Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
AMBALANGODA & THE DEVIL MASK MUSEUMS
Ambalangoda is a sweaty, workaday town, which is completely overshadowed by nearby
Hikkaduwa as a tourist destination. The main reason for visiting - and it's a good one - is
to dig under the surface of the Sri Lankan souvenir scene and discover the magical mean-
ings behind the ubiquitous 'devil' masks. Genuine devil dances, which drive out spirits
causing illness, still occur irregularly in the hinterland villages.
Ambalangoda is on the main transport route between Colombo and Hikkaduwa and
buses and trains are frequent.
Ariyapala Mask Museum
MUSEUM
( 091-225 8373;
www.masksariyapalasl.com
;426 Main St; 8.30am-5.30pm)
The Ariyapala Mask Museum, with its dioramas and explanations in English, gives an ex-
cellent insight into Sri Lankan masks and the meanings behind them. It also sells the
bookletThe Ambalangoda Mask Museum,a useful publication if you want to delve into
the mysterious world of dance, legend and exorcism, and the psychology behind the
masks.
Ariyapala Traditional Masks
MUSEUM
( 091-493 3319;432 Galle Rd; 8.30am-5.30pm)
Ariyapala Traditional Masks has a small museum and a shop selling utterly captivating
pieces.
Bandu Wijesooriya Dance Academy
DANCE
( 091-225 8948;
www.mask.lk
;
1st fl, 426 Main St)
The Bandu Wijesooriya Dance Academy teaches the southern forms of traditional Sri
Lankan dance such askolam(masked dance-drama), Kandyan and Sabaragamu. Offi-
cially dance courses last a year but it's often possible for foreigners to arrange shorter
one-on-one courses.
Getting There & Away
BUS
