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Hambantota, a city in the Hambantota district of southern Sri Lanka, is a marvellous place to visit. This city is a hidden gem among other cities of Sri Lanka. It is home to several iconic places which let visitors witness true scenic beauty. Be it a nature lover or simply tourists seeking leisure, places to visit in Hambantota cater to all the preferences. With a variety of landscapes, cultural sites and historic places to visit, Hambantota promises something to all.
10 Fascinating Places To Visit In Hambantota
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Hambantota, a city reflecting utter natural beauty, ensuring endless memories to everyone:
1. Dry Zone Botanic Gardens
Photo: Antoinette Biehlmeier / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Dry Zone Botanic Gardens is the second and largest botanic garden not only in Hambantota but throughout Sri Lanka. Opened in 2013, this botanic garden created in a semi-arid zone aims to preserve semi-arid and dry-zone plants. The extent of this garden is 3000 acres, a top tourist place in Hambantota. This ecoregion is home to a variety of flora such as Manilkara hexandra and Chloroxylon Swietenia. Designated areas for butterfly gardens, a plant nursery, a student park, flower gardens and a plant conservation unit have been allotted.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Average Cost: : LKR 200 / ₹60
2. Birds Park And Research Centre
Photo: Pawel Hordjewicz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This Birds Park and Research Centre is Asia’s largest research centre. The site is spread over an area of 35 acres of land and has six varied exhibits. Birds Park Hambantota is home to a count of 3200 birds of over 180 species. This place is of much interest to those who study ornithology. Different zones and exhibits like Macaw and Cockatoo Zone, Wings of Asia, Parrot Paradise, Flightless Birds, Wetlands and Lake Birds are allotted to specific species. This place also has a cafeteria, a shelter zone and a gift shop, making it one of the best places to visit in Hambantota.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Average Cost: : LKR 4500 / ₹1,320 for adults, LKR 2000 / ₹590 for children from 3 to 10 yrs
3. Ussangoda Park
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Ussangoda Park is a designated archaeological site in Sri Lanka. This national park is located in the southern sea turtle breeding zones. It is covered only with grass and a few pockets of pygmy forests. The park’s area is similar to a high-ground plateau. Kalametiya Wildlife Sanctuary is located to the east of the park. Some of the mammals spotted here are deer, Indian hare, Wild Boar, Porcupine and Chevrotain. Visitors can also spot sea turtles during their breeding season. Ussangoda Park has several trails for a short trek up to the cliff.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Average Cost: : LKR 1500 / ₹440
4. Ridiyagama Safari Park
Photo: Tiyani Gurusinghe / Wikimedia Commons
Ridiyagama Safari Park is Sri Lanka’s first drive-through Safari Park spread over an area of 500 acres and divided into six zones. The park is home to a variety of interesting wildlife and is a top tourist attraction in Hambantota. Diverse zones inside the park such as the African Lion Zone, Sri Lanka Elephant Zone, World Zone, Australian Zone and Animal Kingdom. There are guided day tours available for visitors to Ridiyagama Safari Park. Visitors can buy tickets upon arrival too. Jeep Safaris may cost additional rupees.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Average Cost: : 3000 LKR / ₹880
5. Hambantota Beach
Photo: Dilshanhettihewa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hambantota Beach is a top tourist attraction in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The beach is known for its serene beauty and pristine white sands. Watching the sunset and sunrise, along with activities like surfing and snorkelling are the best things to do here. On Sundays, local vendors get together and sell their produce on the beach. A variety of stones and shells are found on the seacoast. This beach promises a fun-loving experience.
Timings: 24*7
Average Cost: : Free entry, LKR 200 / ₹60 for food
6. Kasagala RajaMaha Vihara Temple
Photo: L Manju / Wikimedia Commons
Kasagala RajaMaha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Hambantota. This place is an archaeological site in Sri Lanka recognised by the government. There are two ancient stupas in the Vihara premises. One of them is situated on the top of a rocky plateau and is considered the oldest. On the upper end of this stupa, six stone inscriptions have been found belonging to the ancient era. Kasagala RajaMaha Vihara is decorated with wall paintings, ancient scriptures and inscriptions belonging to the Kandyan tradition.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Average Cost: : Free
7. Walawe Jungle Boat Safari Spot
Photo: Kevyn Costa / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Boat Safari begins from the mouth of the Walawe River and is a two-hour boat tour carried out by diverse community groups. Visitors can spot the river’s thriving crocodile population during safari. The safari’s route includes mangrove marshes in the river with spotting 52 species of fish, 72 avian species and 38 plant varieties. Visitors also spot bats hanging from the tree branches, cranes drinking water and resident sea eagles flying. The safari also includes a refreshing coconut drink and life jackets provided by the tour agency.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Average Cost: : LKR 1400 / ₹410
8. Bundala National Park
Photo: Manelka Jayasundara / Wikimedia Commons
Bundala National Park is one of the famous national parks in Sri Lanka. It is an important wintering ground for resident and migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. This national park houses 197 species of birds. The highlight of the park is the flamingo which migrates in large numbers. Bundala National Park is also the first Ramsar site in Sri Lanka and a designated biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The park also has five lagoons and an abundant plant life. It houses a total of 383 plant species and 324 species of animals including Asian elephants, toque macaque, fishing cat, mouse deer, common langur and porcupine.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Average Cost: : LKR 20000 / ₹5,900 for private safari
9. Batathaa Agro And Technology Park
Photo: Cerevisae / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Batathaa Agro And Technology park is an agrotechnology park, achieving a green park concept. This park is spread over an area of more than 50 acres and includes different agricultural crops with high diversification. Visitors get to see traditional farming methods with the concept of new technologies. It houses a small nursery and paved walkways. A tour of this park lets visitors know about the lesser-known herbs, shrubs, medicinal plants, fruits and several spices. This park houses a fruit garden, a wetland and a cafeteria which serves freshly prepared tea and snacks.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Average Cost: : LKR 200 / ₹60 for foreigners
10. Magampura Ruhunu Heritage Museum
Photo: Marcelo Lemes / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Magampura Ruhunu Heritage Museum reflects the culture and traditions of the region. This museum is located in a historical setting and is divided into several divisions.These include the Cultural Division, Scientific Division and the Museum Library. Visitors can opt for a guided museum tour for a better understanding. The museum also has a shop selling artefacts and souvenirs. This museum houses several artefacts, models, pictures and paintings, reflecting the archaeological situation in Southern Lanka.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Average Cost: : LKR 550 / ₹160 for foreigners
Hambantota City is a blend of beauty, historic significance and nature. The above-mentioned places to visit in Hambantota cater to every tourist be it nature lovers, history enthusiasts, peace seekers or simply travellers. This city, situated on the southern coastline of Sri Lanka, lets visitors admire its ample places to visit. These range from wildlife nature parks to historic temples. Book a trip with TripXL to Hambantota, Sri Lanka and make endless memories here.
Cover Photo: Natasha Yurova / Unsplash
