Habarana Elephant Safari,Sri Lanka.

Habarana, the verdant plane where a decisive battle was never finished, got its name in the most extraordinary way. It's a story about a kingdom, two princes and a suicide. This tale told and retold from generation to generation has a clever twist.As the legend goes Kasyapa, the fugitive prince having slain his father King Dhatusena, fled the Capital city Anuradhapura and went on to make one of the loveliest royal cities that ever graced the earth atop the Sigiriya Rock. King Kasyapa ruled for 18 years from his glorious fortress in the late 5th century.Soon he was compelled to meet his half-brother Mogallen in battle on the dangerous planes near the village we now call Habarana. On the way to battle, Kasyapa's elephant sensing a concealed marsh before him drew back. Fearing that this was an act of retreat his army fled in confusion. Left alone to face the enemy King Kasyapa, decided to take his life by cutting his throat with his dagger.The battle ended here but the story continues. Not too far away and not too long after, King Kasyapa's regalia, or 'Arbarana' were discovered in a little village. This village where the 'Arbarana' were found soon came to be known as Habarana. Habarana is one of Sri Lanka's prime tourist destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Habarana is a popular tourist destination for safari lovers as it is the starting point for safari's in the nearby Habarana jungle and the Minneriya sanctuary which is heavily populated by elephants. Elephant back riding is also an attraction in this small city. Habarana is situated nearby to the Eighth Wonder Of The World Sigiriya and is situated on the main road from Colombo to Trincomalee & Polonnaruwa. The population of the city is expected to be in the area of 5000-10,000.
Elephant Safari Rates:
Cost around 50 USD per jumbo (seats 6) for a one-hour ride, including the staff walking along with you and making snaps and video if you like so. Best from March through about July, this time it's more or less dry but the river (coming from the east) where you wade through is full enough. Giving the jumbo the chance of making a nice 'submarine' effect when it wades through - for the passengers only the feet might get a bit wet 
The rough amount, AFIK, is 50 USD per elephant (assuming one guide next to the mahout). A casket holds upto 6 Western-size people. So depending on how they can 'pool' tourists the price can be shared. With possibly a small increase if the ad-hoc party on top of the elephant needs multiple guides walking with the grey friend, each using a different video- and/or photo camera. If it's only two people with no chance for pooling, the price per person becomes 25 USD...Come enjoy a fantastic Sri Lanka whale watching tour experience.

Colombo To Habarana 177 km.