The Dutch Reformed Church of Matara is nestled within the walls of the historic Matara Fort, initially built by the Dutch. The fortification of Matara took place around five years The building was erected in 1706, according to an inscription over the doorway. During subsequent repairs and improvements this date has been obliterated and another date, that of 1767 is now to be seen.
Kamburupitiya Ambalama is one such Ambalama built in 1909. This is a comparatively large Ambalama built with Brick and mortar, standing in the centre of the Kamburupitya town. The Ambalama is fully covered. The front is built with a short wall and square and cylindrical pillars the empty space is covered with latticework structures for ventilation. The entrance is on the side.
Among the historical mileposts installed by the British Public Works Department, a noteworthy one stands in the Devinuwara area near Matara. This particular milepost considered the tallest in Sri Lanka, is situated in front of the residence of Mr Ronnie de Mel, a prominent Sri Lankan politician and former finance minister.
The Nelumwewa Ambalama, which is now destroyed, is situated along the Ratmale-Dikwella road. It is positioned 900 meters away from the Ratmale junction and approximately 4.5 kilometers from the town of Dikwella. Around 250 years in the past, local villagers collaborated to construct this Ambalama in proximity to a Mara tree.
Hakmana Fort was in fact a stockade built by the Dutch around 1645 and was destroyed by the Kandyan Forces in 1761. No remains of this fort is found today.
Thalahagama is a village belonging to Matara District in the Southern Province. Thalahagama is popular for its natural water spring eternally flowing from a well. The Diya Bubula (water spring) lies at the edge of a lush paddy field close to the road. Its not visible to the main road and insignificant foot path leads to the bubula and the paddy field.
The Diya Bubula at Kosgahadola (water spring) lies some distance above the waterfall and the water joins the Kosgahadola steam. Traveling upstream over slippery rocks, it is amazing how a stream of water naturally emerges from a delicate crack in the rock. A small circular tank has been built at that place in later times to surrounding the constantly flowing stream.
Uduwaka Ambalama is a somewhat recent resting place in Matara District lying 8km off Weligama (2.7 km off Thelijjawila) on the Weligama Thelijawila road. The Ambalama lies by the main road, next to a lush paddy field.
Gatabaru Raja Maha Viharaya (Getabaru Raja Maha Viharaya) is on a mountain top on the Akuressa – Deniyaya Road (A17) between Morawaka and Deniyaya. Until recently this temple has been rather neglected due to the rough terrain of the location
One building stands alone and aloof built entirely of granite blocks. Aptly called Galge or Galgane, it is a rectangular building with a small door in front and no windows or other openings.
The Budugala Rajamaha Viharaya in Rotumba is built utilizing number of natural rock caves on a rocky outcrop. According to legend this cave temple has been built by king Watta Gamini Abhaya, better known as king Walagamba (89-77 BC) of Anuradhapura kingdom.
Viharamaldeniya Ella is rather unknown to the outside other than to the villagers in the immediate vicinity of the falls. The water falls in two steps like a thin veil creating an ideal bathing condition during the dry season when the flow is slow.
Kudalu Dola Ella is rather unknown to the outside other than to the villagers in the immediate vicinity of the falls. The water falls at a angle in a number of steps creating an ideal bathing condition during the dry season when the flow is slow.
The enchanting Rotumba Biso Ella (Bisodola Ella, Bisomala Ella) is 15-20 meters high and is located in the village named Rotumba in the Matara District. Access to this waterfall is about 2 Km from Rotumba.
Anagarika Dharmapala kept the foundation stone to the Weherahena Viharaya in 1939 and the 600 feet tunnel was fist build by excavating the mound of earth. Once this was completed, the 88 cubit (39 metres) buddha statue was started. The statue was completed in 1976.
Galgodiyana is an island off Matara lying less than 200 meters off land with ruins of a Stupa and a mystic entrance built with boulders. These structures has been built by a Thai prince who had taken up robes in Sri Lanka in late 19th century.
The unique Rathmale Ambalama is the only two storied ambalama found in the country. The upper floor of the ambalama is said to be used by the priests and the lower floor by the laymen.
Parawahera Ambalama is a brick and mortar wayside rest lying 9 kms from Matara on the Ratmale Road. Ambalama is a way side rest built during the times of kings at various strategic places on popular routes for the weary traveler to rest or sleep the night.
Patna Sliding Rock, locally know as the Patna Burus Gala is one of the newer destinations discovered local travelers. The location is situated inside Patna Division in Enesalwatta estate belonging to Maturata Plantations in Deniyaya.
Watagedara Sri Sudharmarama Purana Pothgul Viharaya is an ancient temple with a two storied Tampita Viharaya built during the Kandyan era. This temple lie 4 km from Godagama exit on the Southern Expressway and 8 km from Matara.
