Written by Muhammad Thahir · Sources checked 4 November 2026
Sri Lankan traditional dance has three classical styles: Kandyan dance from the hill country, low-country dance from the south, and Sabaragamuwa dance from the Ratnapura region. Each uses its own drum. The easiest way to watch is an evening cultural show in Kandy. The most memorable is a temple procession such as the Esala Perahera.
What are the three styles of Sri Lankan dance?
The Central Province tourism office describes each tradition by its drum.
| Style | Region | Drum and character |
|---|---|---|
| Kandyan (Uda Rata) | Hill country around Kandy | Geta bera, played with the hands; acrobatic leaps and the silver ves headdress |
| Low-country (Pahatha Rata) | Southern coastal plains | Yak bera; masked dances linked with healing rituals |
| Sabaragamuwa | Ratnapura and the Sabaragamuwa hills | Davula, struck with a stick and the hand |
The ves costume is the most important Kandyan costume. Today it is worn for dances such as the gajaga wannama, which imitates the walk of the elephant carrying the relic casket in the Kandy procession.
Where can visitors watch traditional dance?
Kandy cultural shows
Several halls near Kandy Lake hold hour-long evening shows of Kandyan dance and drumming. Your chauffeur guide can buy tickets on the day.
Kandy Esala Perahera
Hundreds of dancers and drummers parade with the temple elephants. See our Esala Perahera page for planning.
South coast
Low-country masked dance and kolam performances are linked with Ambalangoda and nearby towns. Ask your hotel about local shows.
Temple festivals
Smaller Poya-day processions at village temples include drummers and dancers. They are less staged and often more personal.
The Sri Lanka Tourism page on Ambalangoda masks explains the healing rituals behind low-country masked dance.
Local planning noteKandy shows usually start in the early evening, which fits neatly before the evening ritual at the Temple of the Tooth. Read our Temple of the Tooth guide to plan both.
See more experiences in our guide to ways to explore Sri Lanka’s culture.
Add a dance evening to your itinerary
Tell us your Kandy dates. Our tailor-made team can schedule a show alongside the temple ritual, or time your trip with a perahera.
Traditional dance questions
What is the most famous dance in Sri Lanka?
Kandyan dance is the best known. Dancers wear the silver ves headdress and perform leaps and spins to the geta bera drum. It features in the Kandy Esala Perahera and in evening cultural shows in Kandy.
Where can I see a cultural show in Kandy?
Several halls near Kandy Lake hold hour-long evening shows of Kandyan dance, drumming and fire dances. Tickets are usually bought on the day, and the timing fits before the evening ritual at the Temple of the Tooth.
What is low-country dance in Sri Lanka?
Low-country dance comes from the southern plains and is played to the yak bera drum. It is closely linked with masked healing rituals and kolam masked drama, traditions associated with Ambalangoda.
Featured photo: Dinuka Gunawardana / Pexels. Dancer at a night ceremony; illustrative photograph.
