Travel Guide to Matara
Explore Matara's historic train station and immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem in Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to Matara
- Matara, LK
Discover Matara: A Journey Through Time at the Historic Train Station
Matara, a captivating coastal city in Sri Lanka, is famous for its stunning beaches and rich history, but one of its most charming features is the historic train station. As a key junction in the railway network, the Matara Train Station is an architectural gem that beautifully showcases colonial-era design. This station serves as a gateway to various destinations in Sri Lanka and offers a glimpse into the country’s transportation history. Travelers will find the station bustling with activity, as both locals and tourists alike use this vital transit point. Visitors to Matara can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture. The surrounding area is filled with shops, cafes, and markets, making it an ideal spot to grab a bite or shop for unique souvenirs. The train station itself is not only functional but also a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of Sri Lankan life. The picturesque backdrop of the station against the tropical landscape adds to its allure. As you stroll through Matara, don't miss the chance to explore its nearby historical sites, such as ancient temples and colonial buildings. The city is also known for its warm hospitality, where you can engage with friendly locals who are eager to share their stories. Overall, a visit to Matara offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an enriching experience for every traveler.
Local tips
- Arrive early to capture the sunrise at the station for stunning photographs.
- Take a train ride from Matara to experience the scenic views along the southern coast.
- Explore nearby attractions like the Matara Fort and local markets after your visit to the station.
- Be mindful of the train schedules and plan your visit accordingly to avoid long waits.
- Interact with local vendors near the station for an authentic taste of Sri Lankan street food.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving to Matara, you can take the A2 highway from Colombo. Follow the signs for Galle and continue on the A2, which will lead you directly to Matara. Once you enter Matara, look for signs directing you to the city center. Parking is available in various locations throughout the city, including near the bus station and railway station.
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Public Bus
To reach Matara by public bus, you can catch a bus from major cities like Colombo or Galle. Buses leave regularly from the Colombo Central Bus Stand or Galle Bus Station. Look for buses marked 'Matara' or 'Matara via Galle.' The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours from Colombo and about 1 hour from Galle, costing around 150-300 LKR. Once you arrive at the Matara bus station, you can walk to the city center or take a tuk-tuk.
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Train
If you prefer traveling by train, you can take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Matara. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Tickets range from 100 LKR for third class to 500 LKR for first class, depending on the service. Upon arrival at Matara Railway Station, the city center is a short walk away, or you can take a tuk-tuk for a small fee.
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Tuk-Tuk
Once in Matara, tuk-tuks are a convenient way to navigate the city. You can hire one from the bus or train stations to your desired destination within Matara. Always agree on a fare before starting your journey; typical fares range from 100 to 500 LKR, depending on the distance.
Attractions Nearby to Matara
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Star Fort - Matara | තාරකා කොටුව - මාතර
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ඇවිදින මන්තීරුව
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Nilwala River
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Nilwala Park
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Hotel Nawathana
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Matara Fort
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Old Dutch Market
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Habarale Temple
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Crocodile Watching And River Safari Matara
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Paravi Duwa Bridge | පරෙවි දූව පාලම | மாத்தறை புறாத்தீவு பாலம்
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Weheragampita Rajamaha Viharaya/වෙහෙරගම්පිට නාලන්දා පිරිවෙන
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Matara Beach | மாத்தறை கடற்கரை | මාතර වෙරළ
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Buddha's Statue
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Tsunami Memorial
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පරෙවි දූව විහාරස්ථානය - Parewi Duwa Temple
Landmarks nearby to Matara
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Matara Kataragama Dewalaya
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Sarasavi Bookshop (Pvt) Ltd
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Sisuru Bowa (Pvt) Ltd
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maturawa
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Kotuwe Kade Shopping Centre
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Samanmal - Matara
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Devoni Nature Resort
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Matara Bodhiya - මාතර බෝධිය (மாதாரா போ மரம்)
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Uyanwatta Stadium
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Star Fort Matara
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Matara Hospital junction
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ඇවිදින මන්තීරුව
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Raze Tours Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
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Kotuwe Kade (Pvt) Ltd
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Crocodiles watching and River Safari with Isuru