Colombo Trip Overview
Spend these two days filled with history, culture, nature and wildlife towards the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Located down the southern coast of the island, and considered to be a new destination for tourism, Hambantota is an interesting port town that has history, heritage and culture all mixed into one. Moreover, Hambantota is also known for its amazing natural attractions that make it one of the best places to set up base, if you are willing to engage in adrenaline-filled excursions. The city is also known for its cultural diversity, which allows you to witness and participate in a myriad of festivals and religious practices. Yala National Park is a lush forest of greenery and wildlife interspersed with ruins from ancient civilizations to give you a truly unique experience of human history and nature, to create a one of a kind experience. Embark on a scenic safari to spot the wildlife endemic in the area and discover the ruins of ancient civilizations!
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Spend these two days filled with history, culture, nature and wildlife towards the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Located down the southern coast of the island, and considered to be a new destination for tourism, Hambantota is an interesting port town that has history, heritage and culture all mixed into one. Moreover, Hambantota is also known for its amazing natural attractions that make it one of the best places to set up base, if you are willing to engage in adrenaline-filled excursions. The city is also known for its cultural diversity, which allows you to witness and participate in a myriad of festivals and religious practices. Yala National Park is a lush forest of greenery and wildlife interspersed with ruins from ancient civilizations to give you a truly unique experience of human history and nature, to create a one of a kind experience. Embark on a scenic safari to spot the wildlife endemic in the area and discover the ruins of ancient civilizations!
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo/Negombo – Hambantota
Stop At: Mirijjawila Botanic Gardens, Hambantota, Tangalle Sri Lanka
The Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens is one of the five dedicated botanical gardens in the island and was only opened in 2013. The botanical gardens’ purpose was to maintain the biodiversity of the area, while also providing a kaleidoscopic natural backdrop in an otherwise fast developing city. Although new, the gardens are known to possess a myriad species of plants, ranging from flowers, shrubs, trees. Many of these species are considered to be rare, and endemic to the island. Thus, making it an important biodiversity hotspot. In addition to its unique floral species, there are quite a few fauna that take refuge in the greenery such as birds and many other little creatures. The gardens sprawled over 300 acres of lush green lands is an idyllic place to witness some different sceneries of the port town of Hambantota.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Hambanthota Harbour, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
The Hambantota Port (also known as the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port) is a maritime port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The first phase of the port was opened on 18 November 2010, with the first ceremonial berthing of the naval ship “Jetliner” to use the port facilities. It is named after former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Hambantota Port is built inland and operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Construction of the port was commenced in January 2008. It is Sri Lanka’s second largest port, after the Port of Colombo. The Port of Hambantota will serve ships traveling along the east-west shipping route which passes six to ten nautical miles (19 km) south of Hambantota.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Martello Tower, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
The Martello Tower in Hambantota, is a small circular shaped fort, inspired by the Martello tower (a 15th-century fort at Mortella (Myrtle) Point in Corsica that survived an attack by the British Royal Navy in 1794). The tower was built between 1804 and 1806 to protect the harbor and settlement at Hambantota, following an unsuccessful attack by Kandyan insurgents in 1803.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Hambantota
Day 2: Yala National Park – Colombo/Negombo
Stop At: Yala National Park Sri Lanka
Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names such as, Ruhuna National Park (Block 1), and Kumana National Park or ‘Yala East’ for the adjoining area. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its higher concentration of leopards and many other wildlife species.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, Tissamaharama Sri Lanka
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Hambantota District, South Eastern Sri Lanka. Situated 18 km east of the pilgrimage town Katharagama, it is believed to have been built in the 2nd century B.C by king Kavantissa. Sithulpawwa Vihara can be reached by travelling 18 miles along the Tissamaharama-Yodhakandiya road towards the Yala National Park. The name Sithulpawwa is derived from the word “Chiththala Pabbatha”, which means the hill of the quiet mind. This ancient monastery with a history over 2200 years, was a place of worship for devotees as well as a center of Buddhist education for Buddhist monks. Paintings of the Anuradhapura era and the ruins of stone Buddha images, Bodhisattva images, Image Houses, Circular Relic Houses are spread throughout the monastery premises.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
