Matara, Sri Lanka

Matara is the end of southern railway line, about 160km from Colombo and just 40km beyond Galle

Matara, situated on the mouth of the Nilwala River, is one of the larger cities of Sri Lanka on the southern coast and was heavily damaged along its long stretch of beach, heavily used by tourists, by the December 2004 Indonesian earthquake Tsunami.

Places of interest:
Two well preserved Dutch forts, the larger one houses much of old Matara, known as Mahathota, including a rest house which is said to have been built on the spot where captured wild elephants were corralled before taming. The other, smaller star fort, with an attractive and unusual gateway, was built in 1763 and now houses a public library.
Houses and land for sale in Matara, Sri Lanka

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JeGraNet.com statement - 15 October 2008 - Quote from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: "There is a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Fatal attacks have become more frequent. They have occurred in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka, including places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers. Further attacks may occur at any time. There is an increasing risk of British nationals being caught up in an attack". As independent travellers we left Colombo after just 9 days into our planned 6 month stay as a result of a feeling of insecurity, however we are sure that 'package tour' travellers to tourist resorts will probably enjoy a worry free holiday.