Matara District, located in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, is a vibrant and culturally rich region that blends urban development with rural charm. Known for its historic coastal towns, lush agricultural landscapes, and thriving fishing communities, Matara offers a unique mix of modern living and traditional heritage. The district’s administrative capital, Matara city, serves as a bustling hub for commerce, education, and governance. Coastal areas such as Weligama and Devinuwara are famous for their scenic beaches, cultural landmarks, and tourism activities, while inland villages preserve age‑old farming practices and community traditions. The region is also recognised for its religious festivals, bustling markets, and diverse economic activities ranging from agriculture and fishing to trade and tourism. With its strategic location, strong cultural identity, and growing economic opportunities, Matara continues to be an important centre in Sri Lanka’s southern region, attracting both local and international interest throughout the year.
Total Population
863,000
GN Divisions
20
Matara: Southern Heritage and Coastal Charm
A Historic Gem in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province
Nestled along Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern coastline, Matara is a vibrant city where history, culture, and modern life harmoniously intertwine. Located about 160 km south of Colombo, it is both a commercial hub and a gateway to some of the island’s most scenic beaches and heritage sites. From its iconic Parevi Duwa Temple to the colonial‑era Dutch Fort, Matara blends old‑world charm with contemporary coastal living. The city’s palm‑lined shores, lively markets, and riverfront settings offer an inviting atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
Gateway to History and Local Culture
Matara’s appeal lies in its rich heritage and strong community spirit. The Nilwala River winds gracefully through the city, while bustling streets showcase handicraft stalls, fresh produce markets, and cultural performances. Landmarks such as the Star Fort, Old Dutch Fort, and revered temples like Weherahena Poorwarama reflect its deep‑rooted traditions. Annual religious processions, colourful festivals, and traditional dance performances highlight Matara’s role as a cultural beacon of the south.
Tourism, Economy, and Community Life
Tourism plays a vital role in Matara’s economy, complemented by agriculture, fishing, and trade. The district is famous for producing cinnamon, coconuts, and fresh seafood, while its urban heart is dotted with cafés, restaurants, and retail shops. The coastal belt draws surfers, snorkellers, and beach lovers, while inland areas remain lush with paddy fields and spice gardens. Temples, churches, and mosques coexist harmoniously, reflecting the area’s rich cultural diversity and community unity.
Nature, Adventure, and Surroundings
Matara’s coastline offers a mix of calm beaches and surf‑friendly waves, ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Nearby attractions such as Polhena Beach, Nilwala River safari routes, and turtle watching in adjacent villages provide ample opportunities for eco‑tourism. Inland, rolling tea estates, coconut groves, and verdant landscapes reveal the district’s agricultural heritage, making Matara a well‑rounded destination for both leisure and adventure seekers.
Education, Services & Local Administration
Matara serves as an educational hub in the Southern Province, hosting renowned schools, vocational training institutes, and the University of Ruhuna. Healthcare facilities include general hospitals, private clinics, and regional health centres. The Matara Municipal Council oversees city planning, tourism initiatives, and public infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth for residents and visitors alike.
Reaching Matara – Access and Transport
🚖 By Taxi/Ride‑Hailing
From Galle, Matara is about a 50‑minute drive along the scenic coastal road.
🚌 By Bus
Frequent buses operate on the Colombo–Galle–Matara route, stopping at Matara’s central bus stand.
🚆 By Train
Matara is the final station on Sri Lanka’s Southern Line, with direct services from Colombo, Galle, and other major towns.
Whether you’re drawn to its historic charm, coastal beauty, or vibrant community life, Matara offers an enriching experience where heritage, nature, and modernity meet on Sri Lanka’s southern shores.
| GN Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 005 | Kalubovitiyana |
| 010 | Galabada |
| 015 | Ambewela |
| 020 | Dangala West |
| 025 | Banagala East |
| 030 | Dangala East |
| 035 | Banagala West |
| 040 | Edandukitha West |
| 045 | Edandukitha East |
| 050 | Alapaladeya South |
| 055 | Alapaladeya North |
| 060 | Kiriwelkele North |
| 065 | Rambukana West |
| 070 | Kodikaragoda West |
| 075 | Kodikaragoda East |
| 080 | Weliwa |
| 085 | Rambukana East |
| 090 | Thalapekumbura |
| 095 | Kudagalahena |
| 100 | Kiriwelkele South |
| Service | Contact Number | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| 🚓 Matara Police Station (OIC) | +94 41 222 2223 | Main local law enforcement office for Matara city, handling public safety, traffic, and emergencies. |
| 🏥 Matara District General Hospital (Government/Public) | +94 41 222 2261 | Largest hospital in Matara District, offering OPD, inpatient, emergency, maternity, surgery, specialist clinics, and a blood bank. |
| 🏥 Asiri Hospital – Matara (Private) | +94 41 222 9944 | Private healthcare facility offering specialist consultation, lab diagnostics, surgery, and 24/7 emergency services. |
| 🏛️ Matara Municipal Council | +94 41 222 2231 | Administers urban planning, municipal services, waste management, and local infrastructure projects. |
| 🧾 MOH Office – Matara | +94 41 222 2278 | Oversees public health services including immunization programs, maternal/child health, dengue control, and sanitation. |
Best Time to Visit Matara
The best time to visit Matara is from December to April, when the weather is sunny, warm, and ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and exploring the town’s cultural landmarks. Daytime temperatures generally range between 27°C and 31°C, with calm seas perfect for enjoying nearby beaches such as Polhena and Madiha, as well as taking river cruises along the Nilwala River.
From May to September, the southwest monsoon brings occasional heavy rainfall, stronger winds, and rougher seas. While beach swimming may be less favourable during this time, it’s still a good opportunity to experience Matara’s local lifestyle, visit inland attractions such as Weherahena Poorwarama Temple and Star Fort, and enjoy the greenery brought by the rains.
October and November are transitional months, with a mix of sunny days and brief showers. These months offer a quieter atmosphere, fewer tourists, and a pleasant balance between cultural exploration and nature activities. Overall, December to April remains the prime season to enjoy Matara’s coastal charm, historic sites, and vibrant southern hospitality.
How to Reach – Matara
Matara, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant city blending historical charm, coastal beauty, and modern living. It sits about 160 km south of Colombo and serves as a key transportation hub for the Southern Province. Easily accessible by road and rail, Matara offers scenic journeys whether you travel along the Southern Expressway or the picturesque Galle Road. Below is a travel guide to help you plan your trip to this beautiful southern city.
| City | Distance | Estimated Travel Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | 160 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs (Expressway) / 4 – 5 hrs (Coastal Road) | |
| Galle | 45 km | 50 – 60 mins | |
| Tangalle | 32 km | 35 – 45 mins | |
| Hambantota | 85 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs | |
| Weligama | 15 km | 15 – 20 mins |
Interactive Map
Geographical Overview – Matara
Matara is a prominent coastal city located in the Matara District of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, approximately 160 km south of Colombo. Situated at the mouth of the Nilwala River, Matara blends a rich historical heritage with modern urban life. Its coastline features golden beaches such as Polhena and Madiha, attracting swimmers, snorkellers, and surfers, while the inland areas offer lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and spice gardens. The city is renowned for landmarks such as the Dutch Fort, Star Fort, and Parevi Duwa Temple, reflecting its colonial and cultural significance. Matara serves as a key transport, commercial, and educational hub for the southern region, connecting rural villages, beach towns, and inland agricultural communities. The combination of its scenic coastal charm, vibrant marketplace, and historical depth makes Matara a multifaceted destination for both residents and visitors.
Administrative Information
- Province: Southern Province
- District: Matara District
- Municipal Council: Matara Municipal Council
- Neighbouring Areas: Weligama, Dondra, Devinuwara, Kamburupitiya
Local Economy and Services – Matara
Matara’s economy is a diverse mix of trade, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and public services. As a major commercial hub in the Southern Province, the city supports vibrant marketplaces, retail outlets, banking facilities, and service industries. Coastal areas are known for fishing, seafood processing, and small-scale boat building, while inland communities focus on agriculture, producing cinnamon, coconuts, tea, rice, and vegetables. Tourism is also a growing contributor, with attractions such as Polhena Beach, Parevi Duwa Temple, and the Dutch Fort drawing visitors year-round.
Matara is well-served by healthcare facilities, including the Matara General Hospital, Base Hospital Kamburupitiya, and numerous private clinics. Educational services are extensive, with renowned institutions such as Rahula College, St. Thomas’ College, Sujatha Vidyalaya, and the University of Ruhuna providing quality education. The Matara Municipal Council manages infrastructure, urban planning, sanitation, and tourism development, while cooperative societies and banks support business growth and financial services.
Connected via the Southern Expressway, the A2 coastal road, and the Colombo–Matara Southern Railway Line, Matara offers excellent accessibility to Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, and other key towns. Public buses, trains, tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing services ensure convenient local transport. Despite its urban growth, Matara retains a distinctive southern charm, blending modern city life with cultural heritage and coastal beauty.
Community and Culture – Matara
Matara is a vibrant southern community where deep-rooted Sri Lankan traditions coexist with the influences of a modern coastal city. The population is predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist, with Christian and Muslim minorities contributing to the district’s cultural diversity. While urban life in the city is lively and bustling, surrounding villages maintain strong agricultural and fishing traditions, preserving a sense of rural charm alongside the city’s commercial growth.
Cultural and religious events play a central role in community life. Annual Vesak celebrations, temple peraheras, Christmas festivities, and Islamic festivals bring together residents of all backgrounds in unity. Spiritual landmarks such as the historic Parevi Duwa Temple, Weherahena Poorwarama, and local churches and mosques highlight Matara’s religious and cultural harmony, serving as gathering places for worship, cultural exchange, and social support.
Matara also embraces its coastal identity through beach festivals, cultural fairs, and arts events that attract both locals and visitors. Community-based organizations, youth groups, and temple committees work to preserve traditions, promote education, and encourage social welfare. The balance between heritage, modern development, and coastal lifestyle makes Matara a culturally rich and welcoming destination in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.
Festivals & Culture – Matara
Matara, a historic city on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is a vibrant centre of cultural and religious celebration. The community is predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist, with Christian and Muslim populations enriching the area’s cultural diversity. Key annual celebrations include Vesak, Poson, Esala, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Christmas, and Ramadan, each marked with devotion, joy, and colourful traditions that bring together residents and visitors alike.
During Vesak and Poson, Buddhist temples across Matara are adorned with glowing lanterns and elaborate decorations depicting stories from the Buddha’s life, while dansal stalls offer free food and drinks to the public. The historic Parevi Duwa Temple and Weherahena Poorwarama host colourful peraheras featuring traditional drummers, dancers, and ornately decorated elephants. Christian churches celebrate Christmas and Easter with festive services, while the Muslim community observes Ramadan and Eid with prayer, charity, and shared meals.
Matara’s festive calendar also includes vibrant coastal New Year events, cultural pageants, and local fairs that showcase the district’s artistic heritage. From sacred temple rituals to lively seaside gatherings, Matara’s celebrations reflect its harmonious blend of tradition, faith, and southern coastal spirit.
Transportation and Connectivity – Matara
Matara, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, is a key transportation hub offering excellent connectivity by road, rail, and expressway. It is situated at the southern end of the Colombo–Galle–Matara A2 highway and directly connected to the Southern Expressway (E01), making travel from Colombo (about 160 km) quick and convenient. Visitors can reach Matara comfortably by private vehicle, air-conditioned express buses, or long-distance coaches serving major towns across the island.
The city is served by the Matara Railway Station, the final stop on Sri Lanka’s coastal railway line. Regular train services connect Matara with Galle, Colombo, and other key towns, offering scenic journeys along the Indian Ocean. For local travel, three-wheelers (tuk-tuks), taxis, and ride-hailing services are widely available, providing easy access to beaches, cultural landmarks, shopping areas, and nearby attractions.
Public and private buses operate frequently from the Matara Central Bus Stand to destinations within the district and across Sri Lanka, including direct services to Colombo, Kandy, Badulla, and Hambantota. With its strategic location, railway terminus, expressway access, and variety of local transport options, Matara stands out as one of the most well-connected and travel-friendly cities in southern Sri Lanka.
Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Matara
Matara, located at the mouth of the Nilwala River along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is blessed with a diverse range of natural ecosystems including golden beaches, estuaries, mangroves, and rich agricultural landscapes. The nearby Polhena Reef is home to vibrant marine life, including tropical reef fish and green sea turtles, while the Nilwala River and its mangrove forests provide crucial habitats for bird species and aquatic life. These natural systems not only support tourism and fisheries but also act as vital buffers against coastal erosion and flooding.
Local authorities, environmental groups, and community organizations are engaged in mangrove replanting, turtle conservation programs, and sustainable fishing initiatives. Public awareness campaigns promote responsible tourism, beach cleanups, and plastic-free coastal living. Efforts to protect the Polhena Reef and nearby marine habitats help maintain biodiversity and ensure the long-term health of the coastal environment.
Educational programs in schools, eco-tourism ventures, and nature-based community projects encourage residents and visitors to appreciate and protect Matara’s unique environmental heritage. By combining traditional stewardship with modern conservation practices, Matara continues to develop as a sustainable coastal hub where environmental preservation and community well-being go hand in hand.
Tourism and Attractions – Matara
Matara, a historic city in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, offers a captivating mix of cultural heritage, scenic beaches, and vibrant local life. Known for its colonial landmarks, sacred temples, and charming coastal scenery, Matara attracts travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration. Its blend of urban energy and traditional southern hospitality makes it an appealing year-round destination.
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Matara Dutch Fort, a relic of the island’s colonial past, along with the Star Fort, a well-preserved 18th-century defensive structure. The Parevi Duwa Temple, located on a small island connected by a footbridge, offers panoramic coastal views and a peaceful spiritual retreat. Nearby Polhena Beach is famous for calm waters, snorkeling, and sea turtle sightings, while Madiha attracts surfers with its consistent waves.
Beyond the coast, Matara offers attractions such as the Weherahena Poorwarama Temple with its massive Buddha statue, the Nilwala River for boat rides and birdwatching, and lively local markets brimming with southern flavours. With its combination of cultural treasures, coastal beauty, and welcoming atmosphere, Matara stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding destinations to explore.
Education and Institutions – Matara
Matara, as the administrative and cultural hub of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, is also a leading center for education in the region. Prestigious institutions such as Rahula College, St. Thomas’ College, Sujatha Vidyalaya, and Matara Central College provide high-quality primary and secondary education, attracting students from across the district. These schools offer a wide range of academic, extracurricular, and sports programs, nurturing well-rounded student development.
Matara is also home to the prestigious University of Ruhuna, one of Sri Lanka’s leading higher education institutions, offering diverse faculties in medicine, engineering, humanities, science, and management. A strong network of government schools, national schools, private institutions, and vocational training centers ensures access to quality education for students from both urban and rural communities.
Complementing formal education, Matara has numerous English language centers, ICT training institutes, and private tuition facilities that prepare students for higher studies and careers in fields such as business, technology, and hospitality. With its combination of strong academic tradition and modern learning resources, Matara continues to play a key role in shaping an educated, skilled, and forward-thinking generation in southern Sri Lanka.
Healthcare and Medical Services – Matara
Matara, as a major city in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, offers comprehensive healthcare facilities to serve both its large local population and visitors to the region. The primary public institution is the Matara General Hospital, a major healthcare center providing a wide range of services including emergency care, surgical facilities, maternity and pediatric units, and specialist clinics. It is well-equipped and staffed by experienced medical professionals catering to diverse health needs.
The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Office – Matara implements vital public health programs such as immunization campaigns, maternal and child healthcare, dengue prevention initiatives, and nutrition awareness projects. In addition, private hospitals, specialist medical centers, pharmacies, and Ayurvedic wellness facilities are widely available, offering diverse treatment options to meet different healthcare preferences.
For advanced and specialized care, patients can also access regional facilities such as the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in nearby Galle. With its combination of public hospitals, private medical services, and traditional treatment centers, Matara ensures accessible, reliable, and varied healthcare for residents and visitors alike.
Why Visit Matara – Heritage, Coastline & Southern Charm
Matara, located on Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern coastline, is a captivating destination where rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal beauty come together. Once a prominent colonial stronghold, the city has evolved into a thriving hub for trade, education, and tourism while preserving its deep-rooted heritage. Its golden beaches, scenic riverbanks, and historic architecture make it an appealing spot for travelers seeking a mix of culture and relaxation.
From strolling through the iconic Matara Dutch Fort and visiting the serene Parevi Duwa Temple to enjoying the calm waters of Polhena Beach and watching surfers at Madiha, the city offers a variety of experiences. Cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and nearby nature escapes add depth to its charm. With its welcoming community, blend of heritage and modernity, and stunning coastal setting, Matara is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.