Experiences
Festivals
The Kandy Esala Perahera every July or August
Festivals follow the lunar calendar, so dates move each year. The biggest is the Kandy Esala Perahera: around ten nights of processions with drummers, dancers and the Maligawa tusker carrying the Tooth Relic casket. Hotels in Kandy fill early, so plan ahead.
Festival calendar
What's on, month by month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West & South coast | ||||||||||||
| Hill Country | ||||||||||||
| Cultural Triangle | ||||||||||||
| East coast | ||||||||||||
| North (Jaffna) |
BestMixed: showers, still goodWettest
August: where to go
Cultural Triangle, East coast, North (Jaffna)
No region is at its wettest. Journeys that fit: Ancient Kingdoms, East Coast Summer, Family Island Adventure.
Wildlife in Aug
- Whales & dolphins off Trincomalee
- Elephant Gathering, Minneriya
- Elephants in Udawalawe
- Surf at Arugam Bay
Festivals & events
- Kandy Esala Perahera: ~10 nights of processions
- Nallur Festival, Jaffna, begins