2026 Reserve Your Seat to Witness the Spectacular Kandy Esala Perahera!
Step into a world of cultural grandeur, spiritual devotion, and unforgettable spectacle. Secure your seat for the Kandy Esala Perahera—one of the world’s most iconic and awe-inspiring festivals. Held annually in the historic city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, this vibrant event is a dazzling celebration of global Buddhist heritage, Sri Lankan tradition, and the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
A Feast for the Senses: The Perahera Procession
Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will stir your soul. Majestic elephants, draped in intricate gold and vibrant fabrics, lead a stunning procession through the streets of Kandy, carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic with the utmost reverence. The air crackles with energy as Kandyan dancers, traditional drummers, and fire performers fill the atmosphere with rhythm, color, and flame.
The first five nights of the Perahera are known as the Kubal Perahera, setting the stage for the grand celebration. But it’s the final five nights—the Randoli Perahera—that truly leave a lasting impression. Thousands gather to witness the ultimate procession, a dazzling spectacle of elaborate costumes, whip crackers, and whirling fire dancers. The event strikes a perfect balance between spirituality and festivity.
This is your moment to witness Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage come alive, in one of the most dramatic and breathtaking celebrations in the world.
Seating Options:
Every year, an increasing number of venues offer exclusive seating to help you fully immerse yourself in the festivities. The Queen’s Hotel is a standout, with its rooms and balconies providing prime views of the procession. The Veranda of the Queen's Hotel, the Veranda of Hatton National Bank, and the Veranda of Pizza Hut all offer excellent ground-level vantage points, perfect for those who want a closer look at the parade.
For a slightly elevated view, you can enjoy the front seats of the Methodist Church, or the Veranda of Radh Hotel and Kandy City Hotel. These locations offer some of the best angles to take in the grand spectacle.
If you're looking for a more relaxed experience with food and drinks, venues like Oak Rey Bakers, Bake House Kandy, Delight Bakers, Cafe Aroma, Balaji Dosa, Java Lounge Balcony, Cafe Empire, and Pizza Hut all offer exclusive seating, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while witnessing the grandeur of the Perahera. For example, Balaji Dosa includes a full meal, fruit juice, and a bottled water in the price listed below.
However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, be aware that the back seats of the Methodist Church, and the second and third floors of Oak Rey Bakers, may limit your view of the procession.
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Nanfa (verified owner) –
Seating at Bake House Balcony in Dalada Veediya – The agency is very responsive and very customer oriented. We booked the seat of Bakehouse balcony and got the front row (it will depend on what timing you reserve I think). The staff there is helpful, nice washroom, and you can get wonderful meal there also. the view is amazing, no light backdrop that can underwhelmed the parade, and the distance was just right, not too far. If you get closer to street you might get some stinky stuff like elephants’ excrement. We booked for the grand esala perahera night time. The night finished pass midnight, so be prepared!
Julien Privey –
Seating at HNB Verenda in Dalada Veediya – Great experience despite the crowd — Highly recommend
Be aware that after 5 PM it’s very hard to reach the seating area: streets are packed and barriers block many access points. Tip: arrive early and avoid bringing anything that could be refused at strict security checks.
We arrived late but just showed the confirmation email as our ticket — the staff helped us to our seats, even making sure they were cleared for us. The ceremony is memorable: long for kids, but truly impressive. We even managed to order pizzas on-site, paid in advance and delivered despite the chaos.
A real immersion into Sri Lankan culture. The kids sometimes felt overwhelmed by the crowd and noise, but they’ll remember it for life. Tickets are pricey but the service is reliable and secure. Highly recommended.