Kandy Esala Perahera 2024

How to find
Cheap Seat Tickets
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warning

Possible Elephant Abuse

If you don’t like seeing chained elephants, dressed up in costumes, light bulbs all over their head (like the one in this picture),
you should avoid this event!

Elephant rampage is possible during these events, although it’s not common. People have been injured in the past.

Pro-tip

How to find cheap seats?

Visit Kandy city in the morning or before 5 pm and walk around the streets where you will see the crowd. You will find empty unsold seats available for a bargain.
Best dates: 12-14 Aug

Did you know

This is a FREE religious event

Seat arrangements are not managed by the Temple of the Tooth or the government. There is no regulation about seat ticket price or the quality, various businessman buy spaces along the route (from owners for the Perahera duration) and try to make their profit by selling seats for the highest possible price. They pay a tax to the local municipal council for tourist tickets. None of this profit goes to the Temple of the Tooth as some tourists assume.

Make your plans

When does it take place?

Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to be held from 10-20 Aug 2024

10-14 Aug 2024

Kumbal Perahera
6 pm onwards

15-19 Aug 2024

Randoli Perahera
6 pm onwards

20 Aug 2024

Day Perahera
2 pm onwards

Finding cheap seat tickets for the Kandy Perahera festival (locally known as Dalada Maligawa Perahera) can be challenging, as it’s one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and significant cultural events.
However, here are some strategies to help you secure more affordable tickets.

Tickets often go on sale months in advance. The earlier you book, the higher your price, although a ticket is guaranteed. Early booking does not offer low price tickets as sellers try to sell at the highest possible price early on.

10-14 Aug 2024: Shorter version of the Perahera
Called the ‘Kumbal Perahera’: only the Temple of the Tooth will participate.

Duration:
First three days (10-12 Aug): around 1hr 45 min
The last two days (13 & 14 Aug): 2hr 20 min

Starts around: 7-7:30pm (Must be seated by 6pm)
Note: It may take a few hours to reach the place you are.

Time allocation: keep 4-5 hours

Usually, ‘Kumbal Perahera’ is less crowded. Although online tickets are slightly less priced for these days, it still remain at a higher range of around US$90 to $110. But believe me, these seats rarely go ‘Sold out’.
You will find many unsold seats, which will be sold between $15-30 each day evening for anybody around looking for a seat, make sure to be that person!
The first two ‘Kumbal Perahera’ on 10 & 11 Aug might be crowded as it’s the weekend. If you come from 12-14 Aug, you have a higher chance of success.

15-19 Aug 2024: Longer version of the Perahera
Called the ‘Randoli Perahera’: Four temples dedicated to deities will join.

Duration:
First four days (15-18 Aug) around 3hr to 3 hr 30 min
Last day: around 4 hr

Starts between: 7-8pm (Must be seated by 6pm)
Start time will be determined based on the Auspicious time.

Time allocation: keep 6-8 hours

More locals and tourists will start gathering since the start of ‘Randoli Perahera’ on 15 Aug. It will draw even more crowds during the long weekend of 17-19 Aug. The 19th Monday, the last day of Randoli Perahera, is a Public holiday in Sri Lanka. It might draw a large crowd this time around so it’s advisable to avoid these days.

If you must see one of the ‘Randoli Perahera’, it would be advisable to come on 15th or 16 Aug to find a cheap seat which will still be remaining.

It’s advisable to settle for one of the ‘Kumbal Perahera’ which will be over within 2 hours, but altogether, it will take around 4-5 hours of your time.

‘Randoli Perahera’ will take up about 6-8 hours of your time, from seating before 6pm to going back to your accommodation.

Elephant of Kandy Esala Perahera

Respect Elephants

  • No horn-blowing or loud sounds
  • No flash or laser light pointing
  • Most locals respect and love these majestic creatures. They don’t see using Elephants as an abuse of animal rights, simply because they are used to it from the childhood as Asians. Quit the contrary, they think it is an hour for the Elephant. However, awareness has been spread in the recent years and more locals are now concerned. We see a gradual decrease in number of Elephants being used, hope it will stop in the future.

Respect the religious event

  • No Clapping or cheering as this a religious event
  • No alcohol allowed
  • Respect the casket of the tooth relic carried by the tusker (one shown in the picture) by rising from your seat along with the locals.
Certified Excellence

No Escape

Once the procession starts, you will not allowed to leave until it’s over. Come prepared to stay for aout 5 to 8 hours.

No Toilet

Come empty blader as you will not be able to use a toilet for the entire time (unless you book at a restaurant).

Not for Kids

As you will have to sit in the same place for 4 hours or longer without any toilet breaks.

Plan your wayout

It will be midnight by the time it’s over. Make sure to have a confirmed ride back to your accommodation as getting a taxi is not promising at that time.

Long & Repetitive

Similer groups of danceers and drummers will pass again and again making the progression look repetitive and long.

Snaks & Drinks

You will be seated before 6pm and will not have access to any drinks & food. Make sure to bring your own drinks & snacks or buy from Pizza Hut or Dominos guys who walks around taking orders.

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3 Comments

  1. This is great insights, insider information. I have seen some other tourists also mentioning similar ideas. I had been to this event in the past and I paid ridiculously high price for a plastic chair on the road side. Not all the chair got sold so there were few remaining seats even after the event started. Some locals got lucky that day to get a free seat 💺 🤪

    1. Good to know that it’s usually like that. Last time I saw so many places selling seats, no wonder it all doesn’t get sold.

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