Situated on the southern coast of Southern Province in Sri Lanka, Matara is one of the major cities in the country. Apart from being the second-largest city in the Southern Province, Matara is also a big commercial hub and houses a myriad of stunning attractions and sites that attract thousands of visitors every year. The hint of Sri Lanka’s vivacious and lively energy can be felt in Matara, it is an absolutely charming and vibrant city that is brimming with a plethora of interesting highlights. One of the best highlights of Matara has to be the stunning dutch architecture. Aside from that, a rich history is also associated with Matara that involved Portuguese and dutch.
Visiting Matara can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can have a really wonderful time in this city, but if you are clueless about where to start, then this article might prove to be of some help to you. Matara has a little bit of everything to offer to everyone, no matter where your interests lie. A visit to this city is considered incomplete without gaining these experiences.
Try snorkeling at Polhena Beach
The water at Polhena Beach is quite calm and shallow, which creates the perfect setting for snorkeling. Polhena beach is one of the best places in the city to try snorkeling; you can snorkel amidst the beautiful underwater creatures. The shallow water of Polhena Beach is home to an array of aquatic species that make the snorkeling experience even more fun and interesting. If you are planning to visit the beach during the monsoon, there might be some visibility issue, otherwise, the water of Polhena beach is pristine enough to admire the vibrant fishes.
Admire the sunset at Mirissa
Mirissa is a beautiful town in Matara, it is also home to a stunning beach, which is known as Mirissa Beach. You can spend some time in solitude on this beach; the vibe of this place is quite relaxing and serene. While walking hand in hand with your partner in the white sand of this beach can be a lovely experience, if you want to make the most of your visit to this beach, make sure to wait for the sun to set. The spectacular view of the sunset at Mirissa can be a fantastic experience.
Explore the Galle Fort
Built by the Portuguese in 1588, the Galle Fort in Matara is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Additionally, Galle Fort is titled a UNESCO world heritage site, it is visited by thousands and millions of visitors from across the globe annually. Moreover, the Galle Fort is located in a very beautiful place, the blue waters and bountiful greenery enveloping the area make this location far more scenic.
Visit Dondra Lighthouse
A trip to Matara is deemed incomplete without visiting the ancient Dondra Lighthouse. It is the tallest lighthouse in the whole of Sri Lanka. The lighthouse features a spiral staircase that leads you to the top from where you can admire the stunning views surrounding the area. Dondra Lighthouse boasts of gorgeous surroundings, travelers are often left in awe of this place. From lush green palm trees to crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches, this area boasts of natural beauty and tranquility.
Fly kites on Crow Island
Crow Island is yet another amazing place to visit in Matara. The island witnesses a strong gust of wind from time to time, making it an ideal spot to indulge in kite flying. This island is visited and loved by adults and young ones alike. Aside from kite flying, you can also indulge in other activities such as horse riding, hiking, etc.