Looking for places to visit in Matara? Matara has recognized as one of the iconic destinations in Sri Lanka for secluded tranquil beaches and unparalleled cultural heritage presented by the city. Margining the island from the south at its Dontra point, Matara is surely one of the most remarkable destinations to explore during your tear drop island holiday.
If you are planning to add this fascinating destination to your travel diaries here are a few of the most celebrated touristic, cultural and natural sights to add to your itinerary. Check the follows and find the most inspiring to make your stay the most interesting.
Star Fort
Sri Lanka is such a showcase of magical, artistic, cultural and historical presentations, and here one of those you will come across right at Matara. Undergone by different political, social, cultural and economical upheavals you will still get to witness some of those remarkable monuments depicts the history of the island nation whereas Star Fort also stands as one of the top most celebrated.
Knowing as the last defensive structure Star Fort was lately undertaken by the Dutches during the 17th century. The structure is called as star fort for the six pointed star formation of the monument. Crossing the river, the fort is known as small in its size. As per the chronological records the fort has built right after the Sinhalese army attack taken place in Matara.
The Star Fort is an invention of former Dutch governor Baron Van Eck, and it took almost two years to complete the structure from the year it started the construction in the year of 1763.
Used for the purpose of stationing as a garrison of small Dutch troops the fort was later invaded by British in the year of 1796. The edifice was later used as the shelter of the Engineer and was in the administration of maintenance department. Then used as a public library by Matara municipal council and next directed for the authority under archeological development. The building is invented in hexagonal shape accessing canoes arrive to fort from the six points in star.
Weherahena Buddhist Temple
The next destination we are heading in the list is none other than Weherahena Buddhist Temple that has been a leading cultural, historical and religious attraction in the destination. There are a few unique facts about the temple. Presented in a form of a tunnel, it is believed that Weherahena Buddhist Temple should be the largest and the oldest in the world comes in this structure.
The history of the temple is recorded in 19th century with an initiative made by a former month with the aid of the villagers building a mere clay house. Later the monk contributed the temple to upgrade it to next level for the Buddhist teachings.
The temple is also noteworthy for it’s beautiful Buddha image built in seating position. Yet what makes the temple one of the most distinctive structures is none other than it’s beautiful tunnel formation and it’s also inspiring to see beautiful paintings filled in the tunnel walls which find really interactive. Walking through this beautifully painted sanctum will offer you so much of unforgettable memories.
Polhena Beach
Located at a fascinating edge in beautiful down south alley Matara hosts a series of enchanting beach points for your most awaited beach holiday.
From the list of the turquoise beach points you come across Polhena beach is known as one of the top listed. The beach has so many stunning points gracefully ready to offer you sun sand sea moments to make your beach stay a memorable one.
A dip in warm salt water will swipe away all of your stresses and will fill your days with the best by making you feel that you are blessed to be here. Another point makes Polhena beach one of the most celebrated is the immense safety it ensures and so as it would be a nice place to enjoy with your little ones as well. The waist high water level protected with a beautiful coral reef will all you may need to tempt your most awaited beach times.
The beach is attracts tourists throughout the year which makes the place one of the celebrated beach points in the island.
Dondra Head Lighthouse
Dondra Head Lighthouse is one of the iconic landmarks preserved and preserved by the enticing destination. This is where you will find the southernmost point of the paradise island Sri Lanka. Also you will be exploring the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka as well as in South Asia.
Adding the lighthouse to your itinerary undeniably offer you a distinctive holiday experience to add to your travel diaries. And you may even climb it if you can make it by early morning. It is also resembles as a historical monument date back to the year of 1887 which is constructed during colonial period.
The place is also famous for its breathtaking panoramic views allowing you to absorb the best of the scenic destination. For the convenience accessibility provided the site has become a famous day tour spot among the local and the international tourists. Also if you would like the capture the best of sunset and sunrise shots for sure Dondra Head Lighthouse will offer you the best colorful scenes.
Matara Paravi Duwa Temple
The fifth in the list is also a colorful cultural indication known as Matara Paravi Duwa Temple. A visit to a local temple will surely help you to get the best of the beliefs and practices of the particular nation.
The temple is located in a beautiful island encircled by beautiful Indian Ocean and you may access the temple by a steel bridge that concrete the island to the land. Located from a convenient distance the place has become a popular tourist and cultural hotspots based in Matara. You may visit the temple at a sunset moment and you would surely love the experience you will get.
Here are the five of top listed places to visit in Matara. Add them to your travel diaries and get inspired by the best of your beach holiday.
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