About this experience
Held annually in August, the Kandy Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka's oldest and most spectacular Buddhist festivals. Running from 18th to 27th August 2026, the procession fills the streets of Kandy with elaborately costumed Kandyan dancers, fire-breathers, jugglers, musicians, and magnificently decorated elephants. The festival commemorates the month in which the Buddha gave his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, making it a deeply significant event for devotees and a visually extraordinary one for all who attend. The 90-minute procession is best watched from a fixed vantage point, and your booking with Lakpura includes a reserved private seat so you won't be jostling for position in the crowd.\n\nYour admission fee and a 1-litre bottle of water per person are included. This is a shared event open to guests aged 12 and above. A personal guide, food, and drinks beyond the included water are not part of the package. Arrive early to settle into your seat before the procession begins, and bring a light layer for the evening air in Kandy.
