Things to do in Matara
Most travellers to Matara are primarily seeking the palm-treed sandy stretches of beach along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, and the region is usually part of a coastal road or rail trip beginning in Colombo, passing through the artistic town of Galle, and culminating in the city of Matara. There are many beautiful beaches along this route and some quiet resorts for those wanting privacy and peace.
Within the city itself, there's a vibrant and unaffected street life, which is interesting for foreign visitors and provides ample people-watching opportunities and chances to sample authentic local food. Matara has a rich colonial history and the old Dutch fortifications are perhaps the main sightseeing attraction away from the beaches, with the well-preserved Star Fort a popular site to explore. A visit to the modern Weherahena Buddhist Temple, with its gaudy riot of religious art, including the enormous Buddha statue, is another must for tourists in the area.
Wewurukannala Temple
Wewurukannala Vihara, located near Dikwella in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its striking 50-metre-high seated Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in the country. Construc…
Wewurukannala Temple
Wewurukannala Vihara, located near Dikwella in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its striking 50-metre-high seated Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in the country. Constructed in the 1970s, the statue is depicted in the Samadhi Mudra, symbolising meditation. Visitors ascend to the statue's head, where a chamber houses the Tripitaka scriptures inscribed on bronze plates. The temple's 'Hall of Hell' graphically illustrates the consequences of sinful behaviour through life-sized models. A museum on-site displays artefacts, including a 1926 clock and antique porcelain. The temple is situated approximately 0.9 miles (1.5km) inland from Dikwella, towards Beliatta.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most visited and second-largest reserve, is famed for its high leopard density and diverse wildlife. Located in the southeast near Tissamaharama, it…
Yala National Park
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most visited and second-largest reserve, is famed for its high leopard density and diverse wildlife. Located in the southeast near Tissamaharama, it spans varied habitats, which include open plains, forests, wetlands, and coastline. Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, monkeys, and over 215 bird species call it home. The park also shelters ancient ruins such as Magul Maha Vihara. Safari tours, usually in 4x4 vehicles, are the best way to explore, with guides included in the entry fee. The dry season (February to June) offers the best wildlife viewing, though early booking is advised due to the park's popularity.
Galle
Galle, on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, is a historic port town best known for its 36-hectare Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch.…
Galle
Galle, on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, is a historic port town best known for its 36-hectare Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort encloses a charming old quarter filled with colonial-era buildings, churches, museums, and boutique hotels. Galle has become a hub for artists and writers, with galleries, shops, and cafes lining its cobbled streets. While the town has a small beach, better options lie just outside along the coast. Galle blends rich colonial heritage with a vibrant, creative atmosphere, making it a favourite stop.
Beaches
Sri Lanka's southern beaches are prime tourist destinations, with the peak season running from October to April, when the southwest coast enjoys dry, sunny weather. Bentota stands …
Beaches
Sri Lanka's southern beaches are prime tourist destinations, with the peak season running from October to April, when the southwest coast enjoys dry, sunny weather. Bentota stands out for its water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. Hikkaduwa, in turn, is renowned for its marine sanctuary, and features vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species. Kirinda Beach, near Tissa, offers excellent diving opportunities, while Unawatuna boasts a safe, sandy beach ideal for swimming. Kudawella's Hummanaya Blowhole, the only one in Sri Lanka, shoots water up to 30 meters high. For a quieter experience, Koggala, Mirissa, Dikwella, and Tangalle provide serene beaches and local charm.