1–3 hours
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket

Highlights

The 1st Kumbal Perahera is the opening segment of the Kandy Esala Perahera, a major religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It takes place in Kandy and honors the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The Kumbal Perahera focuses on religious rituals and is more traditional and ceremonial compared to the later stages of the procession. The event features decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and religious figures, with a strong emphasis on spiritual devotion. It symbolizes respect for the Tooth Relic and aims to bring blessings and protection to the people. The Kumbal Perahera marks the start of the grand celebration, which later transitions into the more extravagant Randoli Perahera. The festival is an important cultural and spiritual occasion, attracting both locals and international visitors.

Inclusions

What's included

Private seat to view Kandy Esala Perahara
Entry OR Admission Fee

What's not

Personal guide
Food and Drink

Itinerary

The Esala Perahera in Kandy is one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, featuring dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, & many more. This is held in Esala (July or August) which is the month that is believed to commemorate the first teaching given by the Buddha after he attained enlightenment. The Kandy Esala Perahera lasts for ten days while various festivities can be witnessed right throughout. The Sinhalese term ‘Perahera’ means a parade of musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats and various other performers.
Admission included

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Know before you go

Pickup: Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by: Lakpura LLC

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Kandy

Its from-price is 48% below the median of the 16 attraction tickets we list in Kandy.
Its length is typical for the group.

About Kandy

Kandy is the hill-country city of Sri Lanka, home to the Temple of the Tooth, a tree-fringed lake and a botanical garden among tea-covered hills.

Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings until the British took it in 1815. It stands around an artificial lake, about 500 metres above sea level, in the Central Highlands. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO site, holds a relic said to be a tooth of the Buddha, and pilgrims bring lotus flowers each day. Drummers and dancers perform at the shrine's rituals.

Top-ranked sights in Kandy: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Alagalla Mountain Range.

See all 767 experiences in Kandy