Located at about a distance of 160 kilometer, Matara sri lanka is a place extremely popular with tourists from across the globe. Matara came to be recognized more due to the 2004 tsunami that washed the shores of Matara with dreadful high waves that claimed a lot of life and limb. Despite the terrible impression the deadly tsunami left behind, Matara including other places in Sri Lanka saw restoration work and came back to life like phoenix. The name Matara refers to a great ferry or fortress because of its origin from Mahathota and Maturai.
The picturesque tea estates and paddy fields that get their water from the river Niwala add to the beauty of Matara. The safe coastline of Matara makes it safe for fishermen to venture out into the sea for a fresh catch of fish also their means of livelihood. If you can manage to make friends with the locals you could be lucky to find yourself close to the ocean trying your hands on sea fishing.
Matara has several attractions that are natural and divine and it makes for an ideal destination for tourists to visit and spend some time making the best of Mataras relaxing ambience.
Attractions and things to do in Matara Sri Lanka
- The ruins of temple in Devinuwara and Weherahena showcases the thousand year rule in the region by Sinhala kings
- The temple that lies in the middle of the town attracts pilgrims and is a main spiritual place for Buddhists in the surrounding regions.
- Matara also houses other Buddhist and Hindu temples attracting pilgrims from across the globe-Matara Bodhiya,
- Weragampita Rajamaha Viharaya temple
- Parevi Dupatha temple- this is a new Buddhist temple situated on the pigeon island. The temple could be reached through a suspension footbridge. Attractive gardens, several houses surrounding and idols of Buddha with a replica of the Sacred footprint as seen on Adams Peak make The temple a must visit place.
- Near the NiwalaRiver and Matara hospital you will find the Star fort to visit. The star shaped fort throws light on ancient history on how the fort cam to being.
- The lighthouse in point Dondra built by the Dutch is a standing epitome of Dutch craftsmanship. This towering lighthouse is the oldest and a magnificent structure standing tall till date.
- St Mary’s church is another exemplary structure of true craftsmanship
- The Nupe Junctions market place is another interesting place for tourists to head to.
- Built in 1560 the Matara fort was the initial work of Portuguese rulers however later was reconstructed by the Dutch. A large stone Rampart and Promontory of the fort separate the Niwala river and the ocean lagoon – appealing to itsonlookers.
- Within the fort the Dutch constructed the Dutch reformed church which attracts not just Christian visitors but believers from different religious backgrounds.
