Explore unforgettable Hambantota shore excursions designed for the Azamara Pursuit Cruise arriving on November 25, 2025. We offer six expertly curated tours, but customization is always an option! Let us know your interests, and our team will craft the perfect adventure for you. Whether you crave cultural immersion, historical exploration, or eco-friendly thrills, our specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary that fulfills your desires.
Hambantota, Sri Lanka’s second-largest port, welcomes numerous cruise ships throughout the year. Just a short drive away lies Yala National Park, the island’s most popular, offering an unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife. But Hambantota offers more than just the mainstream path. Venture off the beaten track and delve into local life with a visit to a curd maker’s home. Learn the secrets behind Sri Lanka’s delicious curd and the traditional clay pots used in its creation. Choose Hambantota Shore Excursions for a personalized experience that surpasses the impersonal feel of larger group tours.
Arriving in Hambantota Port on November 25th, 2025, the Azamara Pursuit’s epic 16-Night Spice route Voyage will dock for a visit from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. To guarantee a smooth return to the ship, all our excursions are designed to wrap up by 3:00 PM, ensuring you’re back at the pier conveniently. With roughly 6 to 7 hours to explore Hambantota, our team is here to craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your interests.
Hambantota Shore Excursions for Azamara Pursuit Cruise 25 November 2025
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 Pursuit Cruise 25 November 2025
- Know Your Cruise Schedule: Familiarize yourself with your arrival and departure times in Hambantota to ensure a stress-free day.
- Choose an Experienced Local Operator: Select for a trusted tour company with a proven track record handling shore excursion. They’ll be familiar with cruise schedules and can tailor tours to fit your time frame, guaranteeing a timely return to the pier. Look for companies like Hambantota Shore Excursions, a subsidiary of Merganser Holidays, with extensive experience since 2019.
- Book Directly for Savings: Avoid third-party websites that add commission fees, inflating the cost. Booking directly with local operators ensures the best value.
- Choose a tour company offering pier pick-up to maximize your exploration time upon arrival. Reputable operators provide this service for a smooth start.
- Beware of Unofficial Offers: Avoid individuals soliciting tours at the port. They might lack experience and communication skills, potentially causing you to miss your cruise departure.
- Research is Key: Before booking, take time to research local tour companies.
- Choose a company that offers detailed tour information and clear instructions beforehand. They should also be responsive to your questions.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Understand the tour operator’s payment terms, cancellation policy, and other conditions before making a reservation.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples, dress modestly with shoulders covered and avoid short shorts or skirts. Remove shoes and headwear before entering.
- Currency Considerations: Local currency might not be necessary. Many tours are all-inclusive, and USD is suitable for tipping. Currency exchange services are available at the pier if needed.
Planning a shore excursion in Hambantota can be stressful, but we’re here to help! At Hambantota Shore Excursions, we understand the importance of every detail, from seamless planning to ensuring your timely return to the pier. Our expert team will craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your interests, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Let us handle the logistics, contact us today and get ready to experience the wonders of Hambantota.
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.