Ambalangoda is renowned for the manufacture of wooden masks and puppets

For years, craftsmen have been carving life-like masks out of light balsa wood to use in rituals and dance performances. These masks are both vibrant and colourful and are thought to have healing and protective powers.

Local puppet shows, showing dramas, comedies and folk tales were also a popular form of entertainment. On this tour you will spend time with a local artist from Ambalangoda, exploring the culture and crafts of his hometown in his delightful, open-aired Mini Moke.

Your stops include a sacred monastery that dates back to the 18th century, Ambalangoda’s main artistic workshops, where you will discover the many traditional forms of art such as batik, puppetry and mask making, the local theatre to enjoy a puppet show performed to the beats of folk music.