This Star Fort was built to an unique shape of an six pointed star with space for 12 large cannons to cover approaches from all directions. The fort was surrounded by an deep moat and was built to hold a small garrison, food supplies and enough ammunition. Many travelers and history students take a specific interest in the star fort and examine the ways in which it was anciently used for protecting the other main fort in Matara.
Matara Paravi Duwa Temple is located in Matara. The island is filled with various ancient temples and shrines, some in ruins, others in various states of preservation. There are so many Temples in very scenic places in Sri Lanka but this is certainly one of the best for scenery and proximity to the great Indian Ocean.