Mask making is a popular tradition in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan mask artisans ply their trade along the Western, South Western and Southern coasts of the island. Of these, the Ambalangodaarea on the South Western coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its talented artisans. Ariyapala and Sons is an important landmark in the town of Ambalangoda that famed for its history and expertise mask carving and culture. And the best place to get your fill of mask lore is the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum is Sri Lanka.

My family and I learnt a lot from this this visit. We were told about how tsunamis are formed, the impact of the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 and the aftermath. There are some confronting images, but we were able to learn about the impact of the tsunami on the people and economy. There’s a train carriage that was damaged by the tsunami to view. It’s pretty confronting viewing.

Bringing back memories of the darken days. Photographs and videos are prohibited to take in the photo gallery booth. The Buddha status’s height is the height of the second Tsunami wave hit in Sri lanka

Very insightful museum and tsunami education centre. Some stunning photos. Beautiful artwork by survivors and families. Art therapy helped the young deal with their trauma, and their work is for sale in the museum

Good little museum with explanations of tsunamis and how they are formed, heart breaking to see pictures of how the local area was affected, very sad when you see the children’s drawings. There is a guide to walk you round who will share stories of her experience. 500 rupees entry fee

This is one of the best place to see traditional masks in Sri Lanka. Next to the museum is small workshop were you can witnesses the mask come into life. On the first floor is a souvenir shop. Product here are bit costly, quality is of top notch. Employee in the shop are not well trained, they couldn't give a detailed explanation of the masks. Masks in Srilanka are originated in South of Sri Lanka, usually made using Kaduru wood in the mask capital of Ambalangoda.

We were educated with some valuable lessons regarding Tsunami. The lady here knows what she's doing and her style on educating others is on next level. You can get info on both languages - Sinhala and English

Fantastic experience! The lady that runs this place is a brilliant teacher and her English is perfect. She walked us through the museum explaining everything from how the tsunami formed, to how the rescue efforts took place etc and how the community was reformed. Overall it was a very informative visit and exceeded our expectations. The ticket price is 500 rupees but you can also gove a donation of your choice if you prefer. This was worth 500 rupees easily, and we even bought a lovely drawing from the shop.

It's a very small museum which shows how the 2004 tsunami struck and the devastation it left behind in photos and pictures. A very informative guide gave an explanation about the devastation Was emotional. No entrance fee but donations are welcome

There are lots of Tsunami photo museums in Peraliya as it was badly affected by the 2004 Tsunami. This one is absolutely the one to go to. Run by a lady for whom the tsunami is personal, she gives an extremely informative and moving tour and talk about the causes, the consequences and period after the Tsunami. A must see.

Very interesting museum. The lady that was our guide explained everything so clearly. A must see! Its inexpensive and worth the trip

Showcases the historical masks from Sri Lanka. Also they sell souvenir masks for customers. In addition you get a unique chance to observe these authentic masks being made from scratch.

I visited very recently. It's a very nice place to visit if you are traveling to down south

Wonderful place, alot different kind of masks we saw. Such an amazing experience

The museum was closed for restoration at the beginning of February. In the museum store the seller told us all about masks and their meanings. Masks there are 2-3 times cheaper than in other regions of Sri Lanka. Either you can request a discount.

(Translated by Google) Photos and explanation of the tsunami. In between violent pictures that bring seriousness to the incident. ... get a little sense that "exaggeration promotes understanding". And a slightly colored description of the incident, all animals survived because they have a 6th sense and Buda statues were spared by the big waves because they are a little magical m ... (Original) Billeder og forklaring på Tsunamien. Ind imellem voldsomme billeder, som bringer alvoren ind i forhold til hændelsen. ... får lidt en fornemmelse af at "overdrivelse fremmer forståelsen". Og en lidt farvet beskrivelse af hændelsen, alle dyr overlevede fordi de har en 6. sans og Buda statuer blev skånet af de store bølger fordi de er lidt magiske m.m....

Most people are going to visit this place

It is good place to learn about disaster that took place in Srilanka.

This museum is very interesting. I didn't know all the details and consequences of the tsunami., now I know. The manager is very touching. I wanted to express to her all the grief I could feel in 2004 and how much I wanted to come and help them but I was only 9 years old. I hope your project will succeed. Thank you for what you are doing. Good luck to you. With all my respect 🙏

They force a donation at the end. At the we bought a small turtle of wood. And the lady took that money and put it into the tip box. Then she wanted another 2000 rupees for the turtle. Looks like a bit of scam. It should be transparent.

Absolutely surreal experience. The guy sharing about his story and showing you around is very friendly and informative. 10/10 would recommend going and learning about the horror the Sri Lankans experienced. It is free to enter but you will without a doubt want to leave a donation and sign the guest book. 100% of the donations go to helping the children & women who lost their families from the Tsunami. You can even see pictures of them there. No photos aloud inside.

A really eye opening experience. The centre explained the tsunami formation before going on to talk about the impact of it on the wider and local community. They have done so much to help with the lasting impacts and is just really worth a visit.

Super intense, the story is told with a lot of passion and everything is clearly explained. Entrance is free, but a donation is requested.

The story about the tsunami will touch my heart deeply, we all listened and cried 😢 I feel very sorry for the people 😢 My insta @anastasiaaaa_ms

This is one of the best educational museums I have been to. On arrival you are greeted by amazing guides who are part of the museum and is free. The guides are survivors from the Tsunami it’s self so you get a very authentic experience. It was very sad however would 100% recommend you visit here to fully understand the affect it had on Sri Lanka! Thank you again for your the education you provided!

Highly recommended if you are in Hikkaduwa. Nice guide who takes a lot of time. Very moving pictures and you can still see the original train carriage next to the house if you want. We were there in the morning and completely alone.

This is a museum is a must visit if you can. The staff is completely committed to educating the public about tsunami in general and of course, the one to hit Sri Lanka on 26th Dec 2004. It is a very sobering and moving experience to view photographs of the devastating aftermath of the event, but one not to hide from. This organisation is dedicated to education and continue do amazing work, please support them.

Great centre, very informative. The local guides speak good English and tell some very sad stories. Peace and love to everyone effected 💙

One of my very favorite spots to take visitors while heading down south! The museum in the basement is tiny and super kitsch, but if you go in expecting a tiny display that hasn't been updated (nor cleaned!) since at t least the 1970s, then you're in for a surrealistic good time! The true gem is the shop upstairs that has the most high quality hand carved and hand painted masks you'll find in the entire country!

The museum is small but very nice. You can see many masks and read how they were used, typical stories or healing dances. Interesting and free.

Very small "museum", the tour we were given was extremely fast (but free, tips welcome). The workshop is small, but you can have a look over the shoulder, which is nice. The shop is rather large, offers a lot standard mass-production items, but also some more unique items. Everything is quite expensive with fixed prices, no negotiation. If you are looking for the standard-items, buy them somewhere else. If you are looking for something different you might be lucky here. I bought a very abstract modern looking mask for 50€ (medium size).

Good and expeceve.

You can see from far those colorful paintings of some ancient masks/faces, that throw you back in prehistorical times, and forces you to dance in a crooked way, not like fortnite dance at all, around the huge bonfire and sing a song in unknown language that you suddenly understand. You will not even notice what happened, or how you bought those masks in your bag. The spirit of the history behind all different masks will totally take you away and you will be filled with positivity for the rest of the day. Or maybe I was just high. Big selection of masks, salesman will explain to you what is the meaning behind every different mask. Not so expensive prices.

This isn’t really a museum, it’s more of a shop. However it’s nice to be able to see the owner making the masks so you know they’re good quality.

This is a great tribute to one of the dying art traditions of the country. The explanation of the young ladies in the museum is adequate but if necessary they should be able to give a through explanation of Mask and Low country dance forms. Though limited their original Masks and Puppets collection is quite impressive. The showroom also feature a good collection of traditional and modern carvings and wood works.

Beautiful collection of the masks, if you want a sneak peek into the Srilankan culture then you must visit the museum.

Great place to buy masks. Wide collection of masks from hundred years old to recent creations.

The mask museum contains small library, mask workshop and museum with many displays of masks and tools used to make masks. The mask carving is carried out in the workshop by using trunks of Kaduru tree. They explain everything with out charging any fee. However you can make donations. Further facilities are available to purchase traditional masks.

Butifull place

On my opinion, 3 years ago this shop was more interesting than today. Less choice than earlier. Very expensive

A good collection of masks and the best place in Ambalangoda to see them. You can buy masks, view a puppet show and visit the small museum. You can even see how they make masks. Worth for children to see.

see traditional masks in Sri Lanka. Next to the museum is small workshop were you can witnesses the mask .. This museum is designed to introduce into the richness of the mask tradition of Ambalangoda and to strengthen this cultural heritage.

(Translated by Google) Shop masks, to be precise))) (Original) Магазин масок, если быть точнее)))

(Translated by Google) It is worth taking a look and hear about the role of masks in Sri Lankan culture. (Original) Warto zajrzeć i posłuchać o roli masek w kulturze lankijskiej.

Art

Traditional Mask Museum and factory

(Translated by Google) Cool and unusual place. You can buy interesting souvenirs. (Original) Классное и необычное место. Можно купить интересные сувениры.

Best mask museum

Wow..

(Translated by Google) The museum is so-so, their main task is to give you souvenirs. That's all (Original) Музей тако себе, главная их задача впарить вам сувениры. Вот и все

Small but interesting place. Entrance is free, but you can give some donation to this place. Ask the guide to show you the museum. They have also a shop, but prices are very high

Very valuable place to visit. Entrence totally free. But if you want to help to improve mark manufacturing culture, you can donate.

(Translated by Google) Little muse in two rooms. Admission is free. They will tell you a couple of stories for reporting. (Original) Маленький музе в две комнаты. Вход бесплатно. Расскажут пару историй за донейшн.

Good place

Very good place to get information about traditional Mask history.

(Translated by Google) Nice shop. It is a pity that tourists do not make discounts. Because of what we are tourists and do not buy (Original) Хороший магазинчик. Жаль ,что скидки туристам не делают. Из за чего мы туристы и не покупаем

(Translated by Google) Nice and historically interesting (Original) Ganz nett und historisch interessant

(Translated by Google) Nice masks, small museum, free entry, nice selection of souvenirs (Original) Schöne Masken, kleines Museum, Eintritt frei, schöne Auswahl an souvenirs

Traditional masks & muppet ,down south.Sri Lanka.....

(Translated by Google) A small museum, a workshop is a prelude to a compulsory store. By the way, there are many such museum-shops in Sri Lanka (Original) Маленький музей, мастерская - прелюдия к обязательному магазину. Кстати, таких музеев-магазинов много по Шри-ланке

A brief and interesting glimpse into local history and culture. Both museum and shop are worth visiting.

Very informative, hands on. Friendly staff and guide in English available.

I was amazed to find such good explanation for the ancient art of curing people of their diseases via certain rituals. It made sense at that time when it was practiced when one thinks of the progress science had made till then

(Translated by Google) Free, but donate. The museum is cool of course. There is a shop on the second floor. Great choice, "fixed prices", but bargained well. (Original) Бесплатно, но можно пожертвовать. Музей прикольный конечно. На втором этаже магазин. Большой выбор, "фиксированные цены", но сторговались хорошо.

(Translated by Google) An interesting museum, though modest. You can learn something about individual masks. Next to it is a workshop where masks and a shop are made. The store has a very large selection of masks, although the prices are very high. Three times overpriced. (Original) Ciekawe muzeum, choć skromne. Można się czegoś dowiedzieć o poszczególnych maskach. Obok jest warsztat, gdzie produkowane są maski oraz sklep. W sklepie bardzo duży wybór masek, choć ceny bardzo wysokie. Trzy krotnie zawyżone.

(Translated by Google) Entrance to the museum is free, but donation has not been canceled, cozy and small. Near the working area, you can see how the masks are made. Unlike other places, it’s much more expensive, you can find cheaper, but there is a very large selection of masks and the quality is good than I saw before, as well as a work area nearby where you can see how the masks do. (Original) В музей вход бесплатный, но donation никто не отменял, уютный и маленький. Рядом рабочая зона, можно посмотреть как делают маски. В отличии от других мест намного дороже, можно найти дешевле, но зато очень большой выбор масок и качество хорошее, чем я видела ранее, а также рядом рабочая зона, где можно посмотреть как маски делают.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful masks. Not enough good excursion factory (Original) Красивые маски. Не хватает хорошего эксскурсавода

(Translated by Google) A small workshop with a creative atmosphere👍🏻 here you can see how 🎭 are made, visit a museum and buy a great souvenir in their shop! (Original) Небольшая мастерская с творческой атмосферой👍🏻 здесь можно увидеть как 🎭 изготовляются, побывать в музее и прикупить отличный сувенир в их магазинчике!

Must visit place. You will learn the exact history of Tsunami. You have to pay $3 for entry but it goes to the Govt. You will find a nearby Private Place but that is new and not recognised by Govt or any other Countries.

It was amazing to hear a first-hand account from one of the staff but I'm afraid this museum isn't very comprehensive, covering little but the science of the tsunami with some harrowing photos, and not much about the aftermath or recovery effort. More first-hand stories would be welcome too.

You must visit this place and leave a donation. These people are doing great work to educate the children of the new generation, while helping those that lost their parents in the Tsunami, to rebuild their lives. Please be aware that there is a wall of photos that show the bodies of those that were not so lucky. This can be upsetting for some, my wife, my daughter and I all cried, but I felt it important to take the time to understand the pain and suffering that still continues.

Really interesting and really sad. It is fitting to visit to get an understanding of the effects Sri Lanka suffered and in particular the local Village. The children's drawings in particular were tragic and really spoke of the catastrophe.

(Translated by Google) I liked the museum, there are a lot of really scary photographs that remind you that you can't be illiterate with the elements. Very informative. I recommend to all (Original) Музей понравился, много действительно страшных фотогоафий, которые напоминают что нельзя быть неграмотными со стихией. Очень познавательно. Рекомендую всем

+lovely staff +lots of photos explaining what caused the tsunami and how the locals suffered and are still suffering from it You should absolutely visit this place to understand the tradegy of the area you are visiting.

What a wonderful place to come check out if your in hikkaduwa! Just a short bus ride or tuk tuk away and run by very passionate people who will tell you all about the tsunami that devastated sri lanka. Very interesting and worth checking out.

(Translated by Google) Educational, shocking ... (Original) Tanulságos, megrázó...

(Translated by Google) Basically just photos from the Tsunami, but some are so gripping that they remain in memory for a long time. Worth a visit. (Original) I stort sett bara foton från Tsunamin, men vissa så gripande så dessa sitter kvar i minnet länge. Värt ett besök.

(Translated by Google) They explain very well the dramatic story of the Tzunami (Original) Spiegano molto bene la drammatica vicenda dello Tzunami

(Translated by Google) The usual museum. Which next to the monument can not be counted. All are asked to pay for an admission ticket. And the information and photos are all the same. Near the monument, the entrance to the museum is free and the local caretaker in English can tell and describe the photographs that he has presented. You can leave a donation at your discretion. (Original) Обычный музей. Которых рядом с монументом не сосчитать. Все просят платить за входной билет. А информация и фотографии все одинаковые. Возле самого монумента вход в музей бесплатный и местные смотритель на английском языке может рассказать и описать фотографии которые у него представлены. На ваше усмотрение можете оставить пожертвование.

Not a right person.

(Translated by Google) Disappoints (Original) Valt tegen

8/10

Reminder of 2004's catastrophe & it's legacy.

(Translated by Google) There is a guide in English. On display are photos and a car from an upturned train. Impressive and with children it is better not to watch. You can’t take pictures. (Original) Есть гид на английском. В экспозиции фото и вагон от перевёрнутого поезда. Впечатлительным и с детьми лучше не смотреть. Фотографировать нельзя.

(Translated by Google) Ronaldo thinks that the place is not very. But at the end of the excursion a tear appeared. (Original) Роналду кажется что местечко не очень. Но в конце экскурсии слеза проступила.

Very interesting place to visit. Be prepared for a lot of disturbing photographs.

Great place for study about tsunami. ...

Very emotional and intense. I've learned more details about this tragic moment and I recommend everyone to go to this museum, if you're in Hikkaduwa. It's worth it.

Just photos from Google on the walls

(Translated by Google) Nice staff. Admission is 1000 baht per adult. Interesting tour. (Original) Милый персонал. Вход 1000 бат со взрослого. Интересная экскурсия.

Good place to get information about Tsunami

(Translated by Google) It was very well guided through the museum. I was very touched emotionally. Thank you. (Original) Es wurde sehr gut durch das Museum geführt. Ich war emotional sehr berührt. Danke.

(Translated by Google) A very interesting place. (Original) Очень интересное место.

Sweet

Impressive overview over the tsunami disaster - simple private installation, but affecting and thought provocing exibition. Absolute worth a visit and support...

(Translated by Google) A strong place, candid photos, an excellent guide story helps to realize the horror of the experience. (Original) Сильное место, откровенные фотографии, отличный рассказ гида помогает осознать весь ужас пережитого.

Great Museum with a lot of information how tsunamis Work. Lots of sad pictures too😭 No photographing Inside.

So moving, a necessary visit to understand and support this community

Staff will explain anything that you do have questions about. Be warned, there are some graphic pictures in here!!

Great collection of sad memories of the tsunami

Tsunami images you won't see anywhere else. Not recommended if you can't handle pictures of dead bodies. Free, but donation expected.

Very informative pictures but overhyped places

So long after it happend still trying to take money from tourists...

Very emotional. The presented items and explanations are printed from the computer, and so are the photos, but the power and shock you get from them makes all the impact needed. It is run by the community and the host is a tsunami survivor himself. You can see very rare photos and some of them are hard to watch. Outside the museum theres a train in which many people died that day, and a few hundred meters theres a memorial for them. Defiantly worth the visit to educate youself and pay respect for the dead.

Oarking available. Privately maintained property. A collection of pictures.

Very scary. Such a tragedy 😔

A real eye opener. It's mostly photos of the aftermath and information about general tsunami formation. The guy was very friendly and informative. I like that they have a donation for the orphans of the tsunami. I would rate 5 except it is very small and could easily be done in 5 mins and I wish there was more to see! It is also free entry so it's worth a visit.

Really deep presentation of how tsunami forms and advances in the deep sea and shallow waters. Lots of educational material. After the science-stuff you get to see the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in form of pictures. Including a wall full of pictures of the victims (some of them are pretty gore, but they are hidden behind a curtain which can be opened if you want so). The guide was really professional. Entrance fee is 500LKR/person. You can also make a donation if you want.

Very small but so interesting photomuseum. Yes, here you will see only photo.

Awesome place with authentical stories about this place during the time of tsunami.

One of the most important, educational experiences from our visit to Sri Lanka. We had a chance to hear firsthand about the horrific events during the tsunami that hit the coast of Sri Lanka. The hosts were very kind and gave us a detailed tour of the incredible photo gallery. Make sure to make a donation to the victims of the disaster if you go 🙏

Very interesting and emotional visit. A local, who also experienced the tsunami directly there explained a lot about tsunamis in general and the events and effects of the tsunami in 2004. A lot of photos. Big recommendation!

Hosted by a very knowledgeable local who explains the science behind the tsunami and then the terrible consequences of it. Although warned, the photographic records of the event and aftermath are gruedomely graphic. They bring home the reality of the event to foreigners like us who watched in comfort from the other side of the world. Very informative and upsetting but one should go out of respect and remember that terrible day.

Very moving seeing the impact the 2004 tsunami had on the people of Sri Lanka. Worth a visit if ever passing by.

Fantastic centre - we learned a lot. The lady who runs this place is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the tsunami. This is a must visit if you are visiting the area!

In the first room they show you how tsunamis occur. In the other rooms they show you pictures from the aftermath of the tsunami. Very interesting and moving at the same time.

Fantastic experience- a must see if in wellawatta. Our guide was extremely informative and happily answered all of our questions. A very moving museum.

Very friendly woman who is explaining everything about the tsunami in 2004. Absolutely worth visiting. The entry is 500 Sri-Lanka Rupie and this is an absolutely fair price. You can also donate more if you want.

I really appreciate the time taken for the lady that was explaining her story. This place is a MUST if you are near the area. Thank you for your hard work, I wish you all the best.

Really great experience, they explain you about Tsunami theory and tell their story with pictures. Definitely a recommendation when in hikkaduwa and need some cultural experience beside laying on the beach.

Really interesting - photos, lecture and movie. The owners make also amazing job for the community!

Very emotional place with a lot of terrifying pictures and impressions of the catastrophe of 2004. The guid explain a lot of things and stories. Please, show respect and don't make pictures of this sad place. And I hope this russian couple read this, who was with me there and ignore this rule, even when the guide said it several times. You are disgusting, take it personal please!!!

We had a very impactful tour here. The museum was very impressive and the woman explaining what happened had a very clear story. It gave us informational about tsunamis and what they are and how they start etc. But it also gave a very clear and tragic insights in what happened during and after the tsunami and how Sri Lanka is recovering.

Extremely informative, information very well explained and just incredible how the country has recovered as much as they have given the destruction caused. Would definitely recommend. Try to see the Tsunami Honganji Viharaya (big Buddha statue) first as this helps visualise the height of the wave when the museum explains. Graphic photographs are shown (with prior warning).

They have all the information about tsunamis for education purposes. Also, they have Collections of photos about the 2004 tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka.

Really interesting and touching. Lal is a really nice guide and he will take you through the different rooms, explaining the different pictures. My heart goes out to him and his family! Please visit, its very much worth it!

Nice 30 minute visit just for a donation for the childen. It was very interesting to hear the story from the first lips. The owner lived at this place when the tsunami happened and told all the details about the accident. Also there is a vagon of the famous train which was blown by the wave.