in the southern part of Sri Lanka, has recently become one of the fastest growing
commercial cities. The newly constructed Hambantota Port, Hambantota Airport, International Cricket Stadium, Largest Outdoor Zoo (Ridiyagama Safari Park), Birds Park / Birds Research Center, Ranminithenna Tele Cinema Village, Dry
Zone Botanic Gardens, Agro-Technology Park in Bata Atha, etc. have become a
paradise for local and foreign tourists. There are many places to visit in
Hambantota. They are listed below. Go visit those places of your choice.

• Muruthawela Ginipetti Palama

It is a great place to bathe and be happy in the South. The canal that carries water
from the Julampitiya Muruthawela Reservoir in the Hambantota District has
been constructed in this manner. The bathing area is about 1 km away from the
Ginipetti Palama along the same road. This Muruthawela reservoir starts from
the tributaries of the Kirama Oya. There’s a matchbox bridge here. This is not the
only matchbox bridge in Sri Lanka but there are others. The bridge got its name
because it is built in the shape of a matchbox
Muruthawela Reservoir: This Muruthawela Reservoir is related to many
archeological excavations. A survey conducted in 2013 – identified a location
where the water level of the Muruthawela Reservoir decreases, indicating the
presence of manure and iron furnaces submerged in the reservoir. Scattered
pottery premises have also come to the fore. It has been found that these ancient
heritages have been submerged in these reservoirs at the foot of Mount
Rammalaya which were the settlements of the Rohana Kingdom. Accordingly, it is clear that there were settlements of distinguished
metalworkers who represented the common people who lived in Rohana in the
past. We do not know whether we will lose this heritage due to large scale
development projects. These are the findings of the excavations at the Muruthawela Reservoir:
Most of the pottery remains found were pottery pieces that were much wider
and stronger
That there were RW and BRW pots among these pots
Evidence of use of chemicals
Items suspected to belong to clay pots such as Koraha and Appallaya
Some pottery has patterns made of clay

• Ridiyagama Safari Park

Ridiyagama Safari Park is the first man-made safari park in Sri Lanka and opened
to the public in 2016. Spread over an area of 500 acres, the park is home to 22
species of animals, mainly mammals and birds. About 500 acres of land has been set aside for this park and it is proposed to set
up 13 zones for different species of animals. Currently, about 200 acres have
been developed and work has been completed on administrative buildings, animal hospitals, visitor facilities, parking lots and three animal zones. Since this park is still in its infancy, it is not fair to expect to see so many animals. Madunagala Hot Springs and Madunagala Forest are also located nearby. If you
are planning a trip to the South, this is a great place to visit.

•  Dry Zone Botanic Gardens

Dry Zone Botanic Gardens located in Mirijjawila area in Hambantota district of
Southern Province. Situated on an area of about 300 acres, it is the second largest
botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Is attracting local and foreign tourist
attractions. The main objective of establishing this Dry Zone Botanic Gardens is
to conserve dry grassland plants, plants of medicinal importance, and drylands. Located in: Mirijjawila area in Hambantota
Traveling Time: 14 min (9.9 km) Hambantota to Dry Zone Botanic Gardens

• Birds Park / Birds Research Center

Birds Park / Birds Research Center located in the city of Hambantota in the
Southern Province, this bird sanctuary is a very popular bird paradise among
children as well as locals and foreigners alike. Located on an area of 35
acres. About 3,200 birds have been spotted, including endemic and exotic birds. Located in: Hambantota
Traveling Time: 28 min (20.3 km) Hambantota to Birds Park / Birds Research
Center

• Ranminithenna Tele Cinema Village

It is located in the area called Ranmihitenna between Tissamaharama and
Kataragama in the Southern Province. This is the only telecinema village in Sri
Lanka. Has won the attraction of locals and foreigners alike. This is fully
maintained by the government and entry fees are charged.