Witness the most historical cultural pageant in the world that is performed in the city of Kandy, a World Heritage Site in the central parts of Sri Lanka. It features dancers, jugglers, singers, musicians, fire breathers, acrobats, and various other performers, along with lavishly decorated tuskers and elephants. They are parading the streets of the city of Kandy to beseech the blessings of the gods to obtain rain for the cultivation of crops, enrich the lands of the country, and pay homage to the sacred tooth relic of Load Buddha, which is housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Tooth Relic Temple).

Kandy Esala Perahera, a unique symbol of Sri Lanka, is performed annually for eleven (11) days, mostly in the month of August, depending on the full moon day of the month. The final and the Grand Randoli Perahera is featured on the full moon day of the month of August. Before that, there are nine (9) days of this fascinating procession parading through the streets of Kandy at night. The first five (5) days of the procession are known as the "Kumbal Perahera," while the last five (5) days are known as the "Randoli Perahera." The next day, after the final Randoli Perahera, a "Day Perahera" performs in the afternoon.

The 2024 Kandy Esala Perahera festival schedule is as follows:

The following tour packages are specially tailored to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera and experience other unique activities while soaking up the sun on the eastern coast, which has flat seas and minimal rainfall. During this time, the south coast has rougher seas and monsoon winds that bring heavy rains. Or, if you are in Sri Lanka during this period and prefer to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera, the one (1) or two (2) day excursion to Kandy from where you are being arranged.You will witness the Perahera from a reserved seat at the viewing gallery in Dalada Veediya (street) or another street, depending on your choice.