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Matara
Matara Fort The Dutch fortified a Portuguese garrison around 1640, now known as the Matara Fort. The Fort consists of several structures of colonial times, oldest of which is the Dutch Church. The Matara Fort was built to support the main fort across the stream. Dondra/Devinuwara The shrine devoted to Hindu god Vishnu at Dondra/Devinuwara is popular. A well- known festivalis held in July / August in the temple annually. People gather here in their numbers to celebrate the occasion.
Mulgirigala is 16km from Tangalla. It is a monolithic rock cave temple. It has reclining Buddha figures in smiling repose. It also hosts standing and seated Buddha figures, encircled by wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. History It is said that Matara was called ‘Mahathota’ which translates as ‘Great Ferry’. Weerabamapanam made Matara his capital and named it River Nilawala Matara is located on the banks of river Nilwala, the third longest river in Sri Lanka. It joins the Indian Ocean at Thotamuna. The main crops along this river are tea, rubber and paddy. |
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Matara is located 160km from Colombo. Matara is the central spot in the southern province of Sri Lanka. From Matara one can visit places like Weligama and Mulgirigala Rock Temple.
Mulgirigala Rock Temple
‘Mapatuna’. From time to time Matara has been ruled by foreign rulers. The Portuguese administered Matara from 1790 to 1795 while the British ruled it from 1796 to 1948. The Dutch were also a dominant force in Matara for some time.