Sri Lanka’s Kataragama Festival
Kataragama is small town in southern Sri Lanka, an important pilgrimage site for the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Vedda communities of the sub-continent. Each July and August, hundreds of thousands of people arrive to visit shrines and temples in an annual multi-faith spectacle called Esala. You’ll find Buddhists devoting themselves to a god (also named Kataragama), Hindu’s devoting themselves to Kartikeya (the Lord of War), and Muslims expressing their faith through jaw-dropping acts of bodily mutilations. For the bucket lister, it’s an exotic cultural encounter you’ll never forget.
Length of Trip : 2-3 Days
Cost :
There is no entrance fee to visit the festival.
Best time to go : The festival begins each year in early July
Wheelchair friendly : Yes
Family friendly : Yes, although be aware some of the rituals can get gory.
Where to eat :
Siriliya Rest: Gam Udawa Main Access Rd, Kataragama
The Chill Restaurant: Abhaya Mawatha, New Town, Kataragama
Official Site :
http://www.srilanka.travel/
Where to Stay :
Budget: Hotel Senora
Mid-Level: Mandara Rosen
High-End: Yala Chandrika Hotel
Getting There :
Kataragama is about a 4-hour drive or 8-hour bus ride from Columbo, Sri Lanka's capital. For the fastest route, take the Southern Expressway/E01.
Note from Robin : Some travel blogs argue that Kandy’s annual Esala Perahera is better than the festivities in Kataragama. Much like the Bucket List itself, ticking off the world’s great festivals is not a competition. Whatever festival you manage to get to , it will undoubtably be unique, thrilling, and leave you with lasting memories. As with all experiences, be respectful, open-minded, and open-hearted.
