Matara, Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Discover Matara, a coastal city in southern Sri Lanka, known for its historical forts, serene beaches, vibrant temples, and rich culinary heritage.

Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Matara is a serene yet bustling city that offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Known for its pristine beaches and historical sites, Matara serves as an ideal getaway for those looking to experience the authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle. The city is a harmonious mix of colonial architecture, ancient temples, and modern amenities, making it a captivating destination for all types of travelers. Start your journey by visiting the Matara Fort, a historical fortress built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. The fort offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and provides a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past. Another must-visit is the Weherahena Temple, famous for its giant Buddha statue and intricate underground tunnels adorned with vibrant murals narrating Buddhist stories. For beach lovers, Polhena Beach is a paradise with its calm, shallow waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Don't miss out on exploring the nearby Mirissa Beach, renowned for whale watching and its lively nightlife. Matara is also a gateway to other southern attractions like the Yala National Park, where you can embark on thrilling safaris and spot a variety of wildlife. Food enthusiasts will find Matara a delightful culinary destination, offering a range of local delicacies from fresh seafood to traditional Sri Lankan curries. The city’s markets are bustling with vendors selling everything from tropical fruits to handmade crafts, providing an immersive cultural experience. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind, Matara has something special to offer.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Matara.

Visit early in the morning to the Matara Fort to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Polhena Beach is best visited during weekdays for a more tranquil experience.
Try local dishes at small, family-run eateries for an authentic culinary experience.
Carry cash, as many local shops and markets do not accept credit cards.
If planning a whale-watching tour in Mirissa, book in advance during peak season to secure a spot.

Explore Matara: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Matara

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Galle Dutch Fort

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, where culture meets coastal beauty.

4.7

Coconut Tree Hill

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa, Sri Lanka - a must-visit destination for stunning ocean views and serene relaxation.

4.6

Galle Lighthouse

Discover the historical charm and breathtaking views of Galle Lighthouse, a must-visit landmark on Sri Lanka's southern coast.

4.6

Hummanaya Blow Hole

Discover the breathtaking Hummanaya Blow Hole in Kudawella, where nature's power creates stunning water displays and unforgettable memories.

4.2

Best landmarks in Matara

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Galle Fort Clock Tower

Explore the Galle Fort Clock Tower, a historic landmark that symbolizes the colonial past of Galle, Sri Lanka, surrounded by breathtaking ocean views.

4.6

The Dutchman's Street

Discover the vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka at The Dutchman's Street, a must-visit restaurant and coffee shop in Matara's historic Fort area.

4.5

Matara Bodhiya - මාතර බෝධිය (மாதாரா போ மரம்)

Explore the serene Matara Bodhiya, a sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, known for its historic Bodhi tree and peaceful spiritual ambiance.

4.8

The Shrine of Our Lady of Matara

Explore the tranquil beauty of The Shrine of Our Lady of Matara, a spiritual haven rich in history and cultural significance in Sri Lanka.

4.8

Best restaurants in Matara

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The Dutchman's Street

Experience culinary bliss at The Dutchman's Street in Matara—a perfect blend of local flavors and international delights amidst charming surroundings.

4.5

Zephyr Ceylon

Experience exquisite flavors at Zephyr Ceylon in Kamburugamuwa - where local ingredients meet global culinary traditions.

4.4

The Doctor's House

Experience delightful dining at The Doctor's House in Matara – where fresh seafood meets vibrant nightlife amidst stunning ocean views.

4.3

Cafe 4 U

Discover family-friendly dining at Cafe 4 U in Matara, where local flavors meet fast-food favorites in a cozy setting.

3.9

Best bars in Matara

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The Doctor's House

Discover the perfect blend of food, music, and hospitality at The Doctor's House in Matara, Sri Lanka, an ideal destination for every traveler.

4.3

Chamin Restaurant and Open Bar

Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Chamin Restaurant and Open Bar in Matara, where traditional Sri Lankan flavors meet international cuisine.

4.1

Neel The Wine

Discover the charm of Neel The Wine in Matara, where exquisite wines and a cozy atmosphere await you.

3.4

Blue Moon Sports Club Restaurant & BAR

Discover the lively ambiance and delicious cuisine at Blue Moon Sports Club Restaurant & BAR in Matara, your ultimate destination for sports and dining.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Matara

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The Doctor's House

Discover the vibrant energy of The Doctor's House, a bar and restaurant in Matara offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively entertainment.

4.3

Juice Life - Urban Eatery Matara

Discover the vibrant flavors of healthy eating at Juice Life - Urban Eatery Matara, where fresh ingredients meet a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

Shima Guni Beach Club

Discover culinary delights and breathtaking ocean views at Shima Guni Beach Club in Madiha, Sri Lanka, a perfect beachside escape for tourists.

4.3

SunSet Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views at SunSet Bar in Mirissa, where every sunset is a breathtaking spectacle.

3.0

Best shops in Matara

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The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Discover the charm of Galle at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, where history meets modern shopping and dining in a picturesque setting.

4.5

Fashion Bug Matara

Discover the latest trends and stylish clothing at Fashion Bug Matara, where affordability meets fashion in the heart of Sri Lanka.

3.8

Kotuwe Kade Shopping Centre

Explore a shopping haven in Matara: Kotuwe Kade Shopping Centre offers an array of shops, dining, and cultural experiences for every traveler.

4.2

Samanmal - Matara

Explore Samanmal in Matara for unique fashion that blends contemporary style with traditional Sri Lankan flair.

4.0

Explore Matara on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Matara, mapped for you.

Matara Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit Matara?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Matara

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Matara. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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)]

History of Matara

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.