The Kandy Perahera Festival is held over a period of 10 days during July/August. The exact dates are calculated by the Temple of Authorities according to the lunar movements, during December each year. Originally the festival was held following the harvest period, as a Thanksgiving to Lord Buddah and other deities for helping the people of Sri Lanka to harvest with no problems. Over the years the festival became more religious, and over the course of the festival, with each passing day, the level and beauty of the Perahera (Pageant) increases, the final night being the most beautiful.

During the festival, many elephants and hundreds of dancers parade the streets of Kandy. The replica of the Tooth Relic is also taken in procession on top of the leading elephant who is decorated and illuminated heavily, and accompanied by other elephants. They walk on a white cloth laid in respect.

In addition to the elephants and dancers, other attractions will be whip crackers, flag bearers, torch bearers and stilt walkers. Thousands of people - local and tourists, will line the streets to witness this colourful Kandy Perahera Festival.

Dates for 2006: The Kandy Perahera Festival is from 31st July to 9th August 2006. The 5th August 2006 departure will coincide with the festival, and we will in fact be in Kandy for the final and best night. The Supplement payable on this departure will include a reserved seat by the side of the road to observe the festival.

Please note that on Day 5 of the Kandy Perahera Tour, we will have to arrive into Kandy earlier than on normal tours, before entry road are closed in readiness for the festivities. We will, therefore, only visit the Spice Garden and Batik Factory if time is permitting. The Cultural Performance will be replaced by the Kandy Perahera Festival.

For more information about Kumuka's tour of Sri Lanka click here