Ape Gama in Sri Lanka is a replica of traditional old day Sri Lankan village. This is located in Battaramulla, close to “Diyatha Park”. Ape Gama displays traditional industries, village life style and how self-sufficient old day Sri Lankan society functions in those days.

Imagine a rural village in the middle of a busy metropolis. This is what “Ape Gama,” which literally means our village, promise its visitors. This curious attraction, that reimagines what Sri Lankan village life was like decades ago, is situated in Sri Lanka’s capital city, across the lake from the Geoffrey Bawa-designed Parliament building. Only minutes away from Colombo’s swanky resorts and shopping centers, “Ape Gama” attracts throngs of visitors each week seeking a short break in a unique venue.

Formerly, this spot was known as the “Battaramulla Janakala Kendraya” that showcased local crafts. The entire area was revamped for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2013 to exhibit the fascinating aspects of historic Sri Lankan village life, complete with a bird-watching zone and a mini zoo.

Best Time to Visit Ape Gama Village

The best time and season to visit Ape Gama village is the dry season in the Colombo region, between January and March. Except for this season, the region shall get sporadic rains all year long.

How to Reach?                                             

From Colombo to Ape Gama 9.1km Far away. You can choose easy way to reach Ape Gama. 

What You Can Do Here?

If you visit in Colombo, you must Visit Ape Gama. There are lots of things to do for your enjoying. If you travelling Ape Gama, you can be seen village life, bird watching, take pictures, research & many more.  

Here is a long list of major things to do in Ape Gama, Which the first time travelers can visit and experience.

Research Village Life

You can get more knowledge about village life. There is lots of village equipment in here. You can learn how to use these. Around the village are many mud huts with straw-thatched roofs occupied by painted figurines of farmers and gardeners tending to patches of cinnamon, areca nut, gourd, or cloves. On Ape Gama grounds visitors can marvel at figurines of vegetable sellers, bullock carts, snake charmers and replicas of village essentials such as the “veebissa,” paddy storage. Other huts are occupied by real artisans, who elegantly produce Sri Lankan jewelry, batik cloth, woodcrafts, pottery, brassware and cane work from scratch, on site. Many of these handicrafts can be purchased at the Laksala, the state souvenir boutique store located on the premises.

Other living occupants demonstrate how local delicacies are prepared. Garden fresh produce is processed using tools like the “Kurahan gala,” traditional grinder, well spiced and cooked into mouthwatering treats such as “kavum,” fried treacle cake, and “kokis,” crispy cookies. There are many food outlets on the premises selling scrumptious Sri Lankan food along with blends of Asian and Western cuisine.

Visit Village Meuseum

Exploring the unadulterated culture of ancient Sri Lankan village living and peeping into the past would be major things the guests would surely enjoy at Ape Gama, a living heritage village museum where rustic houses and handicrafts are on show. Specially appointed locals would be there to explain things and re-enact the history for you, like their normal life, cooking, and agriculture.

Bird watching

There is mini bird watching zone. You can take photos and spend time relaxly.