Star Fort, Matara
A small star shaped fort built by the Dutch in 1765 on the east bank of the Nilwala River, about 350 metres from the gate of Matara's main fort. It was first called Redoute Van Eck, and its six pointed walls and moat are still intact.
- Where
- Matara, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
- Grade
- Local gem
- Worth
- 10 points collected on site
- Coordinates
- 5.9481, 80.5483
Get the Star Fort, Matara stamp
Open LOQAH when you are at Star Fort, Matara. It checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp is yours: confirmed on site in gold and struck with the date. It goes into your Southern Province volume with your photos and a note.
Near Star Fort, Matara
Tenavaram Temple 5.0 km
A historic Buddhist and Hindu shrine at Devinuwara on the south coast, dedicated to Upulvan, guardian god of the island, known to Hindus as Tenavarai Nayanar. Kings endowed it from the 7th to the 16th century, when it was among the most celebrated temples in Sri Lanka.
Dondra Head Lighthouse 5.9 km
Sri Lanka's tallest lighthouse, a white tower on Dondra Head, the southernmost point of the island. It is run by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and looks out over one of the busiest shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.
Mirissa 9.8 km
A small fishing town on the south coast, about 150 km from Colombo, with a curving beach and a lively night scene. Its harbour is one of the island's main bases for whale and dolphin watching trips.
Hummanaya Blowhole 21 km
The only known blowhole in Sri Lanka, said to be the second largest in the world, on the rocky coast near Kudawella. Its name comes from the hoo sound it makes, heard some way off when waves force water up through the rock.
Koggala Lagoon 24 km
A coastal lagoon behind the south coast at Koggala, about 110 km south of Colombo. Eight small islands dot its waters, rich in birds and mangroves, and boats take visitors across to them.
Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara 28 km
An ancient Buddhist temple built up the sides of a 205 metre natural rock, ringed by four smaller rocks. Stairs climb past a series of cave shrines with reclining Buddhas and murals to the stupa at the summit.
Unawatuna 34 km
A beach town about five kilometres south east of Galle, set around a sheltered curve of sand. It is known for its calm water and coral, which makes it one of the island's most popular places to swim and snorkel.
Galle Fort 38 km
A walled old town on a headland in the Bay of Galle, first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and heavily fortified by the Dutch from 1649. Inside its ramparts are streets of colonial houses, churches and a lighthouse, and the walls make a fine walk at sunset.
More hidden gems in Southern Province
Questions
Where is Star Fort, Matara?
Star Fort, Matara is in Matara, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. The nearest other LOQAH stamps are Tenavaram Temple (5.0 km), Dondra Head Lighthouse (5.9 km), Mirissa (9.8 km).
How do I get the Star Fort, Matara stamp?
Open LOQAH when you are at Star Fort, Matara and get its stamp. The app checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp goes into your Southern Province volume, confirmed on site, with the date.
I have been to Star Fort, Matara before. Can I still have the stamp?
Yes. Add it from Earlier trips in your Southern Province volume, with the date if you know it, or import your Google Timeline and LOQAH matches the places you were.
Collect your first stamp.
LOQAH is free on iPhone and Android, in India and 20 more countries, with more countries on the way. Stand at a place, collect its stamp, and keep every trip in a passport that grows.