Colombo Trip Overview
Located along the southern coastal belt, Matara, once a citadel of the ancient Kingdom of Ruhuna, has come a long way from its historic roots where the town is now a hive of activities. The Ruhuna Kingdom thrived for centuries and was one of the three realms that formed ancient Sri Lanka. Matara served as the capital for the monarchy and was known by several names including ‘Mapatuna’ and ‘Maha Theertha’ which translates to the great ferry, due to Nilvala River – one of the island’s major rivers – running through the town, creating a wide area for ferries to cross. Matara’s main attractions are its ramparts, Dutch architecture, a well-preserved fort and its street life. You’ll be able to explore the major highlights of the city including the Star Fort, Paravi Duwa Temple, Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya and the Dondra Point. Transportation will be provided in an air conditioned vehicle with an expert guide along the way.
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 13 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Located along the southern coastal belt, Matara, once a citadel of the ancient Kingdom of Ruhuna, has come a long way from its historic roots where the town is now a hive of activities. The Ruhuna Kingdom thrived for centuries and was one of the three realms that formed ancient Sri Lanka. Matara served as the capital for the monarchy and was known by several names including ‘Mapatuna’ and ‘Maha Theertha’ which translates to the great ferry, due to Nilvala River – one of the island’s major rivers – running through the town, creating a wide area for ferries to cross. Matara’s main attractions are its ramparts, Dutch architecture, a well-preserved fort and its street life. You’ll be able to explore the major highlights of the city including the Star Fort, Paravi Duwa Temple, Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya and the Dondra Point. Transportation will be provided in an air conditioned vehicle with an expert guide along the way.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Star Fort, Galle Road, Matara 81000 Sri Lanka
The only fort in Sri Lanka, built in the form of a star has its own historical significance and stands in the town of Matara, close to the Matara Dutch Fort. The fort was built after the Matara Rebellion in 1762 as a means of addressing the lack of protection for the Matara Fort. Considered to have been built by Governor Redoute Van Eck, the fort currently houses the Archeology Museum of the Matara District. It has become a popular place of many travelers and history students. The construction date (1765) is imprinted over the main gate, along with the VOC company insignia and the coat of arms of the governor of the day. The two carved lions guard the entrance gates of the fort. You can also spot the slots that once secured the drawbridge beams.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Matara Paravi Duwa Temple, Golden Island Pathway off Sea Beach Rd, Matara 81000 Sri Lanka
Known as “Paravi Duwa” (පරවී දුව පන්සල) in the local language the pigeon island temple is situated in the beach road of Matara city. It is located in the sea connecting the land side through a hanging bridge. It is also a pit stop for many tourists through the beautiful setting. The hanging bridge is made out of a concrete slab. The beautiful temple covers the whole island, and it is a real-life experience to walk along the bridge towards the temple. The temple is set in attractive gardens and houses a numerous statues of Buddha and a replica of the alleged footprint found on Adams Peak.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya වෙහෙරහේන පූර්වාරාම රජමහා විහාරය., Weherahena Rd, Matara, Sri Lanka
Located in Matara district, the temple is a very famous tourists attraction as it is the largest and first ever tunnel temple in the world. According to history, the temple was believed to be constructed during the 20th century and the temple was inhabited by Arhat Bikkus in Asia since ancient times. It is believed the foundation for the temple was laid by Revetha thero as he was sent there as a punishment transfer where he later gathered the villagers in building the temple. It was the monk’s idea to make the largest tunnel temple in Weherahena and it was recorded that this was the largest Buddhists statue built in the world during the 20th century. Therefore this is a must visit temple if you’re touring towards the coastal town of Matara.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Point Dondra, Port Access Road, Dondra, Sri Lanka
Standing at the Southern most point of Sri Lanka, the Dondra Head Lighthouse built by British in 1889 is currently operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Octagonal in shape and painted in white, the Dondra Lighthouse stands 54m high in a carefully tended garden. It is one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka and also one of the tallest in South East Asia as well. The Lighthouse is still active and helps to guide ships and boats and is positioned at a crucial point in the Maritime route. The Dondra Head Lighthouse also transmits radio wave signals to the surrounding lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Consisting of seven floors and 14 two panel windows, one has to climb 196 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse where the view overlooking the ocean is quite breathtaking.
Duration: 1 hour
