Polhena Beach

Matara


The best beach in the area is a small sandy cove that's sheltered by a reef offshore. There's good snorkelling in the bay, and though visibility is not that great, turtles are very regularly spotted here. It's popular with locals at weekends who rent goofy inflatable toys and frolic in the surf, but it's usually quiet on weekdays.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Matara attractions

1. Old Dutch Trade Centre

0.97 MILES

On the western side of town, this magnificent T-shaped building (once the town's market) will fascinate architectural buffs: it has an imposing, steeply…

2. Matara Fort

1.39 MILES

This historic, though run-down district, was once the heart of Dutch, and later British, Matara. There are no real sights, but it's an intriguing area…

3. Dutch Rampart

1.52 MILES

The smallish Dutch rampart occupies the promontory separating the Nilwala Ganga from the sea. Built in the 18th century to protect the VOC’s kachcheri …

4. Parey Dewa

1.57 MILES

A pedestrian bridge near the bus station leads to a small island, Parey Dewa (Rock in Water), which is home to a tiny Buddhist temple with a very fancy…

5. Temple

1.66 MILES

This modest structure overlooks the river.

6. Star Fort

1.69 MILES

This fort was built by the Dutch to compensate for deficiencies in the neighbouring rampart, but it’s so small it could only have protected a handful of…

7. Weherahena Temple

3.51 MILES

On the east side of Matara, turn inland 1km off the main road for this gaudy temple that features an artificial cave decorated with about 200 cartoon-like…

8. Tenavaram Kovil

4.3 MILES

The original vast complex of Tenavaram Dondra was destroyed in 1587, and this compound is now the the largest temple in town. Sadly, a couple of (chained)…

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