Pleasant Experience Since we arrived in Habarana early, around 0930 on 8th August 2018, well before the checking-in time at the hotel, we decided to while away the time by visiting Habarana Lake, situated about 4 km from Habarana Junction. It was an unexpectedly pleasant and an enjoyable experience. This is a public place and requires no permission nor tickets. We went along the gravel path on top of the lake bund. On one side is the lake and on the other side is a lush green forest and trees with chirping and twittering birds. We saw some people from the village enjoying a bath in the lake. There were some boats with fishermen too at the centre of the lake. At the end of the lake bund is the spillway that carries spill water when the tank spills over. There is a sluice gate too that provides irrigation water to the fields downstream. Although this walk along the bund would not take more than 30 minutes one way we spent about two hours enjoying the scenery and soaking its quiet beauty. Although you can drive along the path you have to turn back at the end of the bund. Situated close to the entrance is a safari company that carries people atop elephants. These colourfully dressed elephants with its human cargo too are taken along the bund accompanied by the mahouts. Though I found this sight rather distressing, many tourists did ascend the seats placed on the elephants for a ride lasting perhaps about 30 minutes.