Polhena/Matara
Matara is a bustling beach not far from the city center that is nearly always crowded with residents, especially on weekends and holidays when it is used as a picnic spot.
Polhena Beach is only a few kilometers away from Matara Beach. Polhena Beach is a small beach in comparison to the other beaches on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Because Polhena beach is surrounded by a reef, the sea is tranquil, and it is popular with people and their children.
Even though both beaches are excellent for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, they are not popular vacation locations due to a lack of lodging.
Additional information
Nearby Attractions
- Mirissa Beach
Mirissa has evolved into Sri Lanka’s premier whale-watching location, and it is likely the only area where you may see both blue whales and sperm whales, as well as dolphins, on the same cruise. Whale watching season lasts from November to March.
Distance: 9 Km
- Secret Beach
It is a small hidden beach with a bay area just around the corner of the Mirissa main beach.
Distance: 10 Km
- Snake Farm
Thelijjavila Farm is home to a variety of snakes, including kraits, pythons, cobras, vipers, blind snakes, vine snakes, keel-backs, racers, cat snakes, and more.
Distance: 17 Km
- Matara Dutch Fort and Star Fort
The Dutch constructed the main Matara fort in 1640, although it was later discovered to be vulnerable to land attacks. As a result, they constructed a six-pointed star fort on the west bank of the Nilwala River to protect the main fort against river-borne attacks.
Distance: 3.5 Km
- Pigeon Island Temple
Pigeon Island got its name from the prevalence of rock pigeons on the island. This little island has now been turned into a temple.
Distance: 4 Km
- Hummanaya Blowhole
It is one of the world’s biggest blowholes. This natural marvel blasts a jet of seawater into the air, reaching heights of more than 25 to 29 meters.
Distance: 26 Km
- Hiriketiya and Dickwella Beach
The nearby beaches of Hiriketiya and Dikwella are two of Sri Lanka’s most popular surfing destinations.
Distance: 21 Km
The most popular nearby attraction: Mirissa Beach (11 Km)
Accommodation
within 10 Km
Star Classified Hotels- Yes (up to 4 star)
Boutique Hotels- No
Resorts- No
International Chain Hotels- No
Ayurvedic Hotels- No
Villas- Yes
Eco Hotels- Yes
Camping- No
Unclassified Hotels- Yes
* You might still find preferred accommodation in nearby cities.
Distance
CMB Airport- 180 Km (travel time: 2hrs 40min)
Colombo City- 155 Km (travel time: 2hrs 40min)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress- 304 Km (travel time: 5hrs 10min)
Anuradhapura Ancient City- 341 Km (travel time: 5hrs 45min)
Polonnaruwa Ancient City- 352 Km (travel time: 6hrs)
Kandy City- 251 Km (travel time: 4hrs 30min)
Galle Dutch Fort- 45 Km (travel time: 50min)
* The time and distance are only given to give you an idea. There are stopovers between the two locations. The cities listed above are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best Time
November to March