Matara, the country’s largest settlement on the south coast, is a fascinating location. The coastal railway comes to an end here. In the past, Matara was home to a variety of people, including Portuguese, Dutch, and British. You can see how these individuals have influenced Matara’s culture and way of life. It was a thriving and vital port for European spice commerce. The old settlement was built on a peninsula in a river’s estuary. Much of the historic settlement is contained within the Dutch-built Matara Fort.
Matara has a population of roughly 50,000 people. The majority of the people that live in the region are Buddhists. Muslims and Christians account for a minor percentage of the population. Hindus make up a small percentage of the city’s population. The residents of Matara rely on agriculture and fishing as their major sources of income. Sinhalese is the primary language spoken in the town.
Matara is known for its scenic beaches and natural beauty. Green pastures and tea farms surround the town. All of these factors contribute to the town’s popularity as a tourist attraction. Around 1763, the Dutch built Star Fort on the shore of an estuary. It was built to compensate for the flaws in the fort on the other bank of the river.
Matara is located on the country’s south coast, about 100 miles (162 km) south of Colombo. The modern town is comprised of multiple high-rise buildings and shopping malls, all of which are bustling with activity. This town is home to a lot of top-tier company offices. Near the bus terminal, there is a Postal Complex. It provides users with a variety of communication services. Three-wheelers are the town’s most popular means of transportation. Cabs and vans can also be used to get around Matara.
Matara Location
Tourist Attractions of Matara/ Things to Do and See
Star Fort
The Dutch built the Star Fort on the shore of the Nilwala estuary in 1763. The fort was built to compensate for the flaws in the fort built on the other bank of the river. On the entryway, the date of creation is etched. To this day, the original construction has been preserved. At one point, the Engineering office was located on the top of the building. It has since been transformed into a museum with a collection of historical paintings and murals on wooden panels.
Polhena Reef
Polhena is a beach about 2 miles (3.5 km) southwest of the city. This location is surrounded by a reef. It serves as a barrier against the shallow water in this area. Corals abound on the natural reef. The sea appears pleasant, with its large, unpolluted beaches. This beach also offers fishing and a variety of water activities.
Weherahena Temple
A few kilometres east of Matara lies the Weherahena Temple. The temple has an artificial cave with a large Buddha image and over 200 scenes from Buddha’s life. In late November/early December, a parade with many performers is conducted at the temple to mark the temple’s founding anniversary.
Wewurukannala Vihara
The beautiful Wewurukannala Vihara, a Buddhist temple, is located in Dikwella, about 10 miles (16 km) east of Matara. The temple houses a Buddha statue that is 160 feet tall and was erected during the reign of King Rajadhi in the 18th century. At the rear of the monument lies an eight-story structure. A variety of colourful models depicting stories from Buddha’s life may also be found throughout the temple.
Dondra
Dondra is the country’s southernmost point, located approximately 4 (7 km) southeast of Matara and notable for its octagonal lighthouse. The lighthouse, which stands 177 feet tall, was erected in 1890 to guide ships south of Sri Lanka. There is a shrine devoted to God Vishnu named Maha Vishnu Devala, which goes back to the 7th century. It is a famous tourist destination in the area. The large annual festival, which takes place in July and August, is the primary attraction here.
