A historic southern coastal city with Dutch fortifications, sacred Buddhist temples, and beautiful beaches. Gateway to Sri Lanka's deep south.
Matara is in Matara District, in Sri Lanka's Southern Province. It is 159 km by road from Colombo Fort, about 2 hours 30 minutes by car without traffic. From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) it is 182 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Distances and drive times from Google Maps, checked 2 November 2026.The best time to visit Matara is December to March, when the northeast monsoon keeps the southwest coast dry and the sea calm. The southwest monsoon brings rain and rough seas from May to September, and October and November have thunderstorms across the island. April is hot, with some afternoon storms.
Seasons as set by the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka. What the weather is like right nowRatings and review counts from Google Maps, checked 26 October 2026. Only open places with many reviews are listed.
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Star Fort
Matara Fort
Polhena Beach
Weherahena Temple
Matara offers an authentic Sri Lankan experience away from tourist crowds. The Star Fort, Dondra Lighthouse (southernmost point of Sri Lanka), and Weherahena Temple with its underground tunnel are unique attractions.
Everything happening here, in one place.
