Habarana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque town renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene lakes, it serves as a gateway to several iconic attractions including the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the majestic Sigiriya rock fortress. Visitors to Habarana can immerse themselves in the rich history of the region while enjoying adventurous activities such as wildlife safaris in nearby national parks. Its tranquil ambiance and proximity to key landmarks make it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Nalanda Gedige is an old Dravidian (Pallava era) structure believed to have been built between the 8th to 10th century. At first view, it’s an obviously Hindu temple from the detailed wall and roof architecture, to the little windowless main shrine. However, the site’s erotic tantric sculptures, along with its plain moonstone, point to a more Buddhist origin. After viewing this structure and discussing it with your tour guide, you will leave for Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens.

Europia Herbal Garden Arrive at Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens by 11:45 am. Start your visit with a 1 to 1.5-hour tour of the spice and herbal gardens. During the tour, you will learn more about the gardens’ different spices and herbs, as well as how they are grown and harvested and watch a traditional cooking demo that puts them to good use. 

Aluvihara is most famous as the place of creation of the Buddhist religious script ‘Tripitaka’. The stupa is literally built on top of a large rock. Meanwhile, the rock itself is riddled with a cave system. So far 13 caves have been found, with much more buried under old cave-ins. You will have to climb up and through the rock to see the historic and interesting insides of these caves and learn more about the history within.