Dambana

The Vedda are the indigenous forest people of Sri Lanka, and Dambana is where most visitors encounter them: a village near Mahiyangana with a community that has kept language, hunting knowledge, honey gathering and ritual, while living in a country that has enclosed most of the forest they used. Visits go through the community and include demonstrations of the bow, the axe, honey collection and the language. It is arranged rather than incidental.

What you actually see

• The Vedda language - a distinct tongue still spoken alongside Sinhala.
• The forest knowledge - hunting, honey gathering and plant use demonstrated.
• The community museum - displays on Vedda life and its history.
• The ritual dance - the kirikoraha and other ceremonies shown to visitors.

When to go

November to April is the drier window. Visits are arranged through the community and should be booked. Weekday mornings are best.

Honest expectations

The demonstrations are staged for visitors and the community has been criticised and defended over how it presents itself; photography usually costs extra and is negotiated. Land and hunting restrictions have changed their life substantially and the presentation can feel frozen. Going with an intermediary who explains the arrangement helps.

Nearby

Mahiyangana is west, and Wasgamuwa is northwest.