What is the ‘Randoli Perahera’?

The Randoli Perahera is the peak moment of the festival; it runs through the last five nights, and it brings together the biggest gathering of elephants, elite dancers, and those royal palanquins (Randoli) at once.

Historically, the Randoli were the palanquins where the Queens of Kandy would travel. Today, they’re paraded so people can feel the deities are near. On the last night, called the Maha Randoli (Grand Randoli), you see the highest degree of splendour, and you really should book seats months ahead, because there is such a massive influx of local pilgrims and worldwide tourists, all at the same time.