Location: Matara is located 160km south of Colombo, in the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Reaching Matara: Matara can be reached by main Colombo-Galle-Matara motor road as well as by the railway line.

Setting: River Nilwala Ganga flowing into the Indian Ocean at the beach of Matara divides the city into two areas: the old town, set in the estuary of the river and the new town located in the main land. The six-lane Mahanama Bridge connects the mainland with the estuary.

New Town: New town of Matara in the mainland sprawls in all directions. Train station, banks, shops, cricket ground and Dutch Star Fort occupies prominent locations.

Old Town: Old town of Matara or the old colonial district in the estuary called Fort is home to old rest house, Dutch Reformed Church, bus station, market and a mosque.

Matara, the transportation hub of the region: Matara is the major transportation hub of the Southern province with well-organized bus station in the old town.

Accomodation at Matara: The preferred location of accommodation at Matara is Polhena and Medawatta beaches.

Polhena Beach & Medawatta Beach: While Polhena beach offer good snorkling opportunities, Medawatta is good for surfing.