Hikkaduwa , Sri Lanka

Mask Making Tour from Ambalangoda

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Masks have long been an important part of Sri Lankan culture and this hands-on craft session allows you to closely engage with the long-held tradition of mask-carving in Sri Lanka

Available options

Mask Making Tour from Ambalangoda

Pickup included

What's included

Your host will guide you to creat your own carving

1L Water bottle per person

Detailed itinerary

Ambalangoda, nestled on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, is a charming town renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and traditional arts. Famous for its intricate wooden masks and devil dancers, Ambalangoda is a hub of craftsmanship and creativity. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich folklore of the region by exploring the numerous mask-making workshops and witnessing captivating performances. Beyond its artistic allure, the town boasts stunning beaches, offering a serene escape for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and relaxation.

Stop 2

You will have seen these wonderful masks adorning walls as you travel around Sri Lanka but have you ever wondered how they are made On this experience, we take you to visit an arts and crafts shop tucked away in Galle Fort not only to learn all about the history of mask making in Sri Lanka but also to give you the opportunity to create your own. You will learn the fascinating and age-old techniques from your host in Kolam where masks are usually made from a light wood called “Kaduru”. Follow your host’s guidance and observe his techniques as together you can create your own traditional mask.

What's not included

Entrance Ticketes

Gratuities

Food and Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a vibrant coastal town in Sri Lanka, renowned for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is the town's main attraction, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens

A protected marine area just off the coast, the Coral Gardens offer a chance to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate (snorkeling/diving tours)

Tsunami Honganji Vihara

This Buddhist temple is a memorial to the victims of the 2004 tsunami. The temple features a large statue of Buddha and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling beach.

Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Hikkaduwa Nightlife

Hikkaduwa is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties. It's a great place to enjoy live music, dance, and socialize with fellow travelers.

Entertainment Evening to late night Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat/seafood

Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour fish curry made with goraka (a type of sour fruit), coconut, and spices. It's a signature dish of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish

Woodapple Juice

A refreshing juice made from the woodapple fruit, often mixed with sugar and water. It's a popular local drink.

Drink Vegan

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Diving Jet-skiing Parasailing Beach lounging Yoga Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa for beach activities and surfing, as the weather is dry and sunny. The town is lively with many events and festivals.

28°C to 32°C 82°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hikkaduwa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions. Petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and tours.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km

By train

Hikkaduwa Railway Station

By bus

Hikkaduwa Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Hikkaduwa. They are affordable and frequent, connecting the town to nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Beachfront Area Galle Road Area Seenimodara

Day trips

Galle

20 km • Half day to full day

Galle is a historic port city with a rich colonial heritage. It's known for its well-preserved Dutch Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Unawatuna

15 km • Half day to full day

Unawatuna is a beautiful beach town near Hikkaduwa, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the local beach bars.

Bentota

30 km • Full day

Bentota is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and luxury resorts. It's a great destination for adventure activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and river safaris.

Festivals

Hikkaduwa Beach Festival • December (specific dates vary) Vesak • May (specific dates vary) Esala Perahera • July or August (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.
Rent a surfboard or take a lesson from local surf schools to experience Hikkaduwa's famous waves.
Visit the Hikkaduwa Beach Festival if you're in town during December for a unique cultural experience.
Explore nearby towns like Galle and Unawatuna for a mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
Try local street food, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.