Hambantota Travel Guide

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The Bundala National Park is located towards the south of Wirawila Weva. Near the coast of Hambantota.. This is a wildlife sanctuary and is protected by the Wildlife department.. This zone can be reached by normal vehicle, but entry to the park is allowed only with a 4WD Jeep.. If the weather has been good (sunny) for the past several weeks, they allow small vehicles (Cars, Vans) with good ground clearance as the internal network of dirt roads are quite good... During the rainy season the entire place gets muddy...

There's a very high diversity of wildlife in this regions and its a great place for you to absorb all the Avi-Fauna possible.. It also a good place to encounter wild elephants, deer, wild-boar, leopards, peacocks, giant squirrels, bare, crocs etc..

The price of entry is quite low and can be obtained from the visitors center before entering into the park.. The visitors center is located on the main bypass road which is tared.
Even if you don't wish to obtain the tickets, you can still plenty of wildlife if you travel along the main tared road..

The most valued thing about the restaurant is the absurd quietness of the surroundings.. Watching the little boats in open lake while having lunch was well worth the effort driving 200km from Colombo.. The food is very Sri Lankan, but they will cook whatever you fancy(provided its Sri Lankan)... Examples: Fried Rice, Red Rice, Chicken & Vege Curries, Salads, Omlets, Hoppers, Roti :))
If you dinner budget is just $10/- dont worry, you can have a good meal for 2 people.. There's plenty of wildlife to observe from the calm surroundings while having your lunch.. The people are budhist, so it would be nice to be restpectful of their culture (and dont ask for beef, mutton or alcoholic stuff)

Favorite Dish: Devil Chicken...
Friend Rice...
Fried Fish...
The Giant Omlet...

Please be aware that the sea current in Hambantota is very strong. Even being a very good swimmer locals warn you of swimming at this beach. Also be careful when walking along the beach, if you get close to the waves, they are sometimes so strong, that you might fall and even be drawn into the sea! Once you are out there it will be difficult to get in again. If you are not a REALLY good swimmer stay away from the sea. Walk along and enjoy the beach, but don't get too close to the waves. Even for the experienced fishermen it is an every day challenge to go out into the sea. In the morning hours (7 AM until 09 AM) the sea is more quiet.

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Thanamalwila is located north of the Hambantota town and borders along the main river system which often rages when there is ample rainfall.. The unique ecosystem offers varying levels of wildlife which cannot be found in other parts of Hambantota. For example: on my last visit I noticed an female elephant roaming around the compound of hostel which is situated near a network of forests.. This area is mostly untouched by tourists and is a great place to just hang out near the river.. The only people you would find are a few vilagers that come to bathe..

Travel to Thanamalwila and ask for the training center which leads over the river.. The road is lonely and may contain mostly wilderness and a few scattered houses..