Matara, Sri Lanka A Cultural Crossroads

Map of Matara Sri Lanka

Introduction

Matara is a city in Sri Lanka. It is located on the southern coast of the island, and is the capital of the Matara District. Matara is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beaches, temples, and historical sites.

Map of Matara Sri Lanka

History of Matara

Matara was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It was later captured by the Dutch, and then by the British. Matara became part of independent Sri Lanka in 1948.

Geography of Matara

Matara is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is situated on a peninsula, and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Matara has a tropical climate, with warm weather year-round.

Climate of Matara

Matara has a tropical climate, with warm weather year-round. The average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius, and the average rainfall is around 2,000 mm per year.

Culture of Matara

Matara is a multicultural city, with a mix of Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim cultures. The city is home to many temples, mosques, and churches. Matara is also known for its arts and crafts, such as batik and lacemaking.

Economy of Matara

The economy of Matara is based on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. The city is a popular tourist destination, and is home to many hotels, restaurants, and shops. Matara is also a major agricultural center, and is known for its rice, coconuts, and tea.

Transportation in Matara

Matara is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The city is served by the A2 highway, which connects it to Colombo and other major cities in Sri Lanka. Matara is also served by the Matara Railway Station, which connects it to other cities in Sri Lanka. The city is also served by the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which is located about 30 km from the city center.

Things to Do in Matara

There are many things to do in Matara, including:

* Visiting the beaches, such as the Matara Beach and the Weligama Beach
* Exploring the temples, such as the Gangaramaya Temple and the Natha Devale Temple
* Visiting the historical sites, such as the Dutch Fort and the Kataragama Temple
* Taking a boat trip to the nearby islands
* Learning about the local culture

Where to Stay in Matara

There are many hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Matara. Some of the most popular hotels include:

* The Amangalla Hotel
* The Tamarind Hill Hotel
* The Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel
* The Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel
* The Heritance Ahungalla Hotel

FAQ

Q: What is the population of Matara?
A: The population of Matara is around 150,000 people.

Q: What is the main language spoken in Matara?
A: The main language spoken in Matara is Sinhalese.

Q: What is the time zone in Matara?
A: The time zone in Matara is UTC+5:30.

Q: What is the currency used in Matara?
A: The currency used in Matara is the Sri Lankan rupee.

Topic Answer
Map of Matara A map of the city of Matara in Sri Lanka.
Matara Sri Lanka A city in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Map A map of Sri Lanka.
Matara District A district in Sri Lanka.
Travel to Matara Information on how to travel to Matara.

History of Matara

Matara is a city in Sri Lanka with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. The city was founded by the Sinhalese King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. Matara was the capital of the Kingdom of Ruhuna during the Anuradhapura period. The city was also an important trading port during the medieval period. Matara was conquered by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century. The city was finally annexed by the British in the 19th century.

Geography of Matara

Matara is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 120 kilometers from Colombo. The city is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Indian Ocean. The climate in Matara is tropical, with warm weather year-round. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, and the average rainfall is 2,000 millimeters per year. The city is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds. Matara is also a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions.

Map of Matara Sri Lanka

Climate of Matara

The climate of Matara is tropical, with a hot and humid climate all year round. The average temperature ranges from 27°C to 32°C, with highs of up to 35°C and lows of 20°C. The humidity is high, with an average of 80%. The wet season runs from May to September, with the driest months being January and February.

The average annual rainfall is around 2,500 mm, with most of the rain falling during the wet season. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden thunderstorms and heavy rain showers.

The climate of Matara is ideal for growing a variety of crops, including rice, coconuts, and tea. The city is also a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches and historical sites.

Culture of Matara

The culture of Matara is a blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim cultures. The city is home to a number of temples, mosques, and churches, and the people of Matara celebrate a variety of religious festivals. The city is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as batik, lacework, and pottery.

The Sinhalese are the majority ethnic group in Matara, and they make up about 70% of the population. The Sinhalese are Buddhists, and they follow the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. The Sinhalese language is the official language of Sri Lanka, and it is spoken by the majority of the population.

The Tamils are the second-largest ethnic group in Matara, and they make up about 20% of the population. The Tamils are Hindus, and they follow the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism. The Tamil language is also spoken by a significant number of people in Matara.

The Muslims are the third-largest ethnic group in Matara, and they make up about 10% of the population. The Muslims are Muslims, and they follow the Sunni tradition of Islam. The Urdu language is also spoken by a significant number of people in Matara.

The people of Matara are known for their hospitality and their love of music and dance. The city is home to a number of cultural festivals, such as the Esala Perahera and the Navaratri Festival. The people of Matara are also known for their traditional arts and crafts, such as batik, lacework, and pottery.

The culture of Matara is a vibrant and diverse one, and it is a major part of what makes the city so special.

Economy of Matara

The economy of Matara is based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The city is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, and its warm climate and beautiful beaches make it a popular tourist destination. The main crops grown in the Matara district include rice, coconuts, and tea. The city is also home to a number of fishing ports, and the fishing industry is a major source of employment.

The tourism industry is also important to the economy of Matara. The city has a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater to tourists. The most popular tourist attractions in Matara include the ruins of the ancient city of Galle, the National Museum of Galle, and the Dutch Fort.

The economy of Matara is growing rapidly, and the city is becoming an increasingly important economic hub in Sri Lanka. The government is investing in infrastructure projects in the city, and this is expected to boost economic growth in the future.

7. Transportation in Matara

Matara is well-connected to the rest of Sri Lanka by road, rail, and air. The city is located on the Colombo-Galle Highway, which makes it easy to reach from other major cities in the country. Matara also has a railway station that connects it to Colombo and other major cities in the south of Sri Lanka. The city is also served by an international airport, which makes it a popular tourist destination.

The main mode of transportation within Matara is by bus. There are a number of bus terminals in the city, which connect it to all of the major neighborhoods. There are also a few metered taxis in Matara, but they are not as common as buses.

Matara is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. There are also a number of rickshaws in the city, which can be used to get around for short distances.

The following table provides a summary of the different modes of transportation available in Matara:

Mode of Transportation Pros Cons
Bus Cheap, convenient Can be crowded
Taxi Convenient, comfortable Expensive
Rickshaw Cheap, convenient Can be slow
Bicycle Cheap, healthy Can be dangerous
Walking Free, healthy Can be tiring

Things to Do in Matara

Things to Do in Matara

There are many things to do in Matara, Sri Lanka. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:

Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch. It is a fascinating place to visit, with its many historical buildings and stunning views of the ocean.
Matara Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that is popular with both locals and tourists. The beach is located just a short walk from the city center and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. There are plenty of activities to enjoy on the beach, including swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
The Dutch Reformed Church is a beautiful church that was built in the 17th century. The church is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful architecture and its stunning views of the city.
The Matara Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Matara and the surrounding area. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the ancient Sinhalese civilization.
The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful architecture and its peaceful atmosphere.

In addition to these attractions, there are many other things to do in Matara. You can visit the local markets, try the delicious food, or simply relax on the beach. There is something for everyone in Matara, Sri Lanka.

Where to Stay in Matara

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Matara, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are a few of the best places to stay in Matara:

  • The Lighthouse Hostel

  • The Palm Beach Hotel

  • The Seashells Hotel

  • The Hideaway Beach Resort

  • The Amaya Lake Hotel

For more information on accommodation options in Matara, please visit the following websites:

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Matara, Sri Lanka:

  1. What is the population of Matara?

  2. What is the climate like in Matara?

  3. What are the main attractions in Matara?

Here are the answers to these questions:

  1. The population of Matara is approximately 200,000 people.

  2. The climate in Matara is tropical, with warm weather year-round.

  3. The main attractions in Matara include the Dutch Fort, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the Galle Face Green.

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