Excursion Sri lankan temples & wildlife tour at Hambantota

Indulge your senses with the culture, religion, and wildlife of Sri Lanka during this captivating, half-day temple and safari excursion.

Hambantota, Kataragama, Kiri Vehera Buddhist Temple, Temple Ruins

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Kataragama, a site of religious importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims alike. Upon arrival, visit Kiri Vehera, built during the 3rd century B.C.-2nd century B.C. This important and historic temple has been declared a protected site by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department, and is revered by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists. See some of these ruins, stone inscriptions, brick dagobas, balustrades, and guard stones scattered around the temple complex. Afterward, re-board your coach and head to a nearby Hindu Temple in praise of Skanda, the Hindu God of War.

Hindu Temple, Mosque, Jetwing Yala Hotel, Lunch

With six faces and twelve arms, Skanda is believed to be one of Sri Lanka's four guardian deities, a most benevolent god, and worshipped at the beginning of a new venture. As a result, it is revered by Buddhist community. However, since a mosque of significant importance can also be found on the premises, this site is revered by Muslims, too. It has been further hallowed and sanctified by a visit from Lord Buddha during his lifetime, and is believed to be the place where he planted one of the saplings of the Bodhi tree under which he gained enlightenment. Afterward, re-board your coach for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Jetwing Yala, a seaside hotel bordering Yala National Park. Upon arrival, proceed for lunch at the hotel.

Yala National Park, Game Drive, Elephants, Deer, Buffaloes, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Crocodiles

After lunch, re-board your coach for the short drive to Yala National Park, the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is renowned for its leopards and plethora of wildlife species, including elephants, spotted deer, sambur, wild buffaloes, sloth bears, mongoose, and crocodiles, amongst numerous others. The wealth and diversity of bird species here is every bit as staggering as the mammal population; over 130 different species have been identified, including six endemic species. Upon arrival at the park, leave your coach, board an open-air, 4X4 Jeep, and begin your approximately three-hour afternoon game drive.

Wildlife, Mammals, Bird Species, Leopards

Along the way, get up-close and personal with a wide array of diverse and plentiful wildlife species whilst traversing the beautiful natural landscape of Sri Lanka's foremost national park. Although Yala is home to a wide array of diverse wildlife, mammal, and bird species, it is the leopards that make this park such a popular destination. Seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is a truly fantastic and unforgettable experience. Yala is amongst the best locations to observe these elusive felines, as they slide like shadows across the undergrowth or perch across the branch of a tree. Following your game drive, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the pier

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hambantota, Kataragama, Buddhist & Hindu Temples, Jetwing Yala, Lunch, Yala National Park, Leopards, Wildlife

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometres), at times over uneven, dusty, bumpy, gravel, sandy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and four steps to get on/off the Jeep, five steps at Yala National Park, five steps at the Hindu Temple, 10 steps at the Kiri Vehara Buddhist Temple, and 15 steps at the Jetwing Yala Hotel. Guests are required to walk for approximately 15 minutes to reach the Hindu Temple. Each 4X4 Jeep utilised on this tour is basic, open-air, opens from the sides, and seats five-six guests. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck/back problems, guests with heart/respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, bottled water, a sweater or light jacket, a face mask to protect from dust and US Dollars, Euros, local currency, or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore. Hats and shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of heavy socks for comfort, as the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least 15 years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Serving alcohol is prohibited in Sri Lanka on full moon days and certain religious holidays; alcohol will not be served on excursions on those days.

Guests must remain inside the Jeep at all times during the game drives. Due to very few trackers being available in Yala National Park, they will be subject to availability. One guide is assigned to six jeeps. Rangers are locals who speak very basic English and won't be able to ride in each Jeep, but your guide provides commentary during your transfer to Yala National Park and in case possible during the safari. Matches, lighters, cigarettes, and flash photography are all strictly prohibited inside the temples and park. For personal consumption, it is recommended to avoid carrying any food items with a strong smell. Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drive. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Expect hot conditions during the game-drive. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately 1.5-2 hours in each direction. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve, the programme's sequence, contents, and itinerary are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. Due to security checks some waiting time is expected at entrance of the National parks.

Infrastructure in Hambantota is basic, and local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in Sri Lanka is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations. Unfortunately, this is reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Vehicles, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Leave all valuables on board.