Things to Do in Matara

October 31, 2026

Matara is a working town at the mouth of the Nilwala River on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Its main sights are close together: a star-shaped Dutch fort, a small island temple by the sea, a reef-sheltered beach and a giant seated Buddha a short ride inland. Prices are in Sri Lankan rupees (LKR), and cash is useful for tuk-tuks, small shops and temple donations. Check current travel advice before you go, and remember that the sea is dangerous during the south-west monsoon, roughly May to October.

Star Fort and the archaeological museum

The Dutch East India Company built the Star Fort between 1763 and 1765, after Kandyan forces captured Matara Fort in 1761. It has a six-pointed plan and a moat about 6 m wide, and the drawbridge was restored in 2012 with Dutch Government aid. The gate is inscribed “Redoute Van Eck 1763”. Today it houses the Matara Archaeological Museum. Opening hours are about 09:00 to 17:00, daily except Poya days and public holidays. Expect a small entry charge, and follow the signs about photography. The fort stands about 350 m from the main fort gate, across the Nilwala bridge. The Star Fort page on Wikipedia has the building history.

Paravi Duwa island temple

A short walk from the seafront, a footbridge leads to a small island temple. The old bridge collapsed on 4 March 2022, the Army opened a temporary crossing on 12 March 2022, and the Sri Lanka Army reports that a rebuilt bridge opened to the public on 23 November 2023. The island is slowly eroding. Dress modestly and take your shoes off at the shrine. The temple is open daily and free, though it is worth checking on arrival.

Weherahena Temple

Weherahena (Purwarama Viharaya) is about 7 km from Matara, around 15 minutes by road. The seated Buddha is 88 cubits, about 39 m, tall. Its foundation dates from 1939 and the statue was completed in 1976. Beneath it, a painted tunnel about 183 m (600 feet) long shows scenes from the Jataka tales. Some panels depict the hell realms in graphic detail, so think twice about taking young children. There is a small charge or donation, and hours vary, from early morning to late evening.

Polhena reef lagoon

Polhena is a soft sand beach with an offshore reef that makes a calmer lagoon than the open beaches. The calmer sea season runs roughly November to April. Swim or snorkel only inside the reef, ask locally about conditions, and follow the flags. Strong currents have been reported near the reef, and police lifeguards have rescued at least one tourist. Turtles are often seen, though never promised, so keep your hands off them and do not chase or feed them.

Dondra Head

Dondra Head Lighthouse is 49 m tall, the tallest in Sri Lanka, designed by Sir James Douglass and completed around 1890. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority runs it. Climbing the tower needs prior permission and may not be possible, so treat the headland and the nearby Devinuwara shrine area as the dependable visit. Time Out covers the access rules.

Keep out of the river

The Nilwala has a long record of saltwater crocodile attacks on bathers and fishermen, and floods raise the risk. Do not swim, wade, paddle or kayak in the river or its estuary.

For guided options, browse GetYourGuide listings for Matara .