A Town with a Shimmering Cobalt Blue Sea! 4 Tourist Spots in Matara, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a country located in South Asia. Despite its small size, roughly the size of Hokkaido, Sri Lanka has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. This small country boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with numerous other attractions, especially its beautiful beaches, which are a must-visit. Among them, today we will introduce the tourist spots in Matara, a town in the southern part of Sri Lanka. If you're traveling to Sri Lanka, the coastal town of Matara is an essential destination. Please use this as a reference.

1. Weherahena Temple

Sri Lanka, where 70% of the population practices Buddhism, is home to many Buddhist temples, and Matara is no exception. Among the numerous temples, one that stands out is the Weherahena Temple.

At Weherahena Temple, a massive Buddha statue sits, and inside, you’ll find numerous wall murals, numbering in the tens of thousands. The murals depict the life of Buddha, and the style is quite familiar and approachable. This temple is relatively new, and as of June 2018, by donating 100 Sri Lankan rupees, you can even have your name and country written on the walls. Not only the murals but the statues surrounding the large Buddha also have a unique charm, making this temple a must-visit when in Matara.

2. Paravi Duwa Temple

In front of the Matara bus terminal, there is a suspension bridge leading to a small island in the sea. On the other side of this bridge is the Paravi Duwa Temple, one of the must-visit tourist spots when in Matara.

In 2004, Sri Lanka’s Matara was affected by the tsunami caused by the Sumatra earthquake. During this time, the original bridge was washed away, and the current bridge is a new one. Crossing this suspension bridge leads to a small, beautiful temple, a significant place for the locals, with the typical design found in Sri Lanka. From the island and the bridge, you can also get a view of the cityscape of Matara. Located right in front of the bus terminal, it’s easily accessible and an excellent stop for a quick visit.

3. Dondra Head

The southernmost point of Sri Lanka is Dondra Head, located about 5 kilometers east of Matara. Dondra, which means "City of God" in Sinhala, has long been considered a holy site for both Hinduism and Buddhism. Unfortunately, many temples were destroyed during the colonial era, but in their place, one of Southeast Asia's tallest lighthouses was built.

The Dondra Lighthouse was built by the British, and most of the materials were brought from England. The beach overlooking the Dondra Lighthouse is Humana Beach. It’s a small beach mostly frequented by locals, but its water is clear and beautiful. Other notable sights at Dondra Head include the Uthpalawana Sri Vishnu Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, and the Devundara Rajamaha Vihara, which houses a large Buddha statue. When visiting Matara, Dondra Head, the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, is a must-visit tourist spot.

4. Mirissa

Located about 10 kilometers west of Matara, Mirissa is a very popular beach town. It’s a resort town frequently visited by foreign tourists and has many accommodations available.

Mirissa is known for its year-round surfing, making it a famous spot among surfers. The water’s transparency is exceptional, and the beach attracts plenty of bathers. Additionally, whale watching is possible, and during the season, there is an 80-90% chance of encountering whales! Mirissa is a small town that can be explored in just a few hours, but its beautiful beaches make it a famous tourist spot. When visiting Matara, you may want to consider staying in Mirissa.

◎ Summary

Matara is a major city in southern Sri Lanka and is easily accessible from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city, by both train and bus. Matara is packed with attractions that showcase the charm of this island nation and is visited by many tourists. Whether you stay a few days to relax or stop by while traveling elsewhere, it’s worth including Matara in your Sri Lanka travel plans.

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A Town with a Shimmering Cobalt Blue Sea! 4 Tourist Spots in Matara, Sri Lanka