The Ultimate Kandy Batik Experience: A Half Day of Art

Art, Culture & Heritage

This is more than a workshop—it’s a curated half-day activity designed for those who want to connect deeply with Kandy’s cultural soul. Please note, this is an in-depth experience, so you will need to plan to be based in Kandy for the day. Under the guidance of master artisans, you’ll learn the ancient techniques of using the tjanting (wax pen) to draw your design onto pure cotton. This is where your unique masterpiece begins. Dive into the dyeing process, using a vibrant palette of colours to bring your creation to life. Learn how each layer interacts with the wax to create the beautiful, complex patterns batik is famous for. As your final dye sets, we will serve you a delicious, authentic Sri Lankan lunch, allowing you to refuel and taste the local flavors. After lunch, the wax comes off, revealing your personal masterpiece that you’ll take home as a meaningful souvenir.

Your artistic journey begins at a traditional batik workshop in Kandy, where you’ll be welcomed by master artisans who have spent decades perfecting this ancient craft. After a brief introduction to batik’s rich history and cultural significance in Sri Lanka, you’ll be guided to your workstation with a fresh piece of pure cotton fabric stretched and ready. Your instructor demonstrates the delicate art of using the tjanting—a specialized wax pen—showing you how to control the flow of hot wax to create intricate patterns and designs. With patient guidance, you’ll begin applying wax to your fabric, developing your own unique design inspired by traditional motifs or your personal creativity. Once your wax design is complete, the exciting dyeing process begins. You’ll immerse your fabric in vibrant dye baths, learning how the wax resists the color to create stunning contrasts. Between dye applications and drying times, you’ll break for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch served at the workshop—a perfect opportunity to chat with your instructors and fellow participants while savoring local flavors. The final reveal comes after lunch when the hardened wax is carefully removed through boiling or ironing, unveiling the intricate patterns you’ve created. The transformation is always magical, as colors and designs emerge in their full glory. You’ll leave with not just a beautiful handcrafted textile, but a deeper appreciation for Sri Lankan artistry and memories of a truly immersive cultural experience.

What's Included?

Expert batik artisan instructor
Photography opportunities
Local lunch
Water bottle
Your completed batik artwork to take home

What to Wear?

Comfortable walking shoes
Light, breathable clothing (clothes you don’t mind getting dye on)
Shorts or long pants (as preferred)
Note: Aprons are provided, but some dye splatter may occur

The batik workshop is situated in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kandy has been a center for traditional arts and crafts for centuries, making it the ideal location to learn this ancient textile art.

Batik is a traditional wax-resist dyeing technique that arrived in Sri Lanka centuries ago and evolved into a distinctive local art form. Kandy’s batik artisans are renowned for their skill in creating both traditional patterns inspired by Sri Lankan nature and Buddhist symbolism, as well as contemporary designs.

The workshop provides an intimate, hands-on environment where small groups work directly with master craftspeople. This ensures personalized attention and a genuine learning experience rather than a superficial demonstration.

Being based in Kandy allows easy access to the workshop, which is centrally located within the city. The experience fits perfectly into a day exploring Kandy’s other cultural attractions like the Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, or Kandy Lake.

Location: Kandy City Center

The workshop typically begins at 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM and lasts approximately 4-5 hours, including all creative processes, drying times, lunch break, and the final wax removal. The timing allows for the necessary intervals between dyeing stages. You’ll finish by early afternoon, giving you time to explore more of Kandy if desired.

No artistic experience is required! This workshop is designed for complete beginners through to experienced crafters. Your master artisan instructor provides step-by-step guidance and is skilled at helping people of all abilities create beautiful work. Whether you follow traditional patterns or create your own design, you’ll receive personalized support throughout the process.

While aprons are provided to protect your clothing, there is a possibility of minor dye splatter during the dyeing process. We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little color on, just in case. The dyes used are fabric dyes, so they can stain clothing. Closed-toe shoes are also recommended for comfort and protection.

Yes! You have creative freedom to choose from a palette of available colors and create your own unique design. Your instructor will show you traditional Sri Lankan batik motifs and patterns for inspiration, but you’re welcome to incorporate your own ideas. The instructors encourage creativity while providing guidance on what works well technically with the batik process.

Absolutely! Your completed batik artwork is yours to keep and take home. It’s packaged carefully for travel once it’s fully dry. Many participants frame their batik as wall art, use it as a decorative textile, or even have it made into cushion covers or clothing. It’s a truly unique, handmade souvenir that captures your creative experience in Kandy and serves as a lasting memory of your time in Sri Lanka.

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Begin Your The Ultimate Kandy Batik Experience: A Half Day of Art

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