This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Matara/ Madiha.
Matara is a city in the island of Sri Lanka. It is located in the southern part of the country and is the capital of the Matara District. There are many schools and universities in and around the city. It is also right next to the city of Galle, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. There are plenty of things to do, hostels to stay in, and food to eat in Matara.
The Star Fort in Matara is the remnant of the Dutch and Portuguese forts found in major coastal hubs around the country. It is a far smaller fort than the famed Dutch Fort in the city of Galle, but it is still a picturesque location that is very well-preserved. Built in the shape of a six-pointed star, it has twelve cannon emplacements to command the ocean and land around. Ask at your hostel for a local tour guide – they are cheap, friendly, and informative.
If you are a fan of things that slither, check out the Matara Snake Farm. This is a very particular place to visit – do not go here if you are not a fan of snakes. You can get a tuktuk ride to the farm from your hostel. The farm itself is run by a farmer who lets the snakes have free reign around the place. You can touch the snakes, take pictures with them, and even watch as they try to escape their enclosures.
One final place to visit in Matara is the Nandana Tea Factory. It is one of the many tea factories in the country, and it is known for its exports of tea and rice. The factory is open to the public, so you can watch the process of refining and processing tea leaves. There is a café in the factory too, which allows you can enjoy a cup of piping hot, fresh tea before leaving.
Written by local enthusiast for Matara/ Madiha hostels
Jakob Lombardi
