PLACES TO VISIT FROM KEKANADURA, MATARA
Bundala
Bundala National ParkLocated 100 km east of Matara, this park offers great opportunities for bird-watching (with around 150 reported species) and the occasional sighting of elephants and crocodiles.
Udawalawe
Udawalawe National ParkSituated 108 km northeast of Matara it is one of the island's most popular national parks. It is best known for it's around 400 elephants. Other animals, which may be sighted here include: spotted deer, monkeys, jackals, many bird species and water buffaloes.
Yala
Yala National ParkYala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names such as, Ruhuna National Park and Kumana National Park or 'Yala East' for the adjoining area.
Kataragama
Kataragama TempleKataragamam temple in Kataragama, Sri Lanka, is a Hindu and Buddhist temple complex dedicated to Skanda-Murukan also known as Kataragama deviyo.
Sithulpawwa
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha ViharayaYou can reach here from Tissa through Yala National Park. (28 km from Tissa) Hundreds of pilgrims visit here daily. It's a beautiful place consisting of hundreds of caves and had been a monastic settlement. You also can see paintings similar to Sigiriya as well as old inscriptions. This 1st Century BC rock temple is believed to have resided by thousands of meditating Buddhist monks during its hey days. The name Sithulpawwa (or Chiththala obatha in Pali) means 'the hill of quiet minds'.
Tissa
Tissa VeheraTissa Vehera is a place which the Buddha is supposed to have visited, and this 55m high Dagoba had been built by the King Kavantissa. You can also see a statue of Viharamaha Devi, the daughter of Kelanitissa who landed at Tissa beach and was subsequently married to King Kavantissa. Tissa Wewa (Tank) too had been built during this period and it provides water to paddy cultivation in this area. Consisting of caves where Buddhist monks are in deep meditation the hermitage also comprises ancient pools that aid nature's flow of water.
Kirinda
Kirinda Rajamaha ViharayaKirinda Rajamaha Viharaya is located on top of the rock on a fine beach and most beautiful place. This had been built by the king Kavantissa. There are no places for accommodation but at the Yala Junction you can find. Kirinda is a small fishing village blessed with a pretty beach, spectacular views and a charming history, yet it is bypassed by most visitors. There is a rocky outcrop from which can be obtained some magnificent views of the desolate coast with its long stretch of sand dunes.
Madunagala
Madunagala Hermitage and Hot SpringsThe Madunagala hermitage is a beautiful location, situated on and around a rock in the shade of the thick jungle. Consisting of caves where Buddhist monks are in deep meditation the hermitage also comprises ancient pools that aid nature's flow of water.
Mulkirigala
Mulkirigala Rock TempleFrom Tangalle you have to travel 30km on Beliatta road to Mulkirigala Rock Temple. You can climb the rock to see the large reclining Buddha statue and many other Buddha statues in caves and also the Dagoba on top of the rock.
Dickwella
Blow Hole (Hummanaya)27 km from Matara. The blow-hole, or 'Hummanaya' in Mawella, Dickwella, is an attractive natural feature. Sea spray splashes up to 40-50 feet during the monsoon period and attracts many a foreign and local tourist. Occasionally the blowhole shoots water several feet above the rock. If sea is rough with strong winds and waves gush fast, the height of the water blow-up goes up 25 metres (82.0 ft) to 30 metres (98.4 ft).
Wevurukannala
Wevurukannala Buddha StatueLess than 1 kelometer from dickwella.The largest seated Buddha statue is 50 m high. An old 8- storey building exists here and you can climb to the top of the building. Inside the building walls are painted to show events of the Buddha's life. There are life size graphics of sinners and the ways of punishing them. You have to turn Dickwella towards Beliatta to reach this spot.
Dondra
Dondra LighthouseJust 5 km from Matara town. Dondra Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on Dondra Head near the southernmost point in Sri Lanka and is the tallest lighthouse in South East Asia.
Weherahena
Weherahena TempleA large Buddha statue here is painted with very bright colours. There arehundreds of scenes painted to show the Buddha's life. There are threeunderground storeys and there you can see the shrine room in which thewalls are decorated with murals depicting the Buddha's life.
Matara
Matara FortMatara (originally Mahathota) is a major city in Sri Lanka, located on the southern coast of Southern Province, 160 km from Colombo. It is one of the major commercial hubs in the country, and it is the administrative capital of Matara District.
Mirissa
Whales watching at MirissaWhale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do in Sri Lanka during your holiday. In warm Indian ocean you can see Blue whales, Bryde´s whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales, sometimes Killer whales, and Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Risso's dolphins and Striped dolphins.
