Celebrity Millennium, Spice Route Cruise, Hambantota, Sri Lanka. 2nd February 2026

 Hambantota. Sri Lanka

Leopard Eye Safari of Bundala National Park. 

2nd February 2026 

Celebrity Millennium docked at Hambantota in Sri Lanka a bit earlier than the scheduled 09:00.  But it was after 09:45 when we received permission to go ashore.

The port at Hambantota looked very new, even although it was finished in 2010, it is a deep water port and is leased from a Chinese company. It was not busy as we were the only ship in the port. The port covers a large area and shuttle buses took us to the port gates. It was after 10:15 when we got to the gates.

I had contacted Udayanga from Yala Leopard Eye Safaris and arranged a private tour of Bundala National Park with him. 

Communication was good, after the initial contact via email WhatsApp was used. As the ship docked he sent a photo of the mustard coloured hat he would be wearing. It was very distinctive and as soon as we exited the port gates we spotted him.

He showed us to his jeep and off we went. 

Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka

Bundala National Park is a wet land and is know for its birds. As there are no Leopards or Bears in this park and it is less well known than Yala. 

The park gates were about a 30 minute drive on the tar road. 

Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka 

once in the park it was a dirt road, we did see people on a scooter and a couple in a Tuk Tuk; but I think the jeep is the best option. 

We saw so many birds and Udayanga was very helpful at pointing them out and naming them. Also, a few very large crocodiles, many elephants, the very timid spotted deer, monkeys and macaques, along with smaller species like mongoose and a tortoise with a fabulous pattern on the shell. 

Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka

Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka

We drove to the sand dunes and beach. 

I really enjoyed Bundala and the company of Udayanga from Leopard Eye Safaris. It was a day to remember. 

As the ship was not due to leave until 20.00 we had planned to go to the Shang Ri La Hotel and chill out, but decided to return to the ship. 

The shuttle busses were frequent at the port gate and we were back on the ship by about 16:00 so we enjoyed some afternoon tea. 

For evening entertainment it was another silent disco at the Martini Bar 😍