Matale, town, central Sri Lanka, 14 miles (23 km) north of Kandy. A Buddhist monastery and rock temple (Aluvihara) are near the town. Matale’s intermediate elevation and moderate rainfall abet the cultivation of spices. It is a cattle centre, and there are extensive tea, rubber, and cacao plantations in the vicinity. Pop. (2007 est.) 30,324; (2012) 36,462.