Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport 1 hr 16
Polhena Beach (45 min)
Swimming & snorkeling on a beach sheltered by a reef, with calm waters & breathtaking sunsets. Turtle Watch Rekawa (41 min) Point Dondra (28 min)
Palms, a beach & sweeping ocean views from a small rocky headland, home to a landmark lighthouse. Kudawella Beach (27 min)
Ocean inlet with a sandy shoreline & palm trees, plus charming, old-fashioned hotels & a restaurant. Tangalle Beach (35 min) Tangalle Beach (25 min)
Golden sandy palm-fringed urban beach close with a natural swimming area & accommodation. Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya (38 min)
Venerable Buddhist temple complex with cave shrines carved from rock & 18th-century murals. Star Fort Matara (36 min)
Built in 1765 by the Dutch, this star-shaped fortress features a museum exhibiting Matara's history. Talalla Beach (16 min)
Scenic inlet with a sandy shore & palm trees, plus guesthouses, basic resorts & quaint eateries. Hummanaya Blow Hole (32 min)
Considered the second largest blowhole in the world, it shoots up water up to 30 meters high. Wewrukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya (6 min)
18th-century temple depicting the punishments of hell, plus statues & murals of the Buddha's life. Goyambokka Beach (21 min)
Relaxed, sandy beach backed by palm trees & simple lodgings, plus shack bars offering loungers. Matara Fort (34 min)
History and architecture Hiriketiya Beach (6 min)
Curved sandy strip popular for swimming & surfing, backed by coconut palms, bars & eateries. Dickwella Beach (15 min)
Beach and park | 
