Ritigala, Kala Wewa and Namal Uyana from Habarana
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Ritigala, Kala Wewa and Namal Uyana from Habarana

Active
11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ritigala is is the highest mountain in the north-central dry plains of Sri Lanka.After you will proceed towards the Kala Wewa which is a lake body fed water by the historical Yoda Canal, an ancient marvel in architecture. Nearby the lake is the infamous Avukana Buddha Statue.Finaly you will reach the Jathika (National) Namal Uyana which is the largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain in Asia.

Available options

Ritigala, Kala Wewa and Namal Uyana from Habarana

Pickup included

What's included

1-Liter Water Bottle Per Person.
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
Service of an English-Speaking chauffeur guide.
Hotel pickup and drop-off.

Detailed itinerary

1

Habarana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque town renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil lakes, it serves as the perfect gateway to the island's cultural triangle, including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla. Visitors to Habarana can immerse themselves in the region's vibrant history, explore ancient ruins, and indulge in thrilling wildlife safaris in nearby national parks, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

2

Ritigala can be reached from the turn-off from Habarana- Anuradhapura Road at a distance of 12km from Habarana.

Ritigala Mountain at a height of 766 m above the sea-level is the highest mountain in the north-central dry plains of Sri Lanka. The mountain mass about three miles long and about two miles wide at its widest point is covered with dense jungle inhabited by wild elephants, leopards and bears. It is the watershed of the Malwatu Oya which feeds the Nachaduwa tank and Kalueba Ela which feeds Huruluwewa. The Ritigala Mountain has been declared a Strict Natural Reserve in order to maintain its pristine environment. Ritigala mountain’s cloud cover and mist that cloth it most of the year round has resulted in a flora much more commonly found at the central hills of wet zone than those in the dry plains: the upper part of the mountain is well known for its flora, some of which are rare; it has also a range of wild orchids.

3

Kala Wewa, built by the King Datusena in 307 B.C, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters. This reservoir complex has facilitated with a stone made spillway and three main sluices. From the central major sluice, a 40 feet wide central conveys water to feed thousands of acres of paddy lands and ends at the historical capital Anuradhapura city tank Tissa Wewa meandering over 87 km (54 mi) at a slope of 6 inches per mile and is an another wonder of primeval hydraulic engineering facility in ancient Ceylon.

4

Jathika Namal Uyana is situated in 7kms from Madatugama junction of Colombo-Anuradhapura highway in Sri Lanka. Iron Wood forest is a unique forest in Sri Lanka where the Iron Wood trees dominate the vegetation of the 260 acres of forest. Namal Uyana situated in Dry Zone area in Sri Lanka. In Na tree forest or Namal uyana protects the hot sunlight give its shade to all the small medicinal plants living in its shades and makes the feeling to those who visits Namal Uyana that you are in a cool area, like the coolest place in Sri Lanka
According to the biologists the importance of the Namal Uyana is that it has 102 species of tropical plants of which 82 are herbal plants within 260 acres garden and the forest bordering it. 18 bird species and a number of mammals including elephant, leopard, monkey and deer also dwell in the park and its proximity.

What's not included

Entrance tickets.
Food and beverages.
Gratuities.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers a rich cultural and historical experience.

Top Attractions

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is home to ancient stupas, temples, and ruins that date back over 2,000 years.

Historical Full day Free

Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba

One of the tallest stupas in the world, this iconic structure is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Sri Maha Bodhi

A sacred fig tree that is said to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Jethawanaramaya Dagoba

The tallest stupa in Anuradhapura, known for its impressive size and historical significance.

Historical 1 hour Free

Isurumuniya Temple

A beautiful temple known for its rock carvings and serene atmosphere.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot plate.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs or sambal.

Breakfast Vegetarian.

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mihintale Exploring Ritigala Forest Monastery Tea tasting Visiting temples Exploring ancient ruins Attending religious ceremonies Witnessing the Esala Perahera festival

Best Time to Visit

January to March

This is the best time to visit Anuradhapura as the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying outdoor activities.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

UTC+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Anuradhapura is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure.
  • • Use reputable tour operators.
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.

Getting there

By air
  • Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport • 200 km
By train

Anuradhapura Railway Station

By bus

Anuradhapura Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sacred City New Town Tuktukaraya

Day trips

Mihintale
12 km • Half day

A sacred mountain site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka, featuring ancient ruins and temples.

Ritigala Forest Monastery
30 km • Full day

A UNESCO-listed forest monastery with ancient ruins and a rich biodiversity.

Avukana Buddha Statue
50 km • Full day

A colossal Buddha statue carved out of a single rock, standing 40 feet tall.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • July/August (full moon day) Poson Festival • June (full moon day) Vesak Festival • April/May (full moon day)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Sacred City early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
  • Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the historical sites.
  • Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Respect the religious customs and traditions when visiting temples.
  • Carry a water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 10-70
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook