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Grand Magellan Ceylon Tours
The spice garden of Sri Lanka — cinnamon, cardamom, and ancient scripture
Matale sits in a broad, fertile valley at an elevation that makes it the agricultural heart of Sri Lanka, particularly famous for spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. Visitors can tour numerous spice gardens to learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The town also boasts the deeply historic Aluvihare Rock Temple, where Buddhist scriptures were first committed to writing in the 1st century BCE.
Year-round. Matale is typically visited as a day trip from Kandy (25 km) or en route to Dambulla. Spice garden tours are most aromatic in the dry months.
Half-day (day trip from Kandy)
Explore working spice gardens with guided tours explaining how cinnamon (Sri Lanka produces 90% of the world's true cinnamon), cardamom, vanilla, cloves, and pepper are grown and harvested.
A fascinating cave temple complex where, in the 1st century BCE, the Pali Canon (the full Buddhist scriptures) was first written down on ola palm leaves.
A unique temple combining both Buddhist and Hindu architectural elements — the only such structure in Sri Lanka, dating to the 8th century.
From the vibrant heartbeat of Colombo to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, from the emerald tea plantations of the hill country to thrilling wildlife safaris and the timeless charm of Galle Fort, discover the very best of Sri Lanka on one extraordinary journey.
Our local travel experts can design a fully custom tailor-made itinerary featuring Matale to match your pace, interests, and style.
Inquire NowA coastal town deeply significant for Hindu pilgrims.
A bustling crossroads city dominated by massive rock outcrops.
The eastern terminus of the famous hill country railway.
A major tea-growing town with a superb spring-like climate.
A spectacular ridge town overlooking the southern plains.
A rugged, misty mountain range perfect for serious trekkers.
A Ramsar wetland vital for migratory waterbirds.
A remote, rugged park offering excellent elephant sightings.
A brightly coloured, traditional Hindu temple in the town center — built by South Indian labourers who worked the tea and coffee estates.