 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mouseHerts
Herts1,482 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
A pleasant walk with some viewing areas, and plenty of birds to spot, although you do have to watch where you are walking at times.
Written March 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing