6 Things To Do With Your Family In Hambantota

When you’re exploring the southern town of Hambantota, there are a variety of interesting things to do here, especially when travelling with your family. From safaris through Bundala National Park to a day frolicking in the waters of Rekawa Beach, if you and the gang love the great outdoors where sun, sand and surf are the main attractions, then Hambantota is the ideal place to add to your list.

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is blessed with a myriad of landscapes- dry shrub jungles, lagoons and mangroves, saltpans, sand dunes and a long stretch of beach- with exotic fauna. Bundala has one of the best-preserved wetlands, and it holds about 197 species of migratory waterbirds, but the highlight of the migration period is the appearance of the greater flamingo who travel in large flocks– it feels surreal to see this cloud of pink birds. Embark on a thrilling safari ride through the park; a great place for a family holiday! Your kids will love spotting the park’s curious residents too.

Check out these other national parks that all animal lovers should visit.

Rekawa Beach

Found between Hambantota and Tangalle, Rekawa is a small fishing village which has a beach on one end and a mangrove shrouded lagoon on the other. Since the beach isn’t as crowded as the neighbouring ones, it is a premier breeding grounds for sea turtles, including some rare species like the hawksbill and leatherback turtles. There are also numerous turtle hatcheries along the beach which you and your family can visit to learn more about their conservation efforts. The best time to visit the hatcheries is from January to April, and preferably during a full moon so that you can see the newly hatched turtles waddle their way from the sandy beaches and into the sea. The journey of these tiny turtles is awe-inspiring and it definitely should not be missed.

Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens

One of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens is located on the dry zone of the island, protecting the region’s endemic flora. The garden is between the Mattala International Airport and the Hambantota Port; the vibrant green carpets of grass, the tall lush trees, and the beautiful flowering plants make a garden oasis in the middle of this bustling city. Enjoy a stroll through the aromatic pathways as your kids skip along ahead of you. Visit in the early hours of the morning, before it gets too hot!

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary, founded in 1984, is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest bird sanctuaries and is home to 120 species of birds- 54 of which are migratory. Kalametiya spans over 2500 acres, with a terrain that includes swamps, mangroves and brackish lagoons, so the best way to spot birds here is by going on a boat safari. An experience that will keep the entire family entertained! Although it is predominantly a bird sanctuary, while you’re on the safari you will also spot a host of other animals like deer and elephants too.

Lunugamvehera National Park

Lunugamvehera National Park is an hour drive from Hambantota. It was declared a National Park in 1995 to protect the Lunugamvehera reservoir, as it is vital in maintaining the water levels of many rivers south of it. The park is one of the smallest in the country, and it also acts as a corridor connecting Yala and Bundala national parks. The park also boasts an impressive elephant population and is also home to over 300 types of birds, fish and reptiles. Embark on a thrilling safari to this national park if you have a bit of time to spare in Hambantota.

The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium

Ideal for a cricket-loving family! Located in the heart of Hambantota, this fairly new stadium was constructed in 2011. It has hosted many matches including the 2012 ICC World Cup T20, and it can seat up to a whopping 30,000 people! Nothing brings Sri Lankans together like cricket; the excitement in a stadium during a World Cup while Sri Lanka is playing is almost palpable, so if you do get the chance you should definitely try and go for one.