Matara Travel Guide
Matara is the largest city on Sri Lanka's south coast and lies at the end of the railway line from Colombo. Today it's a no-fuss commercial hub where visitors can experience the day-to-day life of urban Sri Lanka, within reach of some gorgeous beaches. In past centuries it was a thriving port, central to the spice and gem trade with the East and Holland, and Matara was originally established on a narrow peninsula in the Nilwala River, which was fortified by the Dutch.
The original walls still stand, containing some rather dilapidated old buildings dating from the Dutch colonial era. The town also contains a number of beautiful temples, including the enormous Buddha of the Weherahena Temple; and the oldest and most beautiful lighthouse in Sri Lanka, located at Point Dondra.
Matara was severely damaged by the 2004 tsunami; however, the city has recovered from this tragedy and there are plenty of interesting markets and shops, as well as some good restaurants to explore. Matara is scenically attractive, surrounded by paddy fields and tea estates on the fertile river floodplain. The area also boasts some sandy, safe beaches with coral reefs good for snorkelling (although hungry crocodiles mean swimmers should stay out of the Nilwala River). These regional assets have ensured that the city is a popular tourist destination, far removed from the sometimes troubled north of the island, where civil unrest remains a possibility.
Things to do in Matara
Most travellers to Matara are primarily seeking the palm-treed sandy stretches of beach along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, and the region is usually part of a coastal road or rail trip beginning in Colombo, passing through the artistic town of Galle, and culminating in the city of Matara. There are many beautiful beaches along this route and some quiet resorts for those wanting privacy and peace.
Within the city itself, there's a vibrant and unaffected street life, which is interesting for foreign visitors and provides ample people-watching opportunities and chances to sample authentic local food. Matara has a rich colonial history and the old Dutch fortifications are perhaps the main sightseeing attraction away from the beaches, with the well-preserved Star Fort a popular site to explore. A visit to the modern Weherahena Buddhist Temple, with its gaudy riot of religious art, including the enormous Buddha statue, is another must for tourists in the area.
Wewurukannala Temple
Wewurukannala Vihara, located near Dikwella in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its striking 50-metre-high seated Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in the country. Constructed in the 1970s, the statue is depicted in the Samadhi Mudra, symbolising meditation. Visitors ascend to the statue's head, where a chamber houses the Tripitaka scriptures inscribed on bronze plates. The temple's 'Hall of Hell' graphically illustrates the consequences of sinful behaviour through life-sized models. A museum on-site displays artefacts, including a 1926 clock and antique porcelain. The temple is situated approximately 0.9 miles (1.5km) inland from Dikwella, towards Beliatta.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most visited and second-largest reserve, is famed for its high leopard density and diverse wildlife. Located in the southeast near Tissamaharama, it spans varied habitats, which include open plains, forests, wetlands, and coastline. Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, monkeys, and over 215 bird species call it home. The park also shelters ancient ruins such as Magul Maha Vihara. Safari tours, usually in 4x4 vehicles, are the best way to explore, with guides included in the entry fee. The dry season (February to June) offers the best wildlife viewing, though early booking is advised due to the park's popularity.
Galle
Galle, on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, is a historic port town best known for its 36-hectare Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort encloses a charming old quarter filled with colonial-era buildings, churches, museums, and boutique hotels. Galle has become a hub for artists and writers, with galleries, shops, and cafes lining its cobbled streets. While the town has a small beach, better options lie just outside along the coast. Galle blends rich colonial heritage with a vibrant, creative atmosphere, making it a favourite stop.
Beaches
Sri Lanka's southern beaches are prime tourist destinations, with the peak season running from October to April, when the southwest coast enjoys dry, sunny weather. Bentota stands out for its water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. Hikkaduwa, in turn, is renowned for its marine sanctuary, and features vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species. Kirinda Beach, near Tissa, offers excellent diving opportunities, while Unawatuna boasts a safe, sandy beach ideal for swimming. Kudawella's Hummanaya Blowhole, the only one in Sri Lanka, shoots water up to 30 meters high. For a quieter experience, Koggala, Mirissa, Dikwella, and Tangalle provide serene beaches and local charm.
Sri Lanka travel info
Electricity
The electrical supply is 230 volts at 50 Hz, using round, three-pin plugs.
Language
Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, though the former has far more speakers. English is spoken at most tourist establishments.
Money
The unit of currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs are increasingly common, especially in urban areas, though international cards may be less frequently accepted outside major cities or tourist hotspots. Credit cards are widely accepted in larger centres, making it easy to pay for goods and services, but as with any destination, it's wise to keep an eye on card transactions to ensure security.
For those who prefer cashless options, Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming more accepted in Sri Lanka, particularly in urban areas and at larger establishments. While these options are growing in availability, their use may still be somewhat limited outside major cities, so it's a good idea to carry some physical cash as a backup.
Foreign currency can be exchanged conveniently at bureaux de change, banks, or hotels, with banks often offering the most favourable rates. Banks are closed on Sundays, so it's best to plan ahead for any exchange needs.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills. Tipping is appreciated for almost all services, and small amounts are sufficient; a 10 percent tip will be fine if there's any doubt as to a suitable amount.
Health
Food and waterborne illnesses are the most common health concerns for travellers to Sri Lanka. It's best to stick to bottled or boiled water, avoid ice in drinks, and eat food that's freshly cooked and served hot. Visitors are usually advised to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid (especially if visiting rural areas), and Japanese encephalitis for longer stays in the countryside. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required if arriving from a country where the disease is present. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are present, so bring insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical care outside Colombo and other major cities may be limited, and some medications can be hard to find so bring any essential prescriptions.
Safety
Most visits to Sri Lanka are safe and enjoyable. As with travel anywhere, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on local news. Problems involving tourists are rare, but it's still wise to take basic precautions. Women travelling alone should avoid isolated places after dark. Credit card fraud can happen, so stick to ATMs in trusted locations and check transactions regularly. Since the civil war ended in 2009, the north and east have opened up and are now popular with visitors.
Local customs
Sri Lanka is a culturally rich and welcoming destination, and a little local awareness goes a long way. Visitors should avoid photographing military or government buildings, and shouldn't pose with their backs to Buddha statues, as this is seen as disrespectful. They should also dress modestly when visiting temples by covering their shoulders and knees, and removing shoes and hats before entering. Topless sunbathing is not permitted.
Same-sex relationships are still criminalised under Sri Lankan law, though enforcement is rare and there's growing support for reform. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise discretion in public.
Drinking and smoking are fine in licensed venues but often restricted in public areas such as transport hubs and religious sites. Travellers should look for signage or ask locally if they're unsure.
Respect and politeness are highly valued. Public criticism or raised voices can cause embarrassment, so a calm and courteous approach is appreciated. Understanding these customs will help ensure a smooth and respectful visit.
Doing business
In Sri Lanka's warm climate, business attire tends to be conservative. In formal sectors, men are typically expected to wear lightweight suits, while women often opt for conservative dresses or business suits. In more casual sectors, attire may be less formal, but it's advisable to dress neatly and professionally. Appointments should be scheduled in advance, and it's customary to exchange business cards upon first meeting. Punctuality is highly valued; arriving late for meetings is generally considered impolite. Standard business hours are from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, with a lunch break around midday.
Duty free
Visitors over 18 may bring in, duty-free, up to two litres of wine, 1.5 litres of spirits, 250ml of eau de toilette, a small amount of perfume, and souvenirs worth up to USD 250. Tobacco allowances include 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200g of tobacco, or 200 beedi. These items must be declared on arrival.
A certificate of registration for tobacco products is required only for Sri Lankan residents, not tourists carrying permitted amounts. Personal items of value should also be declared to ensure duty-free re-export.
Restricted items include firearms, ammunition, explosives, plants, fruits, birds, prescription medication (only for personal use), and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include narcotics, pornography, and material offensive to religious beliefs.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is standard in hotels and guesthouses.
Passport & Visa
Visitors to Sri Lanka must have a passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival. While a return or onward ticket isn't mandatory for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), it's strongly recommended. Immigration officials may request proof of onward travel to ensure visa compliance.
Travellers must also show proof of sufficient funds for their stay, though there's no set amount. Bank statements or credit card statements are commonly accepted as proof.
An ETA can be applied for online before travel or obtained on arrival, but it's recommended to apply in advance to avoid delays.
It's essential that travellers' passports remains valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date from Sri Lanka. Immigration officials may apply different rules than those provided by travel agents or official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
UK nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Canadian nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Australian nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
South African nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Irish nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
New Zealand nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Useful contacts
Sri Lanka Tourism: +94 11 242 6900 or www.srilanka.travel
110 (Ambulance), 118 (Police)