Undiscovered Gems - Ambalangoda

On the south-west coast of Sri Lanka between the better known towns of Bentota and Hikkaduwa

, the pristine palm fringed beaches of Ambalangoda are yet to be discovered. For anyone aiming at a peaceful way to enjoy the sun, sand and waves, Ambalandoda may just be the place.

Ambalangoda's fame lies with masks and puppets with which it has long been associated. At one time masks were very closely linked to the daily lives of the people of Sri Lanka. There were masks for everything. To cure ailments, chase away evil spirits and masks for use in the traditional Kolam satirical dances of the south. That was the heyday of the Ambalgoda mask makers. Although masks feature much less in the lives of people now, as a symbol of Sri Lanka it is found everywhere, as wall decorations, on key chains, as fridge magnets and as pieces of jewelry and even on t shirts. A visit to the mask museum is imperative to learn all about mask making and attending a traditional mask dance show will explain how the masks were used.

Shopping in Amabalangoda need not be limited to masks. A visit to the moonstone mines in the village of Meetiyagoda nearby is a must. With a shine akin to the glow of the full moon, the gem has been used in the jewellery of Sri Lankan women for hundreds of years. As a hotspot for antiques, collectors will find a huge choice here from reproductions to originals dating back hundreds of years ranging from plates to brass items, furniture, carved pillars, even doors and windows.

Ambalangoda is also an ideal location from which to explore the interior. Madampe Lake with its acres of wetland high in biodiversity is not far away as are the Karandeniya Galgoda Sailatalaramaya temple with its 35 meter long statue of the reclining Buddha and Sunanda Ramaya one of the earliest Buddhist temples in southern Sri Lanka with rare Buddhist murals and an ancient gateway. A giant standing Buddha the tsunami monument gifted by the people of Thailand is also a 'must see'. Turtle hatcheries and conservation projects nearby will also be of interest.

Heritance Ahungalla has been dominant in the hospitality industry in south west Sri Lanka for a very long time. This one of iconic Sri Lanka beach hotels designed by one of the country's foremost architects offers an excellent array of facilities and amenities that include well appointed comfortable, contemporary accommodation, restaurants and bars that serve fresh seafood and cuisine from several cultures to temp taste buds, relaxing spa treatments and in house leisure facilities to keep almost everyone engaged. Stay at one of well known Sri Lanka hotels to experience an unforgettable tropical beach holiday.

by: Maggie Tulliver

POST COMMENT

Do You Want To Discover The Secrets Of Yodeling? Discover The Far Reaching Benefits Of Whey Protein Powder View Modern Clocks To Discover Contemporary Time Discovering Various Passive Income Streams Pst2pdf Transfer Discover Different Ways To Executed The Process Tycoon Gold Addon Review - Discover The Truth Discover Which Nintendo Ds System Received The Best Praise From Users Discover Ho Chi Minh City At Night Desert Safaris In Abu Dhabi: Discover The Adventures Among The Sand Dunes Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Discovering A Rich Natural Heritage How Do I Discover A Efficient It Growth Company Discovering Greece On Foot: Where To Walk Discovering Divine Providence At Pasadenas First United Methodist Church