Polhena Beach - Sri Lanka

In Matara you will inhale authentic Sri Lankan atmosphere as less tourists are found at this travel destination. 4 km ahead of the city lies the beach Polhena of Matara. For cultural sightseeing you can visit the countries largest lighthouse and the monumental Buddha statue of Weherehena. As intellectual center of the South Matara shows off the high reputed Ruhuna university. Matara is also famous for its delicious curd, which ripens in clay pots.

The most famous sight in Matara is the Star Fort which you will find just a few hundred metres from the main rampart gate. With its five-pointed star shape and the massive walls it appears like an impressive bastion.

Polhena beach is good for snorkelling, bathing and diving, the nearby river Nilwala Ganga gives you the opportunity for boats riding. For temple lovers we recommend to see the impressive Buddha statue in Dondra of the temple Weherehena which is 39 m high in Samadhi posture on a holed rock that was once a hidden temple.