Matara
Explore Matara’s beautiful beaches, historic temples, and the iconic Star Fort for a perfect blend of culture and coastal charm.
About Matara
WHAT
Matara is a southern coastal city, through which Nilwala River flows to the sea and fertilizes the whole Matara area. There are beautiful clean beaches around Matara, which attract many tourists, the most attractive being the Polhena Beach. Besides, there are some historically interesting sites worth seeing. Matara was invaded by different nations and had had quite many rulers. It used to be called Mahathota that literally means Great Ferry. Matara was in the hands of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, who administrated it from 1796 to 1948. There are still some landmarks, which remind us of these ruling nations as well as Buddhist historical things, which reflect the history of Matara.
WHERE
It is located 160km from Colombo.
WHAT TO DO
Matara has numerous historical landmarks which were constructed by foreign rulers and some Sri Lanka’s kings while they ruled that area. There are many interesting things to see in Matara. In addition to beautiful Mirissa and Polhena beaches, visitors can see Dondra lighthouse, Star Fort, Weherahena Temple, mask carving, Samudragiri Viharaya and Whales & Dolphin Watching.
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