The thriving seaside town of Hambantota, Sri Lanka, is where history, nature, and adventure all come together. Hambantota has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on its picture-perfect beaches, go on a safari in the nearby jungles, or explore historical landmarks. A place that is quickly growing, Hambantota has its airport, seaport, luxurious hotels, and other amenities. Go to Hambantota to find off-beat attractions and experiences, whether for a day or longer.
Top 5 things to do in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, for a memorable vacation
If you are looking for some suggestions for must-do activities, then here are the top 5 things to do in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.
Explore Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park has a unique biodiversity and landscape, including dry shrub jungles, lagoons and mangroves, saltpans, dunes, and a long stretch of beach, all home to rare wildlife. The greater flamingo, which travels in vast flocks, is the highlight of the migration season. It is surreal to witness this cloud of pink birds. And, Bundala is home to over 197 species of migratory waterbirds. Take an exciting safari trip through the park and this is considered one of the best things to do in Hambantota.
Enjoy on Rekawa Beach
Rekawa is a small fishing village that can be found between Hambantota and Tangalle. It features a beach on one end and a lagoon covered with mangroves on the other. The beach is a prime nesting place for sea turtles, including some rare species like the hawksbill and leatherback turtles, because it is less crowded than the nearby beaches. Visit several turtle hatcheries along the shore with your family or friends to learn more about their conservation efforts. January to April is the best time to visit hatcheries, ideally with a full moon so that you can witness the newly hatched turtles’ journey from the sandy beaches into the water.
Boat safari at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
One of Sri Lanka’s oldest bird sanctuaries, it was established in 1984. It is now home to 120 species of birds, 54 of which are migratory. The best option to see birds at Kalametiya, which covers over 2500 acres and has a landscape that includes swamps, mangroves, and brackish lagoons, is to go on a boat safari. Although it is primarily a bird sanctuary, you will spot various other animals, including deer and elephants.
Get spiritual at Madunagala Hot Spring
Located in Madunagala hermitage, visiting this hot spring is one of the uber cool things to do in Hambantota. This hot spring is revered as a sacred site, with pilgrims from the country flocking to bathe in its waters. The waters are considered to have various healing properties for skin diseases. Moreover, a park with a zoo and an aquarium is located right next to the hot springs. This is ideal for keeping kids occupied and entertained during your visit.
Learn about the past at Martello Tower
It is one of the few forts in Sri Lanka, built in the early 19th century by the British. Martello Tower is one of the unique pieces of the colonial heritage of its kind in the whole of South Asia. Despite its small size, the tower is thought to have been armed with heavy weapons ranging from howitzers to 18-pounders. The tower is a museum showcasing the area’s fisheries sector’s transformation. Thus, it is worth visiting Martello Tower if you are an explorer curious about the island’s colonial heritage.
In a nutshell
With so many things to do, planning the perfect shore excursion may seem like a challenging task. Explore the above-mentioned top 5 things to do in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, and add them to your itinerary when you book cruise online. and have a lifetime experience!
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