Habarana is the most popular location in Sri Lanka for elephant safari rides. Habarana is the transit point of the large herds of wild elephants at the National Parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla. Further, Habarana is a popular location among wildlife enthusiasts and nature tourists.

Moreover, Habarana being the central location of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, the culture tourists touring therein too grab the opportunity to enjoy an elephant ride in Sri Lanka. The irrigation reservoirs and waterways of the area bring in a riverine terrain where the elephants would wade through, or swim to reach the banks in the farther end. The ride would also take place over the main road, the pathways, villages, jungles, swamp and river.

The best period for Elephant Back Safaris at Habarana is from March to July when the water level of the river is high enough to ride the elephant. From August to November, the level of water in the river is low. During December to February when it’s the rainy season at Habarana, the river would flow.