Janet's Journal

I know, it sounds like the start of a good joke but in fact I want to tell you about two of my favourite places in Matara

The Doctor’s House sits across the road from the beach in Madiha just a short ride in a tuk tuk from Matara town. The two hundred year old Dutch house and former Ayurvedic hospital survived the tsunami in 2004. Losing none of its old charm it has been transformed into a relaxed place to stay, eat, drink or just laze. The reef provides good opportunities for snorkelling and other nearby beaches are popular with surfers

Quirky garden furniture made from old catamarans, or large bench seats with mattresses on them as well as ordinary tables and chairs add to the atmosphere. There is even a small croquet lawn

Within the garden is a bar ensuring a good supply of chilled beer, cocktails and freshly made fruit juices. A wood fired pizza oven turns out delicious crispy based pizzas while the kitchens produce a variety of other healthy dishes.

Definitely a place to relax with friends or a good book during the day and maybe a little partying at night. There is accommodation in either private bungalows or shared rooms. A small shop on site sells surfing equipment and clothing.

The Dutchman’s Street is within one of the old Dutch forts in Matara. Go into the fort through the old stone archway by the bus stand and turn left into 1st Cross Street and in front of you will be the old buildings which have been converted into bars and a restaurant.

The extensive gardens lead right down to the beach with tables dotted throughout. At night it is lit with fairy lights, in the daytime it loses none of its charm as you sit and relax in sun or shade looking out to sea.

The menu offers outstanding burgers, salads and other light meals. On my first visit I had a tandoori prawn and mango salad with a refreshing lime and mint juice to drink.

The next time I was there I ordered the spicy mutton (goat) patty with all the trimmings that make up a great burger. I was impressed when the waiter asked how spicy I wanted it as they were all freshly made to order. This time I had a fresh avocado juice to drink on the recommendation of the waiter. Great choice!

A short walk along the beach after lunch took me to the A/C bus stand to catch the highway bus back to Negombo