💼 What the programme involves
The beach program is meant for having both a cultural and a relaxing experience. For those who want to enjoy some quiet time and be part of several activities that involve getting to know a deeper lever of the sinhala culture. The location is on the beach city of Ambalangoda south from Colombo and close to the very popular dutch port of Galle.
The purpose of this week is to have a series of pre organized as well as proposed visits through the south coast of Sri Lanka.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated in our center which is located a few meters from the ocean. Our rooms allocate 4-6 people based on a single-gender basis and shared toilet with your roommates.
There is a beautiful garden to relax in and dining and lounge areas where you can hang out with fellow participants.
Furthermore, there is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages. Safety lockers are available to store your belongings.
We do not have Wi-Fi at the centre.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can eat out at any of the local restaurants.
📍 About the location
Ambalangoda is a coastal town located in Galle District, Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This little town by the ocean is a sweaty, workaday town, and not touristic. Ambalangoda is known as a Buddhist city in Sri lanka. Ambalangoda is the place where "Masks" originated in Sri Lanka during the days of the kings and this is still thriving sometimes a bit modernized. In addition the place is reputed for its golden beaches, puppet shows, devil dancing, moonstone, and antique furniture. Plantations of low country tea, rubber, coconut and cinnamon plantations and factories.
Our house is located five kilometers away from the city center, where you can find anything you might need.
The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 20 minute walk away from our accommodation.
Visit Sailatalarama Vihara which lies lies 7km inland from Ambalangoda. This temple sits on a domed hill with broad views over spice plantations and lakes towards the ranges of the Province of Sabaragamuwa. The temple has a 35m-long sleeping Buddha statue, built by donations. Pilgrims approach the dagobas and devale (a complex designed for worshipping a Hindu or local Sri Lankan deity) via 208 steps, but there's also a road to the top.
Also visit The Ariyapala Mask Museum, with its dioramas and explanations in English, gives an excellent insight into Sri Lankan masks and the meanings behind them. It also sells the booklet The Ambalangoda Mask Museum, a useful publication if you want to delve into the mysterious world of dance, legend and exorcism, and the psychology behind the masks.
ℹ️ Additional information
Open all year, starting on Mondays, see starting dates in the description, participation fee 350€ per week