Chaaya Village Habarana opens its doors to the outdoors
Like a well-disguised tree with thirsty widespread roots reaching far and wide to drink from the closest brook, Chaaya Village Habarana lies sprawled across 27 acres of luxuriant land bordering a stunning lake. Habarana is situated 176 km from Colombo in the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle and is part of the Anuradhapura District.

The hotel's cozy cottages, inspired by the typical thatched roof huts found locally, lie in clusters with low roofs and brownish yellow exteriors. The paint used is specially mixed with mud, in true native fashion, to ensure the facade is in harmony with nature.
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A PATA Gold Award Winner and a Kuoni Green Planet Award Winner for the year 2007-2008, Chaaya Village Habarana boasts of 94 Superior Rooms, 12 Deluxe Rooms and 2 Suites set in the middle of thousands of high-rise trees that provide fruit, medicinal properties and plenty of shade.

Since the entire property offers one breathtaking vista, it's hard to promise a guest just one view. There are many. Each one more captivating and serene than the other. The spacious living spaces are tastefully appointed complete with four-star luxuries for comfortable living. Nature's little finishing touches gently remind guests that the slightest interactions with nature can be quite a luxury.

For instance, the locally produced bamboo and cloth mixed window screens and shades are charming, the cool understated cement floors that gently massage guests' feet when they walk around the room are soothing while the private open-air bath areas that come with the perpetual singing of birds, lulls away all anxiety. This nature friendly property features some impressive dining options designed to make guests feel the wealth of the outdoors while seated indoors.

The forever-sunny weather often beckons guests outside on to the terrace by the unique Infinity Swimming pool where they enjoy romantic dinners or sip cocktails seated ankle deep in water. Upon special request Chaaya Village graciously permits guests to have meals by the lake, up in a romantic tree-hut, in the privacy of the veranda, in the shade of a tree or even in the barbeque hut in the garden. Hidden away in one secluded corner of the property are the badminton, tennis and volleyball courts. Closer to the lake with a view of the pool is the cricket pitch. Any one of these games can leave a guest wanting to visit the Aryuveda Health Centre, located on the left side of the property, for a touch from nature to rejuvenate body and spirit.

Guests can explore this vast area of lush vegetation by following the quaint footpath that winds its way hither and thither or by simply making their own path. In this natural habitat it's only natural to spot permanent residents. Encounters with butterflies, birds, lizards, squirrels, monkeys and all other precious life forms found within the Habarana Village, can be quite delight to visitors. A chat with the resident Naturalist can be enlightening. The very location of Chaaya Village makes it a biodiversity hotspot that attracts nature and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.

The hotel is committed to nature conservancy and protecting the local communities. By enhancing ecotourism through programs like the 'Experience Packages' designed to provide nature enthusiasts a chance to explore natural environments, Chaaya Village is also adding value to the cultural integrity of the local people. For travelers with a passion for nature, Chaaya Village is a must visit. Five 'Experience Packages' have been carefully planned to accommodate and entertain travelers in a way that reignites their bond with the natural world while sustaining and supporting local communities at the same time.

A visit to Chaaya Village is a journey made for the love of nature, a journey that will lead visitors to experience many exotic paths.
How King Kasyapa put Habarana on the map
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.
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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.

Surrounded by historic World Heritage Sites like Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, this lush village is a recognized ecotourism destination. In this quiet village, nestled amid nature's bountiful beauty and basking in the presence of diverse forms of life while preserving and sustaining the diversity of the natural and cultural environment, Chaaya Village Habarana sits rooted by the breathtaking Lake Habarana welcoming friends of nature. If you promise to leave things the way you found them and take back only what is yours, Chaaya Village Habarana invites you to immerse yourself in an encounter with the world around you.