4 Craft Workshops in Sri Lanka Worth Booking

1.Traditional Gems & Jewellery Workshop with Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 539 reviews · 4 hours · from $13Our pick

Travel by tuk-tuk from Galle, Unawatuna, Boossa, or Galle Fort to Chandralal Jewelry Works in Kotapola. Hasara and the family guide you through gem selection, silver shaping, soldering, hammering, stone setting, and polishing. Lunch or dinner, tea, snacks, and rough moonstones and garnets are included. Your finished jewellery costs extra.

“We had a truly wonderful experience creating our ring! Everything was perfectly organized, and we learned so much about the process. The final result – a beautifully crafted ring – exceeded our expectations. The delicious food and the warm hospitality of the family made the day even more special. An unforgettable experience that we wholeheartedly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Interactive Batik Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $28Top rated

Spend 3.5 hours with Anuja and Manugi learning Sri Lankan batik in their family workshop near Kandy. Choose a design, apply wax with traditional tools, add dyes, and take home your own cloth. English instruction, herbal tea, equipment, fabric, wax, and dyes are included. The workshop suits creative beginners, but bring spare clothes and allow extra time to find the studio.

“We attended the batik workshop in Kandy, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! The fmaiky were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the whole session feel warm and personal. They were eager to share their knowledge of the intricate art of batik, and it was fascinating to learn about the process from start to finish. The workshop was hands-on and engaging, and it was amazing to create our own piece of art. They were patient, offering helpful tips and guidance along the way. At the end of the session, I was thrilled to take home a beautiful batik that will forever remind me of this special part of my…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Traditional Jewellery making workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 1 day · from $71

Spend a private day in Kotapola with a family jewellery maker and, with help from Malik, learn how Sri Lankan rings are designed, shaped, and finished. You can choose a design, watch or join parts of the process, and learn how to spot genuine stones. The $71 session includes materials and a complimentary silver ring, but not gemstones.

“Really great days with some very knowledgeable people. Made the most beautiful ring and learnt a lot about the craftsmanship that goes into jewellery pieces. Highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Ahangama: Traditional Jewellery Making Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 23 reviews · 1 day · from $71

Spend a day at artisan Tharindu’s home workshop in Kotapola, learning traditional Sri Lankan jewellery techniques. You’ll handle tools, shape silver, file your ring, and choose a design with guidance in English. Materials and a handmade silver ring are included, but gemstones cost extra and transport is not provided.

“Amazing workshop, with lot of fun. Tharindu is exceptionally kind and it’s clear that his work is his passion. He showed every step of the process, and in the end I truly felt that, with some help of course, I had made the piece of jewelry myself. It was one of the best local experiences on the island!”

Check availability →Read our full review