Dambana — Meet the Vedda People

Dambana — Meet the Vedda People

An evening with Sri Lanka's first people.

CulturalMahiyangana1.5h

When you can do this

Evenings

Share your preferred date on WhatsApp and we'll confirm with the host.

The experience

What you'll do

"Vedda" means people of the forest — and the Dambana community has lived in these jungles for thousands of years, long before recorded history. This is not a staged show. You'll learn bow-and-arrow shooting from Vedda hunters, watch the Kiri Koraha dance, see fire lit with Kahanda stones, and hear how their herbal medicine system has survived into the modern day.

What's included

  • Bow and arrow experience
  • Kiri Koraha traditional dance
  • Herbal medicine demonstration
  • Fire-lighting with Kahanda stones
  • 2 organic energy drinks, water, cool box

What to bring

  • Camera
  • Respect
  • Best at 5pm

Where to stay

Stay nearby

Kevan's Casa Hotel

Mahiyangana

Kevan's Casa Hotel

Your basecamp for Vedda country — ancient lakes, empty national parks and rock-top camping.

From$75/ night

≈ LKR 24,000
View stay
Book now