Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
KANDYAN DANCERS & DRUMMERS
With elaborate costumes, gyrating dance moves and show-stopping fire-breathing
stunts, a Kandyan dance performance is one of the defining experiences of a stay in
Kandy. Calling it a traditional Kandyan dance performance is something of a misnomer as
the shows are very much aimed at audience entertainment and contain dance routines
and costumes from across the country, including the famous 'devil' dances of the west
coast (which are sadly very hard to see in their home region).
There are three different venues. All have nightly performances that last an hour (get
there 30 minutes in advance to get a better seat).
Located 300m up Sanghamitta Mawatha, this place has arguably the best costumes of
any of the venues staging traditional Sri Lankan dance shows. The front seats are usu-
ally reserved for groups, so arrive early for good seats.
500; show starts 5pm) This is the busiest dance-show venue and in high-season it can
be overwhelmingly crammed with tour groups. However, the auditorium makes it easi-
er to take photographs than at other venues. It's on the northern lake shore. Seeing as
though it is so busy, the earlier you arrive the better.
show starts 5.30pm) Southwest of the lake, the YMBA guesthouse is a low-key venue for
Sri Lankan dance, but the performance is the equal of the other venues and the crowds
somewhat less.
You can also hear Kandyan drummers every day at the
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
and the other temples surrounding it - their drumming signals the start and finish of the
dailypuja(offering or prayers).
Shopping
Central Kandy has shops selling antique jewellery and silver belts, and you can buy crafts
Selyn
CLOTHING, JEWELLERY
