Matara
South Asia · Sri Lanka
Did you know?
- The Nilwala River flows through town and into the sea.
- Polhena Beach is known for safe swimming and frequent turtle sightings.
- A Dutch-built rampart from 1640 survives as a protected fort monument.
See also
Overview
Matara is a southern coastal city shaped by a beach, the Nilwala River and fertile paddy, tea and spice country. Fort walls, temples, turtle beaches and nearby surf towns make it a useful base for the coast.
Languages: Sinhala, Tamil
Why Go
Matara is a coastal city in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, situated between Galle and Hambantota, approximately 160 km from Colombo. The town sits on a lovely beach as its main attraction, with the River Nilwala flowing through and into the sea. The surrounding area is fertile, evidenced by paddy fields, tea estates, and spice plantations that the river has fertilized.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Matara is accessible by bus via the main bus stand (listing_uid: e800bd66dfc5303c). The city lies on the southern coast route connecting Colombo to other southern destinations. The bus stand is the primary public transport hub for arriving in Matara.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
The city is relatively walkable, particularly around the beach area and central district. Local buses connect to nearby towns including Polhena Beach to the west. For exploring further afield, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When To Go
Matara has a mean annual temperature of 30°C, typical of Sri Lanka's southern coast. The best time to visit is during the dry season (December to March) for beach activities and turtle spotting. The area attracts visitors year-round, with Polhena Beach being popular for its safe swimming conditions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where To Stay
Cheap, safe tourist hotels abound in Matara. Budget accommodation options include Sea Dina Coral Home on Polhena Beach Road with rooms from $20 per night (listing_uid: c3f37c46c161f542). For a wellness-focused stay, Surya Lanka Ayurveda Retreat on Old Talalla Road offers Panchakarma treatments and yoga meditation (listing_uid: 72147ce850fd2135, url: https://www.suryalanka.com/en/).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food And Drink
The Doctor's House at 87 Beach Road, Madiha, Matara (url: http://thedoctorshouse.lk) is a popular beachside restaurant directly opposite a turtle spotting beach. Sea Cafe Vibes is a low-key caravan-style coffee shop located next to the rocky coastline where turtles swim by and surface for air. The Dutchman's Street offers dining options in the colonial-era area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things To Do
Weherahena Temple (listing_uid: 5a5b50a7ce9241d9) is famous for its huge Buddha statue and underground caves filled with coloured statues and paintings depicting the lives of Buddha. Dondra Lighthouse marks the southernmost point of Sri Lanka. Matara Fort, a rampart built by the Dutch in 1640, is now a protected monument though there is not much to see today. Polhena Beach (listing_uid: 68ac6e7ba724b3f7) is a popular safe swimming beach where turtles are frequently seen.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day Trips
From Matara, nearby beach destinations include Unawatuna, Mirissa, Tangalle, Hiriketiya, and Weligama. The Galle Fortress is a major attraction approximately 40 km west. For coral gardens, Hikkaduwa offers snorkeling opportunities. Ambalangoda is known for antique shops, and Kalutara Temple makes for a cultural stop.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
New Laksana (listing_uid: c9d174b97580351a) offers good exchange rates for money changing. Local markets in Matara sell spices, tea, and local crafts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Sea Dina Coral Home
Super friendly run accommodation with 4 rooms set in nice garden. Free bicycles, snorkelling gear, laundry, water bottle refills, coffee and tea. $4 huge Sri Lankan breakfast.
Recorded price: $20
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Surya Lanka Ayurveda Retreat
Surya Lanka was the first Ayurveda Retreat in Sri Lanka to serve Panchakarma guests only. It offers its guests three different Ayurveda Retreats, Yoga and meditation.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Sea Cafe Vibes
Located right next to the rocky coastline, this low key caravan style coffee shop is a lovely spot to sit under the shady trees and watch turtles swim by and surface for air.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Swell Cafe
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
The Doctor's House
Popular restaurant by beach, directly opposite a popular turtle spotting beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
The Dutchman's Street
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Dondra Lighthouse
The southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Matara Fort
Rampart built by the Dutch in 1640. Nowadays it's a protected monument. However there's not much to see.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Money
New Laksana money changer offers good rates. Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere, especially in smaller establishments.
Transport
Bus stand in Matara provides connections to Galle, Colombo, and other southern destinations. Local transport includes auto-rickshaws and taxis.
Weather
Mean annual temperature is 30°C. Best visited during dry season (December to March) for beach activities.