population: 0.39 million

extension: 28.30 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Matale and interested in visiting museums, one option you might consider is the Folk Museum, which is located in the city center and features exhibits on traditional Sri Lankan art, culture, and history. Alternatively, you could visit the Aluvihare Rock Temple, which houses a museum showcasing Buddhist artifacts and historical objects related to the temple's long history. If you're interested in exploring other museums in the region, you might also consider traveling to nearby cities like Kandy or Dambulla, both of which have several notable museums and cultural attractions.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try in Matale and the surrounding area include:

1. Kottu Roti - a stir-fry dish made with chopped roti bread, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
2. Pol Sambol - a coconut-based condiment made with grated coconut, chili, onion, and lime juice.
3. Rice and Curry - a staple Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with an assortment of curries and side dishes.
4. String Hoppers - a type of steamed rice noodle served with coconut sambol and curry.
5. Pittu - a cylindrical-shaped steamed cake made from ground rice flour and coconut.
6. Hoppers - a crispy pancake that is shaped like a bowl and served with various accompaniments such as egg, curry, and sambol.
7. Watalappam - a dessert made from coconut milk, jaggery, spices, and cashew nuts.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious and distinctive dishes you can enjoy in Matale and throughout Sri Lanka.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Matale include visiting the historic Aluvihare Rock Temple, hiking to the top of Knuckles Mountain Range for stunning views, exploring the ancient Nalanda Gedige temple, and taking a dip in one of the natural hot springs located throughout the region. You may also want to visit the local markets and try some traditional Sri Lankan street food or take part in cultural festivals and events, such as the Esala Perahera in nearby Kandy.