Attend the Kandy Esala Perahera (seasonal)
The Kandy Esala Perahera is Sri Lanka’s grandest Buddhist procession held annually in Kandy to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth). The festival combines deep religious ritual with spectacular pageantry — traditional Kandyan drumming and dancing, masked performers, torchbearers, fire-dancers and caparisoned elephants parading through the streets around Kandy Lake. The event is seasonal (Esala month, usually July–August) and culminates in the spectacular Randoli Perahera.
Location
Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) & Kandy city procession route, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Duration
Festival span: typically 9–10 nights (nightly processions). Each nightly procession lasts about 2–3 hours (generally starting around dusk, ~18:30–20:00 and continuing into the evening). The final Randoli Perahera is the longest and most elaborate.
Best Time to Visit
July–August (Esala month) — dates change each year according to the Buddhist calendar. Check local announcements and the Temple’s schedule well in advance.
Pricing
Generally free to watch from public viewing areas around the procession route. Reserved seating, VIP boxes, and balcony tickets are available for purchase (prices vary by year, category and provider). Expect higher prices for the final nights and pre-book during peak years. Local tour operators may also offer packaged experiences including transport and guided viewing for a fee.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Caparisoned (decorated) elephants carrying relic caskets and royal standards
Kandyan drummers, traditional dancers and cultural troupes
Randoli Perahera (final, most ornate night)
Fire-walking and fire-dance displays
Mask dancers (Sanni, devil dances) and whip-cracking performances
Sacred rituals and blessings at Sri Dalada Maligawa
Atmospheric torchlit processions around Kandy Lake
Itinerary
Arrive in Kandy; get to viewing point near Kandy Lake or the Temple of the Tooth; collect any pre-booked tickets or reserved seats.
Arrive early on popular nights — roads are often closed and viewing spots fill quickly.
Temple rituals and puja at Sri Dalada Maligawa; participants assemble for the procession.
Sacred ceremonies take place inside and immediately outside the temple — dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
The procession moves through the city around Kandy Lake and main streets. Expect multiple troupes, elephants and performers; the spectacle lasts several hours.
Procession times vary by night and year; the final nights are the longest and most crowded.
Procession returns to the temple; final blessings and dispersal of crowds.
Traffic and local transport are heavily affected after the event — arrange return transport in advance.
Safety Requirements
Respect temple rules and local customs — dress modestly and remove hats when inside temple precincts
Keep a safe distance from elephants and performers; do not feed or approach elephants
Follow instructions from police, temple officials and event stewards — barricades and cordons must be respected
Be mindful of large crowds: watch personal belongings and avoid pushing; keep children close
If you have mobility issues or medical conditions, consider reserved seating or avoid the most crowded nights
Carry ID, some local currency, water and any necessary medication
Tips
Book accommodation and transport well in advance — Kandy is extremely busy during Perahera season
Purchase reserved seating or VIP packages if you want guaranteed, close-up views
Arrive at least 1–2 hours before the procession on popular nights to secure good vantage points
Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered; remove shoes in temple areas
Bring a small torch/phone light for walking but avoid flash photography during rituals or near animals
Use a reputable tuk‑tuk or pre-booked transfer for late-night returns — roads are congested and public buses fill quickly
Carry water, light snacks and mosquito repellent; Sri Lankan evenings can be humid
Check the annual schedule — Perahera dates change each year according to the Buddhist lunar calendar
Be aware of social and religious sensitivity: avoid loud behaviour, public drinking near temple areas, and any actions that may be seen as disrespectful
