HAMBANTOTA - IMPORTANT FACTS
The District of Hambantota (the District), in Sri Lanka’s Southern
Province, is particularly rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage.
It stretches across 150km of prime Sri Lankan coastline and comprises an
area of 2,600km2. The area is made up, almost entirely, of undulating
plains plus heritage site, ancient cities and an abundance of wildlife.
The local area includes:
* 568km2 of protected wildlife conservation habitat
* 223km2 of designated agricultural land
* 43 cultural heritage sites
* 7 forest conservation areas
* 215km2 of inland water
AREA MAP
* 24 km from Hambantota
* 30 km from Thanamalwila
* 42 km from Ambilipitiya via Padhalandala/ Suriyaweva
* 50 km from Udawalawe via Kiri-ibban-aara
* Most tourist attractions are at proximity
HISTORY
Hambantota has many a natural location, historical sites, ruins and
cultural heritage enjoyed by both local and foreign tourists alike.
Hambantota proudly claims a history spanning over twenty-two centuries.
Hambantota was known as the “Magama Kingdom” during the heyday of Sri
Lanka.
Tissamaharama was a classic city during this period. Magama kindom
built majestic second century Viharas and Dagabas such as Yatala,
Sandagiri and Tissa which, even today, are very famous for their
architectural design and outstanding sculpture.
BIO DIVERSITY
 Hambantota
is a region gifted with rich wildlife resources. Yala, and Bundala
national parks located in the South East boarder are conserved as wild
life Parks. Kumana, Kalametiya are among the most accessible bird
sanctuaries located in the district. In these national parks, Sri Lankan
elephants can be found along with deer, wild boar, several species of
monkeys, wild buffalo, peacocks, crocodiles, leopards and indigenous and
migratory birds of all varieties.
GOLDEN BEACHES
Hambantota district has beautiful golden sandy beach with brilliant
sunshine all year round. The south and south east coasts offer excellent
underwater coral exploration sites.
PLACES OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
The beaches, wildlife, historical land marks, places of religious
importance occupy a leading place among the various places to visit in
Sri Lanka. One can drive from Hambantota dry-zone to Chilly hill country
in just a couple of hours.
PLACES OF RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE
Kataragama is an important place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans of all
religions, so in a way, it fosters ethnic and religious harmony. Also,
Kirivehera dagoba in Kataragama is a very sacred place for Buddhists all
over the world as it was visited by Lord Buddha.
Situlpawwa is historically significant and identified as one of the
greatest second century sites of Buddhist scholarship. With a history
dating back to over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in
Hambantota district. Hambantota is not merely a historically important
district but has diverse attractions, heritage, art, culture and
traditions which no other city in the world can match.
Distance between main attractions
Courtesy: Airport and Aviation (Services) Sri Lanka Ltd
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