Traditional Dumbara Rata Kalala

Discover traditional craftsmanship and skills passed down through generations.

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

    Ambalangoda

    Traditional masks

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

    Ambalagoda
    Ambalangoda
  2. 02

    Dumbara Valley

    Dumbara weaving

    Dumbara weaving is associated with communities near Kandy, where patterned mats and textiles are made using inherited craft techniques.

    Traditional Dumbara Rata Kalala
    Dumbara Valley
  3. 03

    Kandy

    Traditional handicrafts

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

  4. 04

    Pilimathalawa

    Woodcraft and brassware

    Pilimathalawa is a town west of Kandy, close to the historic Gadaladeniya and Lankatilaka temple area and traditional craft workshops.

  5. 05

    Molagoda

    Traditional pottery

    Molagoda, near Kegalle, is associated with clay pottery workshops and roadside displays of locally made earthenware.

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.

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