Hands of Lanka: A Craft & Artisan Trail
Eight days with the people who still make things by hand: carvers, weavers, mask makers and lace makers.
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Route: Sri Lanka
- Travel style: Arts & Crafts
- Best time: Year Round
- Page last updated: 14 October 2026
Overview
Sri Lanka has a long tradition of handmade objects: carved wood and brass in the hill country, batik and handloom cloth, devil masks on the south-west coast, and bobbin lace in Galle. This journey visits the workshops and villages where they are made.
You can watch, try and, if you wish, buy directly from the maker. The pace is easy and the guide can arrange hands-on sessions where makers are willing; tell us which crafts interest you most.
Price
Price: on request. Request a quotation with your dates, group size and preferences.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Arrival and Negombo
Meet your driver-guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo to rest after the flight.
Places: Negombo
Day 2: Day 2: Negombo to Sigiriya
Drive inland to Sigiriya. In the afternoon visit a village where clay pots are shaped and fired by hand, and try the potter's wheel yourself.
Places: Sigiriya
Day 3: Day 3: Sigiriya to Kandy
Drive south via Matale to the Aluvihare rock temple, where Buddhist scriptures were first written on palm leaves, then on to Kandy.
Places: Matale, Aluvihare, Kandy
Day 4: Day 4: Kandy crafts
Visit workshops for Kandyan woodcarving and brass work, then a batik studio where you can try the wax-and-dye process. In the evening watch a Kandyan dance performance.
Places: Kandy
Day 5: Day 5: Kandy to Ambalangoda
Travel through the hills, perhaps seeing hand-loom weaving on the way, to the south-west coast and Ambalangoda, famous for its carved and painted masks.
Places: Ambalangoda
Day 6: Day 6: Ambalangoda to Galle
Visit a mask workshop and museum to learn about the traditional masks used in healing and folk drama. Continue to Galle for the night.
Places: Ambalangoda, Galle
Day 7: Day 7: Galle lace and Colombo
In Galle Fort see how bobbin lace is made, then drive up the coast to Colombo to browse handloom and handicraft shops.
Places: Galle, Colombo
Day 8: Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
Places: Colombo, Airport
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation at selected hotels on the specified meal plan
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- English-speaking chauffeur / guide
- Meet & greet assistance at the airport
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- All transfers and transportation mentioned in the itinerary
- Highway tolls, parking fees and driver-related expenses
- Fuel charges
- Government taxes and service charges applicable to included services
- Complimentary bottled drinking water during transfers and sightseeing
- All services specifically mentioned under the package inclusions
- 24/7 assistance from our local team during the tour
Package Excludes
- International Air Tickets
- Sri Lanka Visa / ETA Fees
- Entrance Fees to Attractions
- Optional Excursions & Activities
- Lunches, Beverages & Personal Meals
- Personal Expenses (shopping, laundry, telephone, minibar, tips, etc.)
- Airport / Hotel Porterage
- Travel Insurance
- Camera & Video Charges / Permits, where applicable
- Alcoholic Beverages & Other Drinks
- Early Check-in / Late Check-out, unless specifically mentioned
- Expenses arising from delays, natural disasters, closures, disturbances, or circumstances beyond our control
- Chauffeur-Guide Tips / Gratuities
- Any Services Not Mentioned in the Package Inclusions
General Booking Conditions
These conditions apply to every booking made through Figo Holidays. They cover booking and confirmation, prices and inclusions, payment terms, amendments to bookings, cancellation by the client, cancellation or changes by Figo Holidays and more.
Experiences
- A village potter's workshop near Sigiriya
- Aluvihare rock temple, where texts were once written on palm leaves
- Kandyan woodcarving and brass work
- A batik workshop and a Kandyan dance evening
- Traditional mask carving at Ambalangoda
- Bobbin lace in Galle, a craft of the Dutch era
Plan this trip
Send an enquiry or message us on WhatsApp from the page to adjust dates, hotels and pace. All journeys can be tailored.