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The Colombo National Museum is the oldest and largest in the country and is best known for its collection of art and antiques. Amongst this vast collection you’ll find traditional masks, medieval jewellery, over 4000 palm leaf manuscripts, stunningly detailed Buddhist and Hindu bronzes, antique furniture, ceramics...the list goes on.
Close by, you can easily visit the Natural History Museum in the same day, which displays many birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and botanical species.
For a true show of creativity and culture, head to the Ariyapala Mask Museum in Ambalangoda. There are two varieties of mask here: the bulging eyes and menacing expressions of the ones depicting demons in exorcism ceremonies, and the more lighthearted faces of animals and human figures associated with country folk theatre. A mesmerising place!
The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum in Koggala is highly recommended for those that desire a greater understanding and knowledge of the traditions, handicrafts and customs of the Sri Lankan locals. The island artefacts are arranged under twenty five separate categories across such subjects as folk art and music, folk medicine, costumes and religion. Transport yourself in this intimate detailing of traditional island life.
If your days are filled with countless cups of tea and you want to know more about the process from the gorgeous tea terraces to the warm drink in your hands, visit the Ceylon Tea Museum in Kandy for an insightful experience.
To learn about the Dutch legacy of the island, the Dutch Museum hosts an interesting array of artefacts in a grandly architectured old building.
