Mathara Sri Lanka
Southern most major town in Sri Lanka and the terminus of the coastal rail line has also been under the Portuguese and Dutch rule. The star shaped fort at Matara is an unusual and a unique structure. There are several beautiful and less crowded beaches along the coast between Galle and Matara and the closest to the town is at Polhena. Another attraction is a 25m high colourful Buddha statue built at Veherahena Temple.
The temple is about 2 kM from the town centre and about 1 Km inland from Pallimulla on the main road.

Matara fort built by the Dutch around 1640 is a fortification of a Portuguese garrison. The old Dutch church is an interesting and one of the oldest structures in the Fort. There are many other structures in the Dutch and the British era most of which have undergone many changes. The star fort built in a shape of a star has been built to provide additional protection to the main fort across the river. The moat now restored and a drawbridge added recently. 

This paragraph is above the "Read More" break.

This paragraph is behind the "Read More" break.

Ahangama and Midigama

Ahangama and Midigama are two stilt fishing locations in the area. The fishermen rest on stilts fixed on shallow water and use rods for fishing. This unique method of fishing is still practiced today.  

Dondra or Devinuwara

Dondra or Devinuwara 6km east of Matara is the southern most point of Sri Lanka. A 40m high lighthouse has been built in 1890 to provide guidance to the shipping route south of Sri Lanka. The shrine dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu at Devinuwara is a popular local attraction. The annual festival held in July / August is the major event of the temple.

Weligama

 About 15 kM from Matara towards Galle is a popular resort town of Weligama. Here are many recently built hotels for visitors in search of the sun and sand. The rest house at Weligama is one of the oldest rest houses in Sri Lanka. The Aggrabodhi Vihara about 1 Km from the rest house towards inland is an ancient temple established in the 3 century BC. The temple is mentioned in several ancient literature works in 13th and 14th centuries confirms it's importance, but had been destroyed by the Portuguese and many of the existing buildings are of recent construction. 

Brass works

Beliatta about 30 Km east from Matara is famous for the utility and ornamental items of brass work and metal. Most of the brass work sold in the other parts of the country originate from two villages the area. There is a sales centre run by the Department of Small Industries at Angulumaduwa.