Dutch Rampart

Matara


The smallish Dutch rampart occupies the promontory separating the Nilwala Ganga from the sea. Built in the 18th century to protect the VOC’s kachcheri (administrative office), its structure is a little peculiar – it was originally meant to be part of a large fort, but accountants, with their pesky cost-cutting exercises, dictated otherwise. The rampart borders the atmospheric, though crumbling, Matara Fort district.


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Nearby Matara attractions

1. Temple

0.14 MILES

This modest structure overlooks the river.

2. Matara Fort

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This historic, though run-down district, was once the heart of Dutch, and later British, Matara. There are no real sights, but it's an intriguing area…

3. Parey Dewa

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4. Star Fort

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5. Old Dutch Trade Centre

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On the western side of town, this magnificent T-shaped building (once the town's market) will fascinate architectural buffs: it has an imposing, steeply…

6. Polhena Beach

1.52 MILES

The best beach in the area is a small sandy cove that's sheltered by a reef offshore. There's good snorkelling in the bay, and though visibility is not…

7. Weherahena Temple

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On the east side of Matara, turn inland 1km off the main road for this gaudy temple that features an artificial cave decorated with about 200 cartoon-like…

8. Tenavaram Kovil

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The original vast complex of Tenavaram Dondra was destroyed in 1587, and this compound is now the the largest temple in town. Sadly, a couple of (chained)…