Information
Landmark: Ridiyagama Safari ParkCity: Hambantota
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Ridiyagama Safari Park, Hambantota, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, Ridiyagama Safari Park in Hambantota District is one of the country’s newer wildlife attractions, where you might spot a peacock strutting across the dusty road.Founded in 2015, it operates as an open zoo and safari park where visitors can watch giraffes stroll across wide, sunlit plains instead of peering through cages.This is one of Sri Lanka’s largest parks, where you can watch animals from all over the world roam in wide, open enclosures, from a lion stretching in the sun to a herd of deer grazing quietly.First.Ridiyagama Safari Park sits just outside Suriyawewa, about 20 kilometers from Hambantota and a short 6-kilometer drive from Yala National Park, stretching across 500 hectares of open land where animals wander through spacious enclosures.Opened in 2015, it was built to protect wildlife and teach visitors-whether they’re watching a peacock fan its tail or spotting a giraffe from afar-why preserving biodiversity matters in Sri Lanka and beyond, and it’s now home to species from across the island and around the globe.The park features wide, open enclosures where animals can wander freely, stretch their legs, and act just as they would in the wild.In the park, you might spot Sri Lankan elephants wandering freely, their ears flapping in the warm air, along with spotted and sambar deer, mongoose, wild boar, and playful monkeys like gray langurs; crocodiles bask near the water, and turtles paddle lazily.From farther afield come African lions-a star attraction-plus zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, leopards, tigers, and bears from both Asia and Africa, as well as swift cheetahs, graceful antelope, and bright pink flamingos.Bird lovers can watch peafowl strut, hornbills call from the trees, and herons, pelicans, and storks glide overhead.The park’s open enclosures are arranged in zones, each designed to mirror the animals’ natural habitats.You might wander past a section for African wildlife, pause to watch Sri Lankan elephants, then catch sight of lions or tigers lounging in the sun; the park’s grassy plains, cool wooded stretches, and glimmering waterholes create a setting that feels alive, and guided jeep safaris let you roll right through it all.On the safari, you’ll ride through wide, open-air enclosures where lions might lounge in the shade and giraffes wander past, far from the bars of a zoo cage.A guide or driver leads the way, pointing out each animal’s behavior and describing its natural home, making the whole experience both immersive and educational.You can get up close to lions, elephants, giraffes, deer, and more.At certain times, the park runs feeding sessions where you might watch a giraffe stretch its long neck for a leafy snack.Depending on the rules, you could even feed goats or stand just a few feet from a bright, chattering parrot.With wetlands and wide grasslands, the park’s also a prime spot for spotting both native and migrating birds.Birdwatchers will have no shortage of chances to spot peafowls strutting in the grass, storks perched by the water, herons wading, and countless other species.The ideal time to visit Ridiyagama Safari Park is the dry season-November through April-when the sun stays bright and the skies are clear.During these months, animals are easier to spot as they cluster around the park’s watering holes, their coats catching the light.From May to October, the rainy season sweeps in, drenching the land, turning trails into slick mud, and making safari sightings harder.Still, it’s a quieter season to visit, with only a trickle of tourists and the paths often empty except for the rustle of leaves.At the moment, Ridiyagama Safari Park doesn’t provide any on-site places to stay.You can book a room at a hotel, resort, or eco-lodge near Hambantota, Tissamaharama, or Yala, then head into the park for a plate of spicy rice and curry from one of the simple cafés or snack stalls scattered along the paths.Several nearby hotels and resorts offer meal packages, and getting to Ridiyagama Safari Park is simple-it’s a short drive from Tissamaharama in about 30 minutes, Hambantota in roughly 20, or Galle in just under two hours, with the road winding past fields where you might spot grazing buffalo.You can get around by hiring a taxi, booking a private car, or joining a guided tour.Public buses run to Tissamaharama and Hambantota, but if you want to head straight to the safari park, private transport’s easier.Ridiyagama Safari Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most thrilling wildlife spots, where you can watch herds wander across wide, sunlit grasslands.Blending Sri Lankan fauna with African wildlife and other rare species, the park draws visitors into an experience that’s both eye‑opening and fun-whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or a family watching parrots flash bright green in the trees.It’s a standout addition to Sri Lanka’s wildlife scene, pairing perfectly with trips to nearby parks such as Yala, where leopards prowl, and Uda Walawe.Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a wild safari, curious about hands-on conservation work, or just want a fun day out with the kids, Ridiyagama Safari Park delivers an experience you’ll remember-right down to the sight of elephants splashing in the sun.
