Viewing Of Kandy Esala Perehara From Colombo
About this tour
Enjoy a viewing of Kandy Esala Perahera, held annually in August on days fixed by the Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Lay Head or Trustee) of the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) each Year. Its origin, as one writer on Ceylon, describes it, is "lost in the mists of centuries" and is one of the grandest festivals in Sri Lanka.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Colombo, Sri Lanka to Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy is celebrated to honors the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Goddess Pattini. The Kandy Maligawa Perahera is followed in order by those of the Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini ‘Devales’ (Temples dedicated to these Gods) are situated in the vicinity of the Kandy Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth). After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in 1815, the custody of the Tooth Relic was handed over to the Buddhist Clergy. In the absence of the King, a lay custodian called the Diyawadana Nilame was appointed to handle routine administrative matters. The purpose of the Kandy Esala Perahera Procession is to beseech the blessings of the gods to obtain rain for the cultivation of crops and to enrich the lands of the kingdom. This ritual is performed by carrying the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha through the streets of the Kandy city which are done with exceptional panache. This is considered one of the most beautiful festivals in Asia. The parade is split into 2. The Kumbal Perahera and the Randoli Perahera. The Kumble Perahera takes place during the first 5 days of the festival. This gorgeous parade starts here exactly at the auspicious time set for that day. Legend has it that the first Kumbal Perahera is shown to infants to drive away any evil spells or spirits. In tradition, the Kumbal Perahera does not expect a presence of the Nilame and the Tooth Relic (custodian of the Sacred Tooth Relic), however, the drummers and tuskers take part without any ceremonial costumes. The Randoli Perahera takes place during the last 5 days of the event. The Sacred Tooth Relic can be seen kept on an elephant back protected by the custodian during all 5 days of the parade. There are 4 main events dedicated to 4 Hindu gods that take part in the parade. This cannot be seen during the Kumbal Perahera. All the elephants are colorfully dressed and all the events take place through the night on the designated route around Kandy City. Overnight in Kandy
Day 2: Kandy, Sri Lanka to Colombo, Sri Lanka
After a breakfast city tour of Kandy including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha – by far the most important place of worship for Buddhists the world over, Upper Lake drive a place where one could have a bird’s eye view of the city below. on the en visit the Botanical garden at Peradeniya, It is the largest botanical garden on the island. It is renowned for the collection of a variety of Orchids and has more than 300 varieties of Orchids, more than 5000 spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees attach it is the National Herbarium. on the en Colombo you will visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, which is an orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants. and you will drop in Colombo or the airport
What's included
Breakfast Dinner Seats for viewing of Esala Perahera Transport by private (A/C) vehicle English speaking driver/ guide Hotel or Airport pickup & drop-off All taxes, fees, and handling charges Bottled water (1L per person per day) Free Wi-Fi during the whole tour Local insurance for the vehicle / Passengers 4 Star Standard Hotel for 1 night
Lunch Gratuities Excess luggage charges (where applicable) Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase) All entrance fees included
What to know
We are operating this Kandy Esala Perehara day tour from Colombo so if you need this day tour from any other places in Sri Lanka, we can arrange it according to your requirements. This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Colombo, Sri Lanka to Kandy, Sri Lanka