Surrounded by the Knuckles Mountain Range, Matale lies in a fertile valley in the heart of Sri Lanka. It is famously the birthplace of Monarawila Keppetipola, who led a rebellion against the British Army, and is a gateway for wildlife spotting in Wasgamuwa National Park.
One of Matale’s most impressive architectural landmarks is the Sri Muthumariamman Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of rain and fertility. It is fronted by an intricately decorated gopuram that rises to more than 100 metres in height and is at its most lively during the annual Chariot Festival.
On the outskirts of Matale is the National Spice Garden where you can see how a diverse range of spices are grown and processed. On the other side of town is the Watagoda Ella Waterfall, a picturesque cascade that tumbles into the Ambanganga River.
Getting there
Matale is around 45 minutes’ drive from Kandy, with regular trains connecting from Kandy to the Matale railway station. Colombo International Airport is just under three hours away. The centre of Matale can easily be explored on foot while hiring a car and driver is the most convenient way of accessing the surrounding attractions.