Matara City

Matara is a major city in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It's known for its beautiful coastal scenery, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The city is located about 160 kilometers south of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Matara has a rich history, with colonial influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and it's home to several historical landmarks, such as the Matara Fort and the Star Fort.

Things to do in Matara

Hiriketiya Beach

A small beach with great surfing, lots of greenery and some fine establishments for eats and hangs. Hiriketiya is one of those sleepy Southern beaches that – after being ‘discovered’ by backpackers – is not so sleepy anymore. Locals can kick themselves for not finding it earlier, but tourism also brings restaurants and hotels and things to do besides swim.

Hiriketiya, also known as Hiri, is a horseshoe-shaped bay located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, around 1 hour east of Weligama. If you plan a trip along Sri Lanka’s south coast, Hiriketiya is a must-visit. The relaxed atmosphere is hard to beat, so if it’s the laid-back life you’re looking for, head straight to Hiriketiya Beach in Sri Lanka.

Safari from Dikwella

Day Tours from Dikwella

Transfers from Dikwella

Accommodation Transfers from Dikwella

Stay in Dikwella

About Matara District

Matara District, located in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, is renowned for its coastal beauty, rich history, and thriving local culture. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, it features stunning beaches like Polhena and Mirissa, which are popular for swimming and whale watching. The district's economy is driven by agriculture, particularly coconut and tea cultivation, as well as fishing. Historical landmarks such as Matara Fort and the Dondra Head Lighthouse highlight the area's colonial past. With its mix of natural attractions and cultural heritage, Matara District is a captivating destination for both locals and tourists.

About Southern Province

The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle,Matara and Hambantota. Subsistence farming and fishing is the main source of income for the vast majority of the people of this region.

Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle. (Although Galle is an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.) During the Portuguese period there were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems on common man.

Varen er lagt i indkøbskurven