Matara - the second Dutch Fort in southern Sri Lanka
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Matara, located in 160 km (100 miles) distance from Colombo, is the capital of the southernmost district in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Matara was known as Mahathota in ancient times and called “Maturai” by the Portuguese, a term that can be translated as “grand fortress”.
The Matara Fort, standing as a testament to the city's colonial past, is not as impressive as that of Galle but almost equals it in size. A small fort was originally built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, it was enlarged and completed by the Dutch in 1640. The main attraction is the Parey Dewa Temple, picturesquely located on a tiny island accessible by a short bridge from the fort.
Better preserved than the fortifications of the main fort are those of the much smaller Star Fort, riginally called Redoute Van Eck, located 350 metres (0.2 miles) from the gate to the Matara fort. After the Matara rebellion of 1761, when the Dutch were forced to flee, the Dutch regained control of Matara in 1763 and soon afterwards commenced the construction of a barbican on the east bank of the Nilwala River, to protect the main fort from attacks originating from the river. The Star Fort was built on a the ground plan of a six pointed star. It's known as Mathara Tharaka Kotuwa in Sinhala.
Visitors of Matara should not miss exploring the Nupe Market with its colourful array of fruits, vegetables, and spices. Matara's coastline, known as Dondra Bay, is adorned with pristine beaches. In particular, Polhena Beach is known for its small coral reef. Visitors can also explore the lush greenery of the Matara River. The dry season in Matara from December to March.
The Matara Fort, standing as a testament to the city's colonial past, is not as impressive as that of Galle but almost equals it in size. A small fort was originally built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, it was enlarged and completed by the Dutch in 1640. The main attraction is the Parey Dewa Temple, picturesquely located on a tiny island accessible by a short bridge from the fort.
Better preserved than the fortifications of the main fort are those of the much smaller Star Fort, riginally called Redoute Van Eck, located 350 metres (0.2 miles) from the gate to the Matara fort. After the Matara rebellion of 1761, when the Dutch were forced to flee, the Dutch regained control of Matara in 1763 and soon afterwards commenced the construction of a barbican on the east bank of the Nilwala River, to protect the main fort from attacks originating from the river. The Star Fort was built on a the ground plan of a six pointed star. It's known as Mathara Tharaka Kotuwa in Sinhala.
Visitors of Matara should not miss exploring the Nupe Market with its colourful array of fruits, vegetables, and spices. Matara's coastline, known as Dondra Bay, is adorned with pristine beaches. In particular, Polhena Beach is known for its small coral reef. Visitors can also explore the lush greenery of the Matara River. The dry season in Matara from December to March.
