Sri Lanka is a country rich in culture, offering tourists a variety of experiences that showcase its deep history, vibrant traditions and diverse communities. Here’s what Sri Lanka offers in terms of cultural experiences:
- Pilgrimage Sites
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy): The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. It is believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a key part of the annual Esala Perahera festival.
- Mihintale: Known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced to the Island. Visitors can explore ancient monastic complexes and stupas and climb to the summit for panoramic views.
Hindu temples: Scattered across Colombo and the northeastern territories, Hindu temples of the finest architecture and workmanship of the ancient world can be found. The mysticism behind these structures remains a mystery of the past.
- Traditional Festivals
- Esala Perahera (Kandy): One of the most famous cultural festivals in Sri Lanka, Esala Perahera is a grand procession held in Kandy every year in July or August. The festival features traditional dancers, drummers, firebreathers and lavishly decorated elephants, all paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Vesak: Celebrated in May, Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. The entire country is adorned with lanterns, lights and decorations and there are street processions, religious observances and almsgiving.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year: Celebrated in April, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a major cultural festival in which families celebrate with traditional food, rituals and games. It marks the harvest season’s end and the new year’s beginning - Other: Several other festivals are celebrated across the Island at various times of the year. Many are quite the experience and steeped in faith and culture. Depending on the time of your travel, these cultural events are a great way of experiencing the pulse of the land and the faith and beliefs that govern the Island.
- Traditional Arts and Crafts
- Mask Making (Ambalangoda): The coastal town of Ambalangoda is famous for its traditional mask-making industry. These masks are used in rituals, dances and ceremonies. Visitors can tour workshops to see how these colourful and intricate masks are made and learn about their cultural significance.
- Batik and Handloom Weaving: Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of textile arts, including batik and handloom weaving. Visitors can explore local workshops and buy handmade garments, sarongs and other items made using traditional techniques.
- Jewellery and precious stones: Jewellery making in Sri Lanka is a deeply rooted tradition that reflects the Island’s rich cultural heritage, history and natural resources. The country is especially renowned for its high-quality gemstones, particularly sapphires, which have been mined and crafted into exquisite jewellery for centuries, including that of the British crown.
- Ayurvedic Oils: Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing that dates back over 3,000 years. Ayurvedic oils and perfumes are integral to this tradition, used for their therapeutic properties and for daily well-being.
- Culinary Traditions
- Sri Lankan Cuisine: Food is an integral part of Sri Lankan culture. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, kottu roti and seafood specialities. Many cultures have influenced the island’s cuisine, which it has encountered over the centuries, to develop a unique play on spices and produce of the land.
- Traditional Village Life
- Village Tours: Experience traditional village life by participating in guided tours. On these tours, you can interact with locals, learn about their daily activities, participate in farming, pottery, or cooking and enjoy a meal in a traditional village setting.
Speak to us at Salt in My Hair for an immersive experience of island culture that is inclusive and beyond the above.
