Ambalangoda & Galle Fort: Mask Making Craft Tour with Local Host

Summary

Try your hand at Sri Lankan mask making in Galle Fort with a local artist guiding each step

You’ll walk into Galle Fort’s winding streets and find yourself learning ancient mask-making techniques from a local host. Feel the texture of Kaduru wood as you carve your own piece, hear stories from Ambalangoda’s craft traditions, and pause for tea amid painted faces. It’s more than just an art lesson — it lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d end up hunched over a chunk of Kaduru wood in the middle of Galle Fort, paint on my fingers and sawdust clinging to my shirt. But there I was, trying not to mess up the nose on my first-ever Sri Lankan mask. The shop was tucked down one of those narrow lanes where scooters squeeze past and you catch whiffs of incense mixed with sea air — it felt like every wall had a story. Our host, Sunil, greeted us with this warm grin and set out the tools like he’d done it a thousand times (probably has).

Sunil started off showing us how Ambalangoda’s famous masks aren’t just for decoration — they’re part of old rituals and local theater called Kolam. He let me handle one of his finished pieces; the wood was lighter than I expected, smooth but with these tiny grooves from his carving knife. My own attempt looked a bit wonky at first (Sunil just laughed and said everyone’s first mask has “character”). There was something calming about the whole process — the quiet scratch of carving, distant chatter from outside, even the way the paint smelled sort of earthy mixed with coconut oil.

I kept glancing up at the walls lined with wild-faced masks — some grinning, some fierce. Sunil told us stories behind each one, sometimes switching between Sinhala and English mid-sentence. At one point he handed me a cup of tea that tasted faintly smoky; maybe it was just me or maybe that’s how they do it here. Anyway, by the end my hands were sore but I didn’t really want to leave. There’s something about making something with your own hands in a place like this that sticks with you longer than just snapping photos. Still think about that crooked nose sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mask making and cultural immersion

• Travel to Ambalangoda town
• Explore Ambalangoda's cultural heritage
• Visit arts and crafts shop in Galle Fort
• Learn history of Sri Lankan mask making
• Create your own traditional mask

Top questions

Where does the mask making tour take place?

The tour is held at an arts and crafts shop inside Galle Fort.

What is included in the Ambalangoda mask making experience?

The session includes guidance from your host to create your own carving and 1L water per person.

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels and no prior experience is needed.

What type of wood is used for Sri Lankan masks?

Masks are usually made from Kaduru wood, which is light and easy to carve.

Can I reach Galle Fort by public transport?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary materials for mask carving in Galle Fort, personal guidance from your local host throughout the craft session, plus a 1L bottle of water per person so you can focus on creating without worry.