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The Glossary
Ambalangoda Travel Guide
Unlike other coastal areas in Sri Lanka, Ambalangoda does not possess the best surfing waves nor offer lavish accommodations but this town is an ideal location of adventure and discovery rather than pure leisure and luxury. If not for its beaches, visitors will definitely be astounded by its vibrant festivities that feature colorful masks which are displayed on stalls lining the road.
A town famous for the carving of masks from the Kaduru wood, Ambalangoda remains low-key and unexposed despite the popularity of this dance ceremony. As the locals put it, it's when the dance exorcism comes to the center stage with the beating of the drums and the appearance of Naga raksha, grotesque Cobra creatures in their ferocious evil faces romping wildly, that Ambalangoda becomes more festive.
Apart from the beaches and masks, other attractions exist too. For instance, temple visits around Ambalangoda can be a scintillating experience, especially in the case of temples such as Galgoda Sailatalaramaya Maha Vihara Temple. Nestled in the temple is the Sunandaramaya Mahavihara, known for its imposing thorana (gateway) which is the largest in the West Coast; and the Kodawa Vihara reputedly the oldest Buddhist temple and home for monks in meditation.
A moonstone mine can also be found in Ambalangoda. Gem collectors search for the semi-precious stone with blue sheen which is very rare and found only in the village of Meetiyagoda in Sri Lanka. After the strenuous day trips to the mines and temples, visitors can enjoy the boat ride to the Madu Ganga, a gateway to the Madu Ganga Wetlands where visitors can marvel at the mangrove islets that dot the countryside. From the wetlands, they can get to the Anawilundawa Sanctuary and Bundala National Park both rich in flora and fauna.
At night, visitors can watch the traditional mask dancing shows such as kolam dance or they can head to the Mask Museum to have an opportunity to delve into the legends and mysteries in the world of mask dance.
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