Matara: The Hidden Gem of Southern Sri Lanka

• Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [Ayubowan]
• Goodbyeසල්ලි
  [Salli]
• Yesඔව්
  [Owe]
• Noනෑ
  [Nae]
• Please/You're welcomeකරන්න
  [Karanna]
• Thank youඔබව ස්තුතිමි
  [Oba stuthimi]
• Excuse me/Sorryසමාවෙන්න
  [Samanvenna]
• How are you?ඔයාට කෙසේද?
  [Oyata kese da?]
• Fine. And you?හරි. ඔයා?
  [Hari. Oya?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයාගේ ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?
  [Oyage ingreesi katha karanavada?]
• I don't understandමට දැනුම් නැත
  [Mata danum natha]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකර මෙනුව දැක්කා ලබා ගන්න
  [Karunakara menoo dakka laba ganna]
• I don't eat meatමම මස් කන්නේ නැත
  [Mama mas kanna ne]
• Cheers!සුරංගනා!
  [Surangana!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකර ගෙවන්න
  [Karunakara gewanna]

• Help!උක්කරු!
  [Ukkaru!]
• Go away!ඉවුරු!
  [Iwuru!]
• Call the Police!පොලිස් කරන්න
  [Polis karanna]
• Call a doctor!වෛරස් කරන්න
  [Vayras karanna]
• I'm lostමම අවකාශයා
  [Mama avakshaya]
• I'm illමම අසා දැනුම් ඇත
  [Mama asa danum athe]

• I'd like to buy...මම ... වෙත මිලදී ගත්තේ
  [Mama ... wethi miladi gaththe]
• I'm just lookingමම දන්නාටත් බලන්නේ නැත
  [Mama dannata bathalanne ne]
• How much is it?එය කොහොමද?
  [Eya kohomada?]
• That's too expensiveඑය වේගයාට වැඩිය
  [Eya vegayata wadiya]
• Can you lower the price?මිලදී ගැනීම හොඳයිද?
  [Miladi genim hodayi?]

• What time is it?දිනයේ කාලය කුමක්ද?
  [Dinayek kalaya kumakda?]
• It's one o'clockඑකට
  [Ekata]
• Half past (10)දහයි
  [Dahayi]
• Morningඋදේ
  [Ude]
• Afternoonපෙ.න.
  [Pena]
• Eveningසවස
  [Sawasa]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [Iye]
• Todayඅද
  [Ada]
• Tomorrowහෙට
  [Heta]
• 1එක
  [Eka]
• 2දෙක
  [Deka]
• 3තුන
  [Thuna]
• 4හතලිය
  [Hathaliya]
• 5පහ
  [Paha]
• 6හය
  [Haya]
• 7හත
  [Hatha]
• 8අට
  [Ata]
• 9නං
  [Nama]
• 10දහය
  [Dahaya]

• Where's a/the...?... කොටසෙන් කොටසක් පෙන්වනවාද?
  [... kotasen kotask penwanavada?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්ද?
  [Lipinaya kumakda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මට පෙන්වීමට හැකිද?
  [Mata penwimata hakida?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟ (බස්) කොටස කුමක්ද?
  [Ilanga (bas) kotasa kumakda?]
• A ticket (to ....)ප්‍රාථමිකයා (... වෙත)
  [Prathamigaya (... wetha)]

Matara's history stretches back to ancient times, evidenced by archaeological findings that suggest human settlements in the area dating over 2,000 years. The region was an integral part of the Ruhuna Kingdom, one of the early kingdoms in Sri Lanka. The name 'Matara' is believed to have been derived from the Sinhalese word 'Mahatara,' meaning 'Great Ferry,' indicating its importance as a ferry point in ancient trade and travel.

The arrival of the Portuguese in the early 16th century marked a significant turning point in Matara's history. They built the first fortress in 1595 to secure their control over the coastal trade routes. This initial fortification laid the groundwork for the city’s later developments. The fort was strategically positioned to oversee the ocean and protect the Portuguese interests from local resistance and rival European powers.

The Dutch East India Company seized control of Matara from the Portuguese in 1640. The Dutch constructed a more formidable fortification, known as the Matara Fort, in the late 17th century. This fortification remains one of the key historical landmarks in the city. The Dutch influence extended beyond military architecture, also contributing to the development of local infrastructure and the introduction of European architectural styles.

In 1796, the British took over Matara along with the rest of the coastal regions of Sri Lanka. The British period saw the modernization of Matara, with the establishment of schools, hospitals, and improved roadways. The British influence is also evident in some of the colonial buildings that still stand today, showcasing a blend of local and European architectural elements.

After Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule in 1948, Matara evolved into a vibrant provincial city. It became a hub for education and commerce in the Southern Province. The city has continued to develop, balancing its rich historical heritage with modern advancements. Key landmarks from various eras have been preserved and are integral to its cultural identity.

Matara is home to several significant religious and cultural sites. The Weherahena Temple, with its massive Buddha statue and intricate tunnel paintings, attracts visitors from all over the world. Additionally, the Matara Bodhiya, a sacred fig tree, is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. These sites highlight the city’s enduring spiritual and cultural traditions.

Matara was one of the cities severely affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and property. However, the resilience of the Matara community shone through in the aftermath, with rapid reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The city has since rebuilt itself, with improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures.

Matara is accessible by various means of transport. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, approximately 160 kilometers away. From Colombo, you can take an express bus, train, or hire a private taxi to Matara. The Southern Expressway (E01) provides a direct route, making the journey by car or taxi around 2-3 hours. Trains from Colombo Fort station to Matara offer a scenic coastal route and are a popular choice among travelers.

Matara offers a range of transportation options. Tuk-tuks are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city. Local buses connect Matara with nearby towns and villages. For longer distances, trains and intercity buses are available. Renting a car or motorbike is also an option, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace. Be aware that driving in Sri Lanka requires an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Matara. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are readily available in the city for cash withdrawals.

Matara is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While crime rates are relatively low, there have been occasional reports of pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists. Stay vigilant, especially in busy areas like bus and train stations.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 110 for medical emergencies. The Matara General Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is common in business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Matara like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Matara Fort and the iconic Dondra Head Lighthouse. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Polhena Beach, popular for its calm waters and marine life.