Swooping along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, awaits your ideal stop point, a dry zone with a plethora of unexplored yet-to-be-visited attractions. Being, the perfect blend of religion, history, and nature, Hambantota retains enthusiasm in the tourism industry. With so much to offer, and so much to explore yet many of these striking landmarks are hardly discovered by tourists as well as we, Sri Lankans.
So, here I am bringing to you a full aerial view of a paradise you should never miss. Who knows, maybe your next adventure after the pandemic chaos would be a voyage to this splendid town down south.
Sampantota to Hambantota
Back in the day, Hambantota being the quiet backwater of Deep South, was a remunerative stop in Sri Lanka that drew the attention of numerous sailors and traders. Many “sampans”(boats) traveled there which resulted in this region being named “Sampantota”. Soon after, it came to be known as the renowned Hambantota which we cherish today.
Taking a prominent place in the southern Kingdom of Ruhuna as the “Heart of Deep South”, it’s known to be a promising, agricultural land with an extensive network of irrigation canals that supported the growth of numerous types of crops.
Things to do in Hambantota
Stop 1: Yala National Park
To all the adventurers out there, this might be your ideal stop to experience a pinch of nature with an opportunity to witness the beauty of the wild in their habitat.
Yala, being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka covers over 378 square miles of land and retains its number one position in the list. Yala itself is a diverse habitat that comprises scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, lakes, rivers, and beaches, providing a home to the greatest diversity of Sri Lanka wildlife. A safari ride at the break of dawn or an evening safari would be your perfect choice to capture the hidden elegance of wildlife.
Stop 2: Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens
Ever visited a Botanical Garden in the dry zone?
Opened in the year 2013, the Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens stands to be the main Botanical Garden on the island. Surprisingly it is the first botanical garden that was designed by the local experts in a semi-arid land with the main priority of conserving the exquisite flora in the dry zone. Not only is it truly amazing but also provides a natural backdrop to a parched land.
Enriched with the lush greenery, towering trees, and unique floral composition, this botanical garden is the biodiversity hotspot in the region.
An evening stroll along the green carpets witnessing the beauty of the sunset as we swing to the melody of the chirping birds might be your awaited mind therapy. So do not miss out on this amazing kaleidoscope of beauty.
Stop 3: Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery
Famously known by the names “Chinththala Pabbatha” or “Jungle Monastery”, Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery is located deep inside the Yala reserve at an altitude of 400ft with a complex construction of caves and shelters which were occupied by housed monks for centuries.
The tranquility in the air along with scenic beauty and calming tonic was always an epitome of mind peace to many individuals.
An evening visit to the Sithulpawwa Monastery amidst the chatter of birds in the vicinity itself is refreshing and reminds us of the fact that it is the unique Jungle monastery worth visiting.
Stop 4: Mahapelessa Hot Springs
A bubbling natural hot water tank for bathing is a major stop point for tourists passing by. A refreshing bath is possible at a preferred temperature akin to the four wells built with varying temperatures.
Stop 5: Ridiyagama Safari Park
The first Safari Park was constructed in Sri Lanka with the collaboration of the Zoology department of Sri Lanka. A plethora of different species featuring African lions, zebras, Giraffes, Camels, Oxus, Ostriches, etc., and many more outlandish species can be witnessed here.
It would be sadistic to miss this one-time wild adventure if you ever visit Hambantota. This head-on experience with a rare species community in Sri Lanka should certainly be a part of your bucket list.
Stop 6: Ranminithenna Tele Cinema Village
Being one of the main production sites for the Sri Lankan silver screen, Ranminithenna cinema village has its uniqueness among other sites. The iconic resemblance to the colonial Bombay was one reason why the famous Bombay Velvet was shot there. This would be a cinematic experience to witness the backdrop of your favorites on the silver screen.
Stop 7: Birds Park / Birds Research Center Hambantota
The Bird Park in Hambantota is one of Asia’s largest bird parks and research centers which provides refuge to a bevy of endemic and exotic birds stretching over a land of 35 acres. If you are a bird enthusiast, this probably should be one of your stops in Hambantota.
The park itself is split into different segments namely Wetlands, Wings of Asia, Flightless Birds, Macaw and Cockatoo zone, and lastly the Parrot Paradise.
Stop 9: Hambantota Salterns
Hambantota itself is famous for decades due to its salt production. The unique dry weather had made it the ideal location for the salt harvesting process. Maha Levaya and Palatupana Levaya are some of the main salterns satisfying the salt requirement in Sri Lanka.
Stop 8: Kataragama
A few kilometers away from Hambantota is the sacred town of Kataragama which is a frequent stop of Buddhist and Hindu people. Sella Kataragama, Kiri Vehera, etc. are amongst the popular destinations of tourists as well as Sri Lankans.
This is just a sneak peek at things you can do in Hambantota. There are many more to it which would be your adventure to explore.
Hambantota itself is the ideal paradise of everything awaiting to be explored. Pack your bags and gear up, your next adventure awaits at the heart of Deep south!
By Rtr. Thiruni Withana
Image Credits:
References:
- https://www.epicsrilankaholidays.com/things-to-do/bundala/ridiyagama-safari-park.html
- https://www.yalasrilanka.lk/
- https://www.birdspark.lk/our-birds/
- https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-hambantota/
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