Fort Bazaar

Step into the world of Sri Lankan tradition with a hands-on workshop in mask making at Sithuvili, a small arts and crafts gallery in the heart of Galle Fort.

Guided by a skilled local artisan, this immersive experience offers a deep dive into the age-old craft of Kolam mask carving, one of the country’s oldest and most symbolic art forms.

Masks in Sri Lanka have long been linked to rituals, healing and storytelling. Some are used in folk theatre to make people laugh, others in spiritual ceremonies to drive away bad energy or illness.

You’ll explore the stories behind three main mask types – Kolam, Sanni (devil-dancing) and Raksha (protective demons) – and understand how they’re still used in rural villages today.

During the workshop, you’ll work with Kaduru wood, a lightweight material traditionally used in mask making. Under the guidance of expert carvers, you’ll learn how to shape, carve and paint your own Kolam mask using age-old tools and natural pigments made from plants, stones and clay.

It’s a creative process that connects you with the island’s culture in a hands-on, meaningful way.

If carving isn’t for you or time is tight, you can join a painting session instead, choosing a pre-carved mask and bringing it to life with your own colours and imagination. Either way, you’ll walk away with a unique souvenir and regard for the island’s heritage.

After your session, take time to browse the gallery. It’s filled with handmade pieces, from vintage boxes to colourful masks and other crafts that reflect Sri Lanka’s artistic legacy.

Walk into the peaceful world of an ancient rock temple just a short distance from Unawatuna. Believed to be over 2,000 years old and built during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, this temple is not just a religious site but a place where time seems to stand still.

Set amongst giant boulders, many of which shelter old meditation caves once used by monks, the temple feels both hidden and grounded in history.

The walk up is part of the experience. As you climb, look around the paddy fields stretching out below, palm trees swaying in the breeze and the rooftops of nearby villages peeking through the trees. It’s peaceful here and the views alone make the journey worth it.

At the top, step inside the Image House to see a striking nine metre-long statue of a reclining Buddha. The walls around you come alive with vibrant murals that tell stories from the Buddha’s life, while the ceilings are painted with Kandyan floral patterns that have survived through the years.

The temple is located just four kilometres inland from the beach, making it an easy addition to your day. If you’re looking to make the journey even more immersive, consider cycling here.

Pedal through narrow paths lined with rice fields and local homes to arrive at the site in a way that feels both slow and special.

Remember to cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before stepping into the temple’s inner chambers. It’s a small gesture that makes you one with the sacredness of the space.

This visit is more than a sightseeing stop and lets you see a side of Sri Lanka that’s been quietly standing here for centuries.