Hambantota:
An International Trading Gem on Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast
Stretching along Sri Lanka’s spectacular southern coastline, Hambantota combines extraordinary wildlife, unspoilt landscapes, and modern infrastructure unlike anywhere else on the island. Renowned for its national parks, internationally important wetlands, and fascinating archaeological heritage, Hambantota offers visitors an authentic escape where nature and discovery take centre stage.
The region is also home to the Hambantota International Port, one of the largest deep-water ports in the Indian Ocean, together with Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. These major developments have transformed Hambantota into an important international gateway while preserving the area’s remarkable natural beauty and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
From the migratory birds of Bundala National Park and the wildlife-rich waters of the Walawe Ganga to the impressive cactus collection at the Dry Zone Botanic Gardens, every day offers a new adventure. Visit Hambantota Bird Park, explore the mysterious Ussangoda Plateau, enjoy peaceful lagoon safaris, or venture into nearby Yala National Park in search of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. The region also provides easy access to beautiful southern beaches, whale watching, rainforest trekking, sailing, diving, and many of Sri Lanka’s finest nature experiences.
Whether you’re arriving by road, air, or private charter, CCT Sri Lanka makes reaching Hambantota simple with private chauffeur transfers, scheduled domestic flights, helicopter transfers, and private charter flights. Scroll down to choose the travel option that best suits your holiday.
Destination Highlights
Yala Gateway | Bundala National Park | Ramsar Wetlands | Birdwatching | Walawe Ganga | Hambantota Bird Park | Ridiyagama Safari Park | Ussangoda Plateau | Hambantota International Port | Mattala International Airport | Southern Beaches | Shangri-La Hambantota
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy reliable door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Scheduled Flights
Reach Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations quickly aboard scheduled domestic flights while enjoying spectacular aerial views and avoiding long road journeys across the island.
Fast Travel | Scenic Flights
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
▼ Signature Experiences
Hambantota Bird Park
Discover Sri Lanka’s largest bird park, home to colourful exotic and native species, landscaped gardens, walk-through aviaries, and enjoyable wildlife experiences for all ages.
Bird Sanctuary | Family Friendly
Dry Zone Botanic Gardens
Discover Sri Lanka’s impressive Cactus Garden, home to hundreds of fascinating succulent species, alongside native dry-zone flora, medicinal plants, and tranquil landscapes.
Cactus Collection | Nature Walks
Walawe Ganga River Safari
Cruise along the Walawe Ganga, spotting crocodiles, water birds, monkeys, monitor lizards, and beautiful riverside scenery during a relaxing guided river safari adventure.
River Safari | Wildlife
Deep-Sea Fishing
Head into the Indian Ocean targeting Tuna, Giant Trevally, Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, and other prized game fish with experienced local fishing crews.
Game Fishing | Indian Ocean
Ridiyagama Open Safari Park
Experience Ridiyagama Open Safari Park, where lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife roam spacious enclosures during an exciting drive-through safari for all ages.
Open Safari | Family Adventure
Kalametiya Lagoon Safari
Glide through the protected Kalametiya Lagoon, discovering mangroves, migratory birds, peaceful wetlands, and one of southern Sri Lanka’s finest birdwatching destinations.
Eco Safari | Birdlife
Bundala National Park Safari
Explore Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier Ramsar Wetland, searching for flamingos, crocodiles, monkeys, and remarkable resident and migratory birdlife.
Ramsar Wetland | Birdlife
Visit Ussangoda Serpentine Rock
Discover the mysterious Ussangoda Serpentine Plateau, famous for dramatic red landscapes, unique geology, coastal cliffs, and fascinating legends dating back centuries.
Geological Wonder | Coastal Cliffs
Sri lankan Cookery Lessons
Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, and hands-on guidance before enjoying your homemade meal together.
Authentic Cuisine | Local Family
Hummanaya Blowhole & Mawella Lagoon Kayaking
Visit the spectacular Hummanaya Blowhole before kayaking through peaceful Mawella Lagoon, surrounded by mangroves, birdlife, and beautiful tropical coastal scenery.
Natural Wonder | Lagoon Kayaking
Udawalawe National Park – Half-Day Safari
Explore Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its large elephant population, while searching for crocodiles, buffalo, deer, jackals, and colourful birdlife.
Wild Elephants | Half-Day Safari
Yala National Park –
Half-Day Safari
Explore Yala National Park during the best wildlife viewing hours, searching for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife with expert trackers.
Leopards | Wildlife
Yala National Park –
Full-Day Safari
Spend a full day exploring Yala National Park, maximising opportunities to encounter leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and hundreds of fascinating bird species.
Full Day Safari | Leopard Country
SCUBA Diving
Explore Sri Lanka’s colourful coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, tropical fish, turtles, and vibrant underwater ecosystems with professional instructors for all experience levels.
Coral Reefs | Marine Life
Sunset & Dinner Cruises
Sail aboard a luxury yacht along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, enjoying spectacular sunsets, gourmet dining, refreshing sea breezes, and unforgettable tropical evenings.
Sunset Sailing | Fine Dining
Yacht & Boat Charters
Charter a private yacht or boat for fishing, sightseeing, sunset cruises, whale watching, snorkelling, or unforgettable overnight adventures along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline.
Luxury Charter | Ocean Freedom
Snorkelling with Blue Whales
Experience one of the world’s rarest marine adventures by snorkelling with Blue Whales under carefully managed conditions alongside experienced guides and professional safety teams.
Blue Whales | Marine Adventure
Sinharaja Rainforest Trek – 2-Day Tour
Experience a two-day trek through Sinharaja Rainforest, discovering endemic wildlife, pristine forests, waterfalls, and extraordinary biodiversity alongside expert naturalist guides.
Rainforest | Wildlife
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
