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Culture- At a Glance:
Sinhalese dancing is similar to Indian dance but relies on
acrobatics, nimbleness and symbolism to unfold its narratives. Kandy
is a good place to see `up-country dancing', but Colombo or
Ambalangoda are the places to witness the ritualistic exorcism of
`devil dancing'. Folk theatre combines dance, masked drama, drumming
and exorcism rituals to vividly recreate Sri Lankan folklore.
Woodcarving, weaving, pottery and metalwork are all highly developed
crafts, and Sri Lanka is especially renowned for its gems.
Ambalangoda is the best place to see Sri Lankan masks; Ratnapura is
the centre of Sri Lanka's gem trade. |
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Cuisine:
Rice and curry - often fiery hot - dominate meal times and usually
include small side dishes of vegetables, meat and fish. Indian
curries such as vegetarian thali, delicately flavoured biriyani and
kool, a boiled, fried and dried-in-the-sun vegetable combo, are also
available. Hoppers are a unique Sri Lankan snack, similar to a
pancake, served with egg or honey and yoghurt. Coastal towns have
excellent fish and most travellers are happy to live on the
delicious local tuna. There's plenty of tropical fruits to choose
from, the tea is terrific and the beer acceptable. |
