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Tissamaharama Temple Hambanthota When the Kingdom of Ruhuna was established it received many travellers and traders from Siam, China and Indonesia who sought anchorage in the natural harbor at Godawaya, Ambalantota. The ships or large boats these traders travelled in were called "Sampans" and thota means port or anchorage so the port where sampans anchor came to be known as Sampantota (which is now known as Godawaya). After some time the area came to be called Hambantota.[2] Hambantota District is part of the traditional south known as Ruhuna. In ancient times this region, especially Hambantota and the neighboring areas was the centre of a flourishing civilization. Historical evidence reveals that the region in that era was blessed with fertile fields and a stupendous irrigation network. Hambantota was known by many names Mahagama, Ruhuna and Dolos dahas rata. About 200 BC, the first Kingdom of Sri Lanka was flourishing in the north central region of Anuradhapura. After a personal dispute with his brother, King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura, King Mahanaga established the Kingdom of Ruhuna in the south of the island. This region played a vital role in building the nation as well as nurturing the Sri Lankan Buddhist culture. Close to Hambantota, the large temple of Tissamaharama was built to house a sacred tooth relic.[3] Main articles: Colonial history of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka in the twentieth century Around the years of 1801 and 1803, the British built a Martello tower on the tip of the rocky headland alongside the lighthouse overlooking the sea at Hambantota. The builder was a Captain Goper, who built the tower on the site of an earlier Dutch earthen fort. The tower was restored in 1999, and in the past, formed part of an office of the Hambantota Kachcheri where the Land Registry branch was housed. Today it houses a fisheries museum. From 2 August to 9 September 1803, an Ensign J. Prendergast of the regiment of Ceylon native infantry was in command of the British colony at Hambantota during a Kandian attack that he was able to repel with the assistance of the snow ship Minerva.[4] Earlier, HMS Wilhelmina had touched there and left off eight men from the Royal Artillery to reinforce him.[5] This detachment participated in Prendergast's successful defense of the colony.[6] If the tower at Hambantota was at all involved in repelling any attack this would be one of the only cases in which a British Martello tower had been involved in combat. Leonard Woolf, future husband of Virginia Woolf, was the British colonial administrator at Hambantota between 1908 and 1911 Hambantota Harbour Hambantota birds Park Ridiyagama Safari Park Bundala National Park Ussangoda National Park Mirijjawila Botanical Garden Mahapelessa Hot Springs Tissamaharama Temple Tissa Kiinda Temple Sithulpawwa Rock Temple Madunagala Temple Hermitage Liyanagasthota Amuna Martello Tower Tissa Kiinda Temple Sithulpawwa Rock Temple Madunagala Temple Hermitage Liyanagasthota Amuna Martello Tower

Kirala Kele Sentuary Cork forest, which acts as a wetland that protects Matara city from floods, got its name because of the abundance of cork trees, a mangrove plant. There are 530 hectares of wet swamps in the cork forest spread in Matara and Tihagoda Divisional Secretariat Divisions and spread over an area of about 1800 hectares. Near the Matara Godagama entrance of the Southern Expressway, the footpath to the right falls into the cork forest. It is 3 km from Matara city. A board has also been installed near the Southern Expressway with the name "Kirala Kale". The section of the Southern Expressway up to Beliaatta was initially planned to be constructed through the cork forest, but due to strong opposition from environmentalists and local residents, it had to be changed and constructed through another route. According to geological factors, millions of years ago, the area of the cork forest extended to the sea. Even today, when digging in that area, belicatu, shellfish etc. are found proving it. Many villages like Lenaduwa, Watagedara, Kudulenaduwa, Attudawa, Palamuwa, Godagama, Hitthetiya, Tudawa etc. are located around the wetland. In 2003, through a special gazette notification, 750 acres had been declared as a protected area. After that in the year 2013, through a special gazette, the area of the cork forest was declared as a sanctuary to give it more legal protection. It is under the control of the Department of Conservation. But it is reported that harmful activities such as land reclamation and plant removal are also taking place here. Many species of flora and fauna can be seen in the Cork Forest Sanctuary, which is a mixed wetland ecosystem. Mangrove plants such as mangroves, mangroves, karen kuk, thorn ikili, heen mangrove, birds, butterflies, fish, snakes, reptiles and amphibians increase the ecological value here. Today, most of the mangrove plants have become extinct. Villagers say that some time ago rice cultivation was more popular in this wet environment. Five species are also found in the cork forest. The types of trees like thunhiria, urala, bark leaves etc. are found here, and the village women cut them and dry them to weave mats and bags. Environmental features such as mangrove forests, rice paddies, lakes, irrigation canals can be seen here. Twice a year, the overflowing water of Nilwala Ganga collects in the cork forest. This also fulfills a great mission to preserve the moisture in the area during the dry season.

Paravi Duwa Temple Paravi Island or Randupata is an island located in the middle of the sea next to the coast of Matara District in the Southern Province and is visible from Monevata not far from Matara Bus Station. A beautiful scenic island that has attracted the attention of tourists, this is a wonderful gift of nature. In the past, it was named as Pigeon Island because of its roosting of stone pigeons, and nowadays this place has been developed as the Uposathagara of the Rohana sect of the Siamese sect. The island is accessible via an iron bridge and the island looks very beautiful from the shore. Nilwala River, Matara Bodhi, St. Mary's Church etc. can be seen near this place. Just as Matara Beach Park, which is a scenic place with a black view, soothes the tired human mind...the view of the Pigeon Island that catches the eye from there is a wonderful place that catches the eyes of photographers. This is a beautiful island for pilgrims to visit as well as for tourists to see.

Nupe Olanda Marketing Center When entering the city of Matara, you can see on the right hand side at the Nupe junction, a market built during the Dutch period is now preserved by the Department of Archeology.

Matara Bodhiya Matara Bodhi is a historical place located in the center of Matara city in Sri Lanka. Matara Bodhi can also be called a quiet place in the middle of the busy city of Matara. Many people go here to get away from the busy life and find the best place to relax. Various charity programs can be seen almost every night at Matara Bodhi. Its origins can be traced to a tragic story centered on King Kumara Dharmasena or Kumaradhatusena, son of King Kasyapa of Sigiriya, and his close friend, the famous dramatist and poet Kalidasa.

Matara Fort Matara Star Fort Matara Bodhiya Paravi Duwa Temple Nupe Olanda Marketing Center Kirala Kele Santuary Devinuwara Upulwan Devalaya Dondra Light-House Coconut Tree Hil Thal Araba Beach Polhena Beach Mirissa Beach Thalpe Beach Blue Beach Parei Walla Beach Hummanaya Blow- Hole Yala National Park Rakawa Turtle Watch Fatna Etha Mala Ella Hathmale Ella Olu Dola Biso Dola Ella Gongala Mountain Kurulugala Lankagama Elamaldeniya Gatabaruwa Maligakanda Weherahena Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary Matara Matara historically belongs to the area that was called the Kingdom of Ruhuna, which was one of the three kingdoms in Sri Lanka (Thun Sinhalaya තුන් සිංහලය). According to Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera's Paravi Sndesaya King Weerabamapanam made Matara as his capital and named it "Mapatuna". The temple in the middle of the town is also built by ancient kings, and now it is a very popular sacred place among the Buddhists in the area. In the 16th and 18th centuries, Matara was ruled by the Portuguese and the Dutch respectively. In 1756, the Dutch captured the Maritime Province and divided it into four administrative areas — Sabaragamuwa, Sath Korle, Sathara Korele and Matara. Out of these, Matara District covered the largest area (essentially the whole of the Southern Province up to the Kaluganga River). In the deed given by King Dharmapala to the Dutch, it mentioned that the area of Matara District extended from Kotte to Walawe Ganga River. In 1760, the fort was successfully attacked by forces from the Kandyan kingdom. Matara maintained in the hands of the Sinhalese for almost one year. In 1762, the Dutch recaptured Matara Fort, without any significant resistance. Matara was the second most important fort, behind Galle fort, for the southern maritime provinces of the Dutch and a commanding base for some inland forts. In 1796, the fort was ceremoniously handed over to the British. The Dutch and English culture and architecture can still be seen throughout the area. The lighthouse at Dondra Head was built by the Dutch, and it is considered one of the oldest lighthouses in Sri Lanka. The two fortresses, the Matara fort and the Star fort, that were built by the Dutch can be found in the city. Other important Colonial works are the St Mary's Church and the marketplace at Nupe Junction. Weherahena temple The most famous thinkers who lived in the area are Kumaratunga Munidasa and Gajaman Nona. The ethnic majority of Matara is Sinhalese; during the 16th and 17th centuries Moors arrived in the area as traders from Arabia. Today their descendants coexist with Sinhalese peacefully as an ethnic minority. Weligama Kapparathota Beach Gurubeula Natural Swimming Pool

Matara Star Fort Matara Tharaka Fort is a fort located on the eastern bank of the Nilwala River in the city of Matara, Sri Lanka, approximately 350 meters (1,150 ft) from the entrance to Matara Fort. Built by the Dutch in 1765, this fort was originally known as "Redoute Van Eck". By 1640, the Dutch had built the main fort of Matara, but found it vulnerable to attacks from the interior. In the year 1762, the Sinhalese forces, who had taken power in the kingdom of Kandy, attacked the fort and seized its power.[1] In 1763, the Dutch regained control of the fort and in that year started building another smaller fort on the eastern bank of the Nilwala River to protect the main fort from attacks from the river. This star fort was built in the unique shape of a six-pointed star, providing space for 12 large cannons to cover the approaches from all directions. The rampart or outer wall is about 7.5 meters (25 ft) wide and surrounded by a moat 6 meters (20 ft) wide and 3.1 meters (10 ft) deep. The rampart walls of the fort are built of granite rock and coral and are 14 feet (4.3 m) wide. The fort was built to hold a small garrison, food supplies and enough ammunition to withstand an attack, before being reinforced by the main fort. There were also 2 prison cells in the fort and a well with a diameter of 2.75 meters (9 feet) in the center to supply water. The drainage system was internal and collected water from the monsoons was discharged into the moat. Above the main entrance the fort bears the date of its construction (1765), the coat of arms of the Dutch East India Company and the Governor's coat of arms flanked by two rampart lions. The entrance gate of Taraka Fort, which is decorated with coral, is decorated with the inscription "Ra' Dut One Ek 1763" in memory of the Dutch Governor of Sri Lanka, Lubert Jan Baron One Ek (1719 - 1765). The roof of the building was originally thatched with coconut fronds and later replaced with clay tiles. The fort is considered to be the last major defensive pillar built by the Dutch, but it never got the chance to prove its effectiveness. With the conquest of Sri Lanka in 1796, the Dutch handed over the fort to the British. The British used it as an administrative office and from 1965, it was used as a library until it was acquired by the Department of Archeology in 1975.[1] The fort has

Neluwa Doovili Ella Other Names : : doovili falls, doowili falls , duvili falls, duwili falls, doovili Ella, doowili Ella , duvili Ella, duwili Ella Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to 19 waterfalls out of which 11 are located in the Galle District. They are Pathanoya Falls, Suduwalikotha Falls, Brahmana Falls, Hathbinna Falls, Malmora Falls, Neluwa Dowili falls, Wathugala falls, Lankagama Kekuna Falls, Nellugolla Falls and Beraliya Dola Falls. One of the most popular falls in this area is the Neluwa Dowili falls which lies about 8 km away from the Neluwa town. The fall is 17m in height and 1m wide. “Dowili ” meaning dust is a quite popular name for waterfalls which creates a misty atmosphere which looks like a dust cloud around the bottom. Therefore each Dowili fall is uniquely.

Sinharajaya Rain Forest ForestSinharaja is a Rain Forest and a biodiversity hotspot which is located in south west lowland wet zone within Sabaragamu and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja rain forest is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rain forest. It covers an area of 11,000 Ha of primary and secondary forests. This narrow strip of rolling site comprises of a series of ridges and valleys. More than 60% of the trees are endemic to Sinharaja Forest and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of butterflies & mammals and also many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. This is one of the main reasons that UNESCO declared Sinharaja Forest as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1988 under the name of Sinharaja Forest Reserve. In 1936 Sinharaja Forest was first recognized as being the only considerable patch of virgin tropical rain forest in the Island. Sinharaja forest was accepted by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1978. Recognizing the need for maximum possible 4 protection the site in near declared as a National Heritage Wilderness Area. Being the habitat for rare and endangered species and an outstanding site for study of the process of biological evolution. Sinharaja Forest is the best place to watch mixed species bird flocks. According to a study carried out on the mixed species bird flocks, 42 individual birds occur in the flocks on average which makes this the world’s largest mixed species bird flock. The mixed species Bird flock study of Sinharaja forest has been continuing since 1981 and is considered as the World’s longest bird flock study.

National Maritime Museum The National Maritime Museum or National Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, Sri Lanka is situated within Galle Fort. It was first opened to the public on 9 May 1992 and is located in a 1671 Dutch Warehouse above the Old Gate of Galle Fort. Whilst the building housing the museum survived the impact of the 26 December 2004 tsunami, the adjoining UNESCO Maritime Archaeology Unit was completely destroyed and all the exhibitions were flood damaged[1] and the majority of maritime archeological artifacts were lost. Under Sri Lanka – Netherlands Cultural Co-operation Program, the Royal Government of Netherlands provided financial assistance for reconstruction of the Maritime Museum. After 3 years period of reconstruction, the Maritime Museum was re-opened to the public.

Unawatuna Beach Unawatuna is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Sri Lanka and is the most “famous” beach in the country. It is a lovely banana-shaped beach of golden sand and turquoise water, surrounded by green palm trees! It was the first beach we visited in Sri Lanka. We chose not to stay at one of the fancy and expensive hotels along the beach of Unawatuna, but a few kilometers away at a guesthouse. We walked to the Unawatuna Beach on two separate day trips.The beach is popular with tourists, and part of the beach is occupied with sunbeds for rent. In the afternoons, Sri Lankan families come to the beach to enjoy some swimming in the sun. At the west end of the beach, there are some rocks and stairs that lead up to a small hill with a pagoda and a big Buddha statue. It’s a nice little walk with a beautiful view overlooking the beach. Unfortunately, Unawatuna is not all paradise. The place was devastated by the tsunami in 2004, and the rebuilding was done in a hurry and many of the owners rebuilt their hotels and restaurants on the actual sand. The result is that half the beach is gone, and there is actually not that much sand left to play on. It´s a shame.