Hambantota - a tempting destination
HAMBANTOTA district, a tropical land of legendary beauty and ancient irrigation systems has many facets. Her tourism attractions include sun drenched beaches, multi coloured corals, sheltered bays, serene lagoons, offshore islands and wildlife parks. Hambantota situated 240 km South East of Colombo has been a strategic location in the Southern region. The district consists of 2622 sq Km land area representing six per cent of the country's land mass. The Hambantota region has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in Sri Lanka.
The tourism sector in the Hambantota district which had an astounding success story, is entering a new track with fresh dimensions. Tourism in the district has become a major industry, generating wealth and employment, opening the minds of both visitors and residents to different ways of life.
The expansion of tourism in the district continues to achieve spectacular gains. Total international tourism arrivals in 2004 were estimated at 120,000, a gain of 13 per cent over the preceding year.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Manchester Enterprises (ME) Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) to strengthen the district's image as a popular tourist destination.
The Hambantota district is a tourist's delight. Its thriving hotels and guest inns, elegant restaurants and captivating boutiques give enterprising spirit to the sector.
Hambantota was once known as the "Magama Kingdom". The medieval town of Tissamaharama is a classic city. Its impressive second centaury Vihares such as Yatala, Sandagiri and Tissa are famous for architectural design and outstanding sculpture.
Kataragama, a favourite pilgrim location visited by Sri Lankans irrespective of religion is an important destination to foster reconciliation and peace.
The Mulkirigala rock temple with a cave complex and an impressive stone stairway of nearly 700 steps is another heritage attraction in the district.
Katuwana which has a fort built by the Dutch nearly four centuries ago is a fascinating site. Hambantota is not merely a historically important district but a region where art, culture and traditions are visible all around.
The first picture that comes to mind on hearing the word Hambantota is beaches - long beaches that stretch as far as eye could see. Tangalle and Hambantota are all year round beach destinations with brilliant sunshine, dry weather and perfect sea conditions.
Great and Little bases islands on the South East Coast offers excellent under water coral exploration sites.
Geographic diversity gives Hambantota district rich wildlife resources. Yala and Bundala national parks located in the South East edge of the district are two wildlife parks.
Wirawila and Kalametiya are among the most accessible bird sanctuaries in the district. Majestic elephants can be found in almost all nature reserves along with deer, wild boar, several species of monkeys, wild buffalo, peacocks, crocodiles, leopards and indigenous and migratory birds of all varieties.
Delightful paradoxes, improbable contrast, happy surprises and many other qualities make Hambantota district a unique vacation land.
(The writer is a consultant of International Alert, Hambantota.)
(http://www.dailynews.lk/2005/09/12/fea04.htm
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