Continuing south from Galle, Matara is located near the Nilwala River's mouth. The Great Ford, as its name implies, is a fitting description of the area. Matara is a bustling town nestled between sandy beaches and pastoral countryside, complete with scented spice farms and verdant paddy fields. In 1640, the Dutch erected a fort there that is still standing today and faces the Indian Ocean. It serves as a Portuguese garrison stronghold. There are numerous Dutch- and British-era constructions in the fort. The Dutch church is the oldest colonial structure still drawing attention.
Six kilometers away is the 40-meter-high lighthouse that was constructed in 1890 to guide ships using the busy shipping lane when radar wasn't yet available. Nearby is the historic shrine devoted to the Hindu deity Vishnu, regarded by Buddhists as the God entrusted with the responsibility of defending Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Polhena, located 3 kilometers distant, has unspoiled beaches. The coral reef offers excellent swimming and snorkeling prospects. It is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka due to the winds and waves that provide good surfing opportunities
Another 48 kilometers to the south lies Tangalle, which has one of the island's largest naturally occurring bays that is sheltered by a reef. In little coves and bays, you can find some excellent beaches. As opposed to other beaches in Sri Lanka, these beaches do not extend for kilometers. The wind that blows across Tangalle Bay is ideal for hiding in the small, quiet beachfront.
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