Matale Muthumariamman Kovil
Central Province
About Matale Muthumariamman Kovil
The Sri Muthumariamman Kovil in Matale stops traffic - literally, at festival time, and photographically all year. Its 32-metre main gopuram, rebuilt lavishly in South Indian style, climbs in tier after tier of powder-blue, rose, and gold, crowded with over a thousand painted figures of gods, demons, dancers, and beasts; it is among the largest and most exuberant temple towers on the island. Founded in the 1850s for the goddess Mariamman - protector against disease and drought, beloved of the hill-country Tamil community that grew with the plantations - the temple explodes into life at Thai Pongal in January and during its great chariot festival, when the deities process through Matale on towering wooden cars. Most travellers see it as a flash of colour en route from Kandy to Dambulla; those who stop for half an hour, amid camphor smoke and temple bells, get one of the Cultural Triangle's most vivid surprises.
Top Activities
- ✓The thousand-figure gopuram
- ✓Interior shrines to Mariamman
- ✓Thai Pongal festival (January)
- ✓Chariot festival processions
- ✓Combine with Aluvihare and the spice gardens
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
It's right on the main road - the easiest culture stop in Matale.
Shoes off, modest dress, and ask before photographing worshippers.
The gopuram is best photographed from across the street in morning light.
Quick Info
Best Time
Year-round; January for Thai Pongal
Weather
Warm; the temple visit is short and shaded.
Estimated Daily Budget
7.4717°N, 80.6244°E
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