Man in ornate traditional costume performing a cultural dance

Experience dance traditions, drumming, folk performances and theatrical arts.

CategoryCultural and Heritage
Featured places5
Generally bestYear-round
Famous destinations

Where to go — our favourite places for this experience, ready to fit into a route that suits your dates and pace.

  1. 01

    Kandy

    Kandy surrounds a lake in the central hills; its sacred city includes the Temple of the Tooth and the former royal palace precinct.

  2. 02

    Ambalangoda

    Ambalangoda, on the southwest coast, is associated with traditional mask carving and masked dance, including the kolam tradition.

  3. 03

    Colombo

    Colombo's Indian Ocean waterfront links Galle Face Green with the historic Fort and Pettah districts, temples and markets.

  4. 04

    Galle

    Galle is a southern port city whose historic fort, religious buildings and trading streets reflect its long Indian Ocean connections.

  5. 05

    Matara

    Matara lies near the mouth of the Nilwala River; its seafront, island temple and colonial forts form distinct parts of the town.

Good to know

Dress modestly at temples and sacred sites — cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats where asked. Opening times and entry fees change, so we confirm them when we plan your trip.

From the first idea to the final detail, we design Sri Lankan journeys you'll remember forever.