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The Most Spectacular Festival in Sri Lanka - Esala Perahera

10 days from £5,920 for 2025 per person

The Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and most extraordinary festivals in the world and it takes place every year in July/August in the old royal capital of Kandy. Snaking their way around Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth thousands of dancers, drummers, whip-crackers and fire-eaters parade through the city accompanied by close to 100 caparisoned elephants the largest of which carries the sacred tooth relic taken from Buddha’s funeral pyre almost 2500 years ago. 

After your time in Kandy, explore the Cultural Triangle visiting Polonnaruwa, the Dambulla Cave Temples and the dramatic sky citadel of Sigiriya. After an action-packed few days, a couple of days relaxing is well deserved, so travel to the East Coast and stay in wonderful Trincomalee. Before your departure, your last night will be spent in Colombo, a bubbling and colourful city which is full of life.

This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your perfect tailor-made tour of Sri Lanka. If you would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Festival and Party itineraries, as well as our Active and Family-Friendly holidays.


Itinerary details

10 days from £5,920 for 2025 per person

Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle And Beach Itinerary 2 Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle And Beach Itinerary 2
The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary 2 The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary 2
The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary 1 The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary 1
The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary 3 The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary 3
Hunas Falls Kandy Sri Lanka 1 Hunas Falls Kandy Sri Lanka 1
The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary The Most Spectacular Festival In Sri Lanka Esala Perahera Itinerary
Sigiriya Sri Lanka 1 Sigiriya Sri Lanka 1
Sigiriya Sri Lanka Sigiriya Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA - Sigiriya Rock SRI LANKA - Sigiriya Rock
Heritance Kandalama Elephant Walk Ampersand Travel Heritance Kandalama Elephant Walk Ampersand Travel
Kandalama Sri Lanka 2 Kandalama Sri Lanka 2
Kandalama Sri Lanka Kandalama Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA - Trincomalee SRI LANKA - Trincomalee
Chaaya Blu Trincomalee1 Chaaya Blu Trincomalee1
Chaaya Blu Trincomalee4 Chaaya Blu Trincomalee4
Chaaya Blu Trincomalee3 Chaaya Blu Trincomalee3
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Client Testimonials

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

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