Hambantota Shore Excursions for the Azamara Onward Cruise arriving on April 14th, 2026, to experience your perfect Sri Lankan adventure. We offer six expertly-curated tours, or let us customize one just for you. Whether you crave cultural immersion, historical exploration, or eco-friendly thrills, our specialists will design your dream itinerary. Hambantota, Sri Lanka’s second-largest port, welcomes cruise passengers eager for unique experiences. Just a short drive away lies Yala National Park, a haven for wildlife encounters. But for those seeking hidden gems, Hambantota offers something special. Go off-the-beaten-path and learn the secrets of Sri Lankan curd at a local’s home, where generations have perfected this delicious dessert in traditional clay pots. Escape the crowds and discover Hambantota with a personalized touch you won’t find on larger tours.
As part of its incredible 20-Night Ancient Trade Routes Voyage, the Azamara Onward Cruise will be calling on Hambantota Port on April 14th, 2026, with the ship docking from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To make sure you’re back in cruise on time, our team can help you craft the perfect itinerary for your interests, all wrapped up by 5:00 p.m. With roughly 9-10 hours to explore Hambantota, you’ve got ample time to make the most of your visit!
Hambantota Shore Excursions for Azamara Onward Cruise 14 April 2026
Yala Full Day Safari from Hambantota Port
- 01 National Park
Safari to Yala National Park
From $135
Yala Half Day Safari from Hambantota Port
- 01 National Park
Safari to Yala National Park
From $95
Udawalawe Safari from Hambantota Port
- 01 National Park
Safari to Udawalawe National Park
From $135
Kataragama and Yala Safari from Hambantota Port
- 01 Temple & National Park
Tour to Katragama & Yala National Park
From $145
Bundala Safari from Hambantota Port
- 01 National Park
Safari to Bundala National Park
From $95
Kataragama and Kirinda Temple Tour from Hambantota Port
- 02 Temples
Tour to Kataragama & Kirinda
From $80
Things to Consider When Planning Hambantota Shore Excursions for Azamara Onward Cruise 14 April 2026
- Know your cruise itinerary in advance.
- Choose a local tour operator with significant experience in managing shore excursions. Skilled operators will have your cruise schedule ahead of time and can customize your tour to match your itinerary, ensuring timely return to the pier. Our team at Hambantota Shore Excursions, a branch of Merganser Holidays, has been handling shore excursions since 2019, with over five years of expertise.
- Avoid booking shore excursions through third-party websites, as they often add high commission fees, significantly increasing the cost compared to booking directly with local tour operators.
- Select for a tour operator that offers convenient pier pick-up, allowing you to start your tour immediately upon arrival. Dependable operators provide this service for their clients.
- Avoid taking tours from individuals offering services at the port gate. They may lack experience and proper communication skills, increasing the risk of missing your cruise due to unfamiliarity with departure times.
- Perform thorough research before selecting a local tour company.
- Select a company that provides comprehensive information and clear instructions before the tour, with easy contact and prompt responses to your inquiries.
- Examine the tour operator’s payment terms, cancellation policy, and other conditions before making a reservation.
- When visiting temples, wear modest clothing—no short trousers or skirts, and ensure your shoulders are covered. Remove shoes and headwear before entering the temple.
- Local currency is usually unnecessary unless you plan to make purchases. Most tours are all-inclusive, and you can use USD for tips. A banking unit will be available at the pier for currency exchange if needed.
At Hambantota Shore Excursions, we address all these factors from the initial planning stages to the moment we return you to the pier after an exceptional adventure. Contact us to organize your Hambantota Shore Excursions for Azamara Onward Cruise 14 April 2026 with our experienced team.
The Best Places to Visit When you are at Hambantota Port
Yala is the best wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka. Therefore, you may let your inner adventurer loose. Experience the wonders of the Indian Ocean on a jeep safari through verdant landscapes, where you may see stately elephants and secretive leopards. Birdwatchers will find heaven in Yala, home to more than 200 bird species. Dive into various habitats, from lush woodlands to expansive grasslands and shimmering lagoons, all teaming with unique and fascinating species.
Nature enthusiasts are enticed by Udawalawe National Park, nestled in south-central Sri Lanka. It is currently a flourishing environment that was once a sanctuary for creatures that had been evacuated. Watch as the park’s stars—herds of magnificent Sri Lankan elephants—swim in the reservoir or munch on grasslands. Watch for Sambur, spotted deer, and even a timid leopard. Udawalawe is a birdwatcher’s dream, with more than 200 bird species, including migratory birds and Sri Lankan endemics. The picturesque Udawalawe Reservoir and the park’s meadows and scrub forests only heighten the magic.
Bundala National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, so go away from the madding masses and find your solitude. Colorful birds, such as flamingos, pelicans, and Sri Lankan endemics like the bush lark, will wow you in an unforgettable display. Discover a variety of habitats, from saltpans that are home to migrating birds to lagoons packed with crocodiles. Travel across meadows and scrub forests searching for elephants and other exciting creatures. Bundala provides a tranquil retreat for ecotourists and a rare look into Sri Lanka’s illustrious bird history.
Visit the holy town of Kataragama, which is held in high regard by indigenous Vedda people, as well as by Buddhists and Hindus, as part of a spiritual pilgrimage. Witness the beautiful blending of faiths as you visit sacred locations like the Kataragama Devalaya, a thriving Hindu temple. Enjoy the town’s spiritual atmosphere while participating in its lively festivities. Offering a window into the spiritual fabric of Sri Lanka, Kataragama is a kaleidoscope of cultures and beliefs.
Kirinda Temple, an old Buddhist monastery inside Yala National Park, whispers stories of Sri Lanka’s history. Take a step back in time as you explore the magnificent stupa, a symbol of religion, and marvel at the elaborate carvings within. Envision the tranquil, devoted life of the monks who once lived here. Allow yourself to be swept away by the serene atmosphere of this sacred site. Kirinda Temple provides a haven for mind and spirit in the middle of breathtaking natural scenery.
Hike up a lofty rock in the middle of Yala National Park’s thick woodlands to reach the Sithul Pawwa Rock Temple, a little-known yet stunning attraction. This serene subterranean temple provides insight into the monastic past of Sri Lanka, which dates back to 2000 BC. Marvel at the breathtaking vistas from the peak, then explore the caverns decorated with old sculptures and paintings. The Sithul Pawwa Rock Temple is a haven for those searching for spirituality and environment lovers, providing a unique experience with its stunning natural setting and rich history.
Hidden within the verdant foliage is the old Mulkirigala Rock Temple, which you may reach by ascending its ancient stairs. Discover a labyrinth of caverns decorated with murals that portray scenes from Buddha’s life that date back millennia. Immerse yourself in the calm of this hallowed spot while seeing amazing panoramic views of the surrounding environment. Anyone interested in spirituality or history can find something interesting at Mulkirigala Rock Temple.
Journey to Hambantota and delve into Sri Lanka’s rich history of salt production. The Hambantota Salt Factory offers a glimpse into time-honored practices, showcasing how salt is extracted from the ocean using age-old methods. Witness firsthand the significance of salt to Sri Lanka’s culture and economy. The dazzling white landscape will leave you mesmerized as you wander amidst the vast expanse of shimmering salt pans. This captivating experience isn’t just a factory tour; it’s a window into a cultural tradition passed down through generations.
The Galle Dutch Fort, an impressive coastal fortification constructed by European colonists, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will transport you back in time. Experience the historic colonial architecture as you stroll around the well-preserved walls, bastions, and cobblestone streets. The fort walls are home to many museums, cafés, and boutiques that are sure to delight. For an exciting day excursion from Hambantota, go to Galle Dutch Fort, which combines historical sites, cultural attractions, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Unleash your inner artist at a nearby pottery village! Witness skilled hands transform clay on spinning wheels, a mesmerizing echo of age-old traditions. Learn the secrets of shaping, embellishing, and firing, passed down for generations. Get your hands dirty – this fun, creative experience is perfect for all ages. Take home a unique, handcrafted souvenir, a lasting reminder of your Sri Lankan adventure.
Buffalo Curd Making in Weerawila
Seeing the traditional process of making Buffalo Curd at Weerawila is a great way to begin your culinary adventure. This curd, which has a sour twist, is a trademark of Sri Lankan cuisine. Master the art of making this mouth-watering treat by learning every step of the fermentation process and how to milk a water buffalo. Savor the distinctive taste of freshly made curd and reflect on the skilled artisans in your town who are preserving this traditional recipe.
Fruit Bats View Point, Tissamaharama
You may see a breathtaking natural phenomenon at Tissamaharama’s Fruit Bats View Point. As the sun sets, you will be enchanted by hundreds of enormous fruit bats emerging from their caverns where they spend the day. Join them in spirit as they soar in a whirlwind of beauty, a natural phenomenon that never ceases to amaze. Anyone lucky to see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will always remember the unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka’s thriving wildlife.
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya – Temple
Visit the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, a respected and ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, and travel through time. The serene and sacred atmosphere of the temple is said to have been bestowed upon it by the Buddha himself on his third journey to the island. Marvel at the elaborate sculptures and carvings that decorate the enormous complex as you learn about the Buddhist faith and its long history.
Tissa Lake is a beautiful sanctuary complete with animals; take a peaceful boat trip along its calm waters to see them all. Take in the sights of magnificent elephants as you glide by lush islands and many bird species. Take in the serene beauty of nature as the sun sets beyond the horizon, painting the lake in a warm golden light.
Yatala Wehera Tissamaharama – Temple
Journey to the Yatala Wehera, an ancient stupa that is a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. Built in the 2nd century BC, this imposing stupa is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha. Admire the intricate carvings and architectural details that adorn the stupa, and reflect on the centuries of devotion and belief embodied within its walls.