At the southern end of Sri Lanka lies a town rich in natural beauty that boasts of spectacular white sand beaches, lush green paddy fields and scenic tea estates. To top it all, the mighty Nilwala River criss-crosses the town adding to the city’s idyllic scenery. Located 160 kms from the capital Colombo, this city is also home to a plethora of historic attractions that make it a popular destination in the country.
Matara town was in the past under Dutch and Portuguese rule and has interesting monuments built by the rulers at the time; the Matara Fort being among the most popular. Dating back to 1640, this fort was built by the Dutch and displays a colonial beauty. The oldest structure in the fort is the Dutch Church. Around this vicinity one can also find an interesting star shaped fort with a distinctive shape that was meant to provide extra protection for the main fort across the river.
Matara’s location in the south keeps it in close and convenient proximity to some other interesting towns in the country. These include cities like Weligama, popular for its ancient temple and lovely beaches, Tangalle, which features a lagoon that is a popular fishing harbour and Dondra, the most southern point of Sri Lanka that has a fascinating 40 metre lighthouse built in 1890 and a shrine dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu.
Apart from places of cultural and historical value, the warm hospitable people and the breathtaking scenery of the city itself makes Matara a must see destination in Sri Lanka. There are even small remote islands a few kilometres into the Indian Ocean that can be easily accessed by boat. A quiet picnic in one of these heavenly sanctuaries will make holidaying in this island paradise complete. If you are looking for luxury amidst this breathtaking city, stay at Era Beach. Located in Galle, another historic city in close proximity to Matara Town, this hotel in Galle offers easy access to various destinations in the southern province. The stunning architecture of Era Beach itself is sure to take your breath away, making it an ideal choice when looking for Sri Lanka hotels in the region.
