Hambantota

Southern Sri Lanka's fastest-growing coastal city

Hambantota, in the southern part of Sri Lanka, has recently become one of the fastest-growing commercial cities. The newly constructed Hambantota Port, Hambantota Airport, International Cricket Stadium, largest outdoor zoo (Ridiyagama Safari Park), Birds Park / Birds Research Center, Ranminithenna Tele Cinema Village, Dry Zone Botanic Gardens and Agro-Technology Park in Bata Atha have become a paradise for local and foreign tourists.

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Places to Explore in Hambantota

Discover the historic landmarks, cultural attractions and hidden gems that make Hambantota special.

Muruthawela Ginipetti Palama & Reservoir

This is a great place to bathe and be happy in the South. The canal that carries water from the Julampitiya Muruthawela Reservoir in the Hambantota District has been constructed as a bathing area about 1km from the Ginipetti Palama along the same road. The Muruthawela reservoir starts from the tributaries of the Kirama Oya, and there's a matchbox bridge here — one of several such bridges found in Sri Lanka, named for its resemblance to a matchbox. The reservoir is related to many archaeological excavations: a 2013 survey identified a location where the water level decreases, revealing manure and iron furnaces submerged in the reservoir, along with scattered pottery. It's now understood that ancient heritages, including the settlements of distinguished metalworkers who represented the common people of the Rohana Kingdom, lie submerged in these reservoirs at the foot of Mount Rammalaya.

Ridiyagama Safari Park

Ridiyagama Safari Park is the first man-made safari park in Sri Lanka, opened to the public in 2016. Spread over an area of 500 acres, the park is home to 22 species of animals, mainly mammals and birds, with 13 zones proposed for different species. Currently about 200 acres have been developed, with administrative buildings, animal hospitals, visitor facilities, parking lots and three animal zones already completed. Since the park is still in its infancy, it's fair not to expect to see too many animals just yet. Madunagala Hot Springs and Madunagala Forest are also located nearby, making this a great addition if you're planning a trip to the South.

Dry Zone Botanic Gardens

Located in the Mirijjawila area of Hambantota district in the Southern Province, and situated on about 300 acres, this is the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka, attracting local and foreign visitors. The main objective in establishing the gardens is to conserve dry grassland plants, plants of medicinal importance, and drylands more broadly.

Birds Park / Birds Research Center

Located in the city of Hambantota in the Southern Province, this bird sanctuary is a very popular paradise among children as well as locals and foreigners alike. Set on 35 acres, about 3,200 birds have been spotted here, including endemic and exotic species.

Ranminithenna Tele Cinema Village

Located in the area called Ranmihitenna between Tissamaharama and Kataragama in the Southern Province, this is the only tele-cinema village in Sri Lanka and has won the attraction of locals and foreigners alike. It is fully maintained by the government, and entry fees are charged.