Tourists who are dreaming of visiting an offbeat place to experience the tropical paradise can visit the lovely Matara Beach, set in Sri Lanka. Nestled on the Southern coast of this serene island, Matara Beach provides a peaceful retreat from the daily commotion of city life. From pristine beaches to scenic coastline and lush greenery, this hidden gem is a must-visit for tourists wanting to unwind in a calming environment. Plan a trip to Matara with the help of this list specially curated for you.
Exploring Nature’s Paradise: Matara Beach
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Matara is a coastal town in Southern Sri Lanka, located approximately 160 km south of Colombo. The town is well known for its exotic beaches, historical landmarks, and rich cultural legacy. One of Matara’s most prominent tourist attractions is the Matara Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Due to its location at the starting point of the Nilwala River, travellers can visit this place for its stunning views of its surroundings and the ocean. Another imminent tourist location is the Weherahena Temple, a Buddhist pilgrimage site perched atop a hill. The enormous Buddha statue, intricately designed carvings and vibrant murals are some of the most alluring features of the place.
Matara Beach is the ideal spot for all visitors craving a moment of solitude and tranquillity. On arrival, tourists will be met with a magnificent view of the beach, covered by golden sand and an awe-inspiring view of the palm trees swaying around. The crystal-clear water oozes serenity. Due to the offbeat place, tourists can avoid the overcrowded areas and just bask in the sun, stretch around or enjoy different activities at the beach. In the early morning or the late afternoon, tourists can also see the traditional fishing boats known as the catamarans or the oeuvres lined up on the horizon. They are integral to the fishing community and a source of local sustenance.
Must Read: Places To See In Sri Lanka
Things To Do In Matara Beach
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There are several activities that tourists can enjoy when spending their time at the stunning beach. Just a short distance from Matara, Mirissa is renowned for whale and elephant safari tours. A tour guide can be hired to take visitors to the Mirissa harbour and get them on board a private speed boat. The tourists can then enjoy watching the stunning whales and dolphins swimming around the waters. Afterwards, a visit to Coconut Tree Hill can be taken up, a go-to spot for every traveller. Here, they can enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline and remarkable coconut trees. An elephant jeep safari at the Udawalawe National Park is another thrilling activity that is a treat for nature lovers.
Matara Beach is also a popular destination for travellers wanting to show off their surfing skills or beginners wanting to learn the know-how of how surfing works. The waves at the beach are ideal for varying degrees of surfers, both advanced and beginners. There are several surfing schools plus surfboard rentals on the beach to give the visitors an amazing experience. The water is also safe for swimming and has shallow areas, making it ideal even for children wanting to swim around. The water temperature is all year-round which is perfect for tourists visiting any time in the year. Birdwatching, snorkelling, strolling and diving are other activities tourists can partake in.
Matara Beach Location And Timings
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The most convenient way of reaching Matara Beach is by road which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Visitors can hire a taxi or rent a car and can drive along the Southern Expressway, exit at the Matara interchange and then follow the directions to the town of Matara, GPS should be equipped for a smoother journey. It is also optimal for those craving a long drive along the scenic surroundings. Another option for reaching the destination is to take the coastal train that can be boarded from Colombo Fort Railway Station. The journey takes around 3 to 3.5 hours but offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the countryside along the way. Express buses from Colombo’s Maharagama Bus Station are also available, and it would again take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours to reach the Matara Bus Station. From there, Matara Beach is only a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride away.
The best time to visit Matara Beach is either early morning or just before sunset, as afternoons get relatively crowded. The beach offers marvellous views of the sunset and hence should not be missed if one plans on going there. It is recommended that tourists avoid visiting the beach on the weekends as it gets extremely crowded due to its central location in the town.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Matara
Top 4 Places To See When Visiting Matara
Besides the Matara Beach tours, there are top 4 places that travellers should definitely see when visiting the town of Matara. Enjoy an exhilarating experience by adding these destinations to your itinerary.
1. Mirissa Beach
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Located a small distance from Matara Mirissa Beach boasts a coastline of over 1,585 kilometres. The lined-up palm trees, sunset walks, colourful shacks, vibrant boats, and beautiful whales are sights that Mirissa Beach promises. The various adventure water sports and hiking trails are also a must-see for all adventure lovers.
Distance from Matara: 9.7 kms
2. Dondra Head Lighthouse
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Standing at 160 feet, Dondra Head Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and can be viewed from all directions. This white monolith, designed by Sir James Nicholas Douglass, contains stones imported from Scotland and Cornwall. The building’s balcony offers picturesque views of the Indian Ocean and the Bulatota Mountain Range.
Distance from Matara: 7 kms
Suggested Read: Dambulla Cave Temple
3. Star Fort
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The Dutch constructed Star Fort to shield themselves against external attacks. As the name suggests, the fort comprises six points arranged in the shape of a star, and each point is filled with two large canyons. The fort is an insightful place enjoyed by all tourists, especially those interested in history and archives. Star Fort is an important landmark in Sri Lanka with a rich history and cultural significance.
Distance from Matara: 200 metres
4. Matara Paravai Duwa Temple
The Matara Paravai Duwa Temple is a serenely situated Buddhist Temple. It is perfect for visitors who want to seek spiritual guidance or just experience the tranquil environment emanating from the temple. The temple provides the perfect escape from the daily commotion of city life.
Distance from Matara: 900 metres
Further Read: Restaurants In Matara
Now that you have gone through the entire list of things that you can do when travelling to Matara, don’t hesitate and plan a trip to Sri Lanka which will offer you a chance to get away from the busy mainland. The scenic views, top dining places and the serenity offered by the place is sure to leave everyone in awe and will allow tourists to take a time off with their loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Matara Beach
Is there an entry fee necessary to visit Matara Beach Sri Lanka?
No, there is no entry fee charged to the tourists and they can visit the beach at any time.
What is the best time to visit Matara Beach?
The best time to visit Matara Beach is from the month of November to the month of April when the weather is pleasant and there is very minimal rainfall which is ideal for adventure sports activities and swimming.
What are some of the best restaurants in Matara?
There are plenty of restaurants in Matara that offer delectable cuisines and delicacies containing both the local and international food items. Some of these restaurants are Hangten Rooftop restaurant, The Dutchmans Street, Ocean Terrace, Chef Akila Kitchen and so on.
What are the busiest days of Matara Beach?
The beach is always crowded on weekends and hence visitors are advised to make the most of their time during the weekday or to arrive earlier than usual to enjoy their time at the beach.
What are some tips that can be followed when visiting Matara Beach?
There are three essential tips that tourists are recommended to follow when visiting the beach and the first and foremost is that visitors should be respectful of their environment as Matara Beach is graciously endowed with lush greenery and fauna so trash should be disposed of correctly and tourists must not litter the beach during the visit. Lastly, tourists should respect the culture of the locals and try embracing what is taught to them as it will help enhance their travelling experience.
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