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.
Matara Railway Station
Matara Railway Station is a historic railway station located in the southern region of Sri Lanka, serving as a major transport hub for travelers heading to the coastal cities and towns of the island. Established in the 19th century, the station is a prominent feature of Sri Lanka's railway network and an important part of the island's transportation history.
The station boasts colonial-era architecture, blending Sri Lankan and British influences, and has undergone renovations over the years to accommodate modern trains while retaining its historical charm. Matara Railway Station is the terminus of the coastal railway line, offering scenic views of the southern coastline and providing access to some of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destinations, including Galle, Unawatuna, and Mirissa.
Visitors to Matara Railway Station can experience the lively atmosphere as trains depart and arrive, while also enjoying the nearby attractions such as the beach and local markets. The station's location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Sri Lanka's beautiful southern region, with convenient access to both cultural and natural sites.
The best time to visit Matara Railway Station is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration. The station is easily accessible from the nearby towns and offers a charming glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial railway history and the beauty of the southern coastline.
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.