The small town of Ambalangoda is famous for its masks and puppet crafts. Through the years, locals from the area have mastered the art of creating intricate, eerie and colourful masks and puppets, most of which have played an interesting part in the culture and heritage of the island. The masks, in particular, were once known to have been used in exorcisms and to ward off evils and certain illnesses from villagers.

Visit the local mask museum and watch how these masters create beautiful masterpieces. You can even buy a hand-made mask as a souvenir to take back home. These masks act more like a symbol to keep ill omens from your home and are commonly found in households. The mask museum is approximately 30 minutes from our Taru Villas’ property in Hikkaduwa.