About 

Esala Perehara is a  grand festival in Sri Lankan culture  held in August in Kandy , Sri Lanka. It’s a Buddist Festival consisting of dances and colorfully decorated elephants. It has become a unique symbol if Sri Lanka. There are various styles dancers in this. The festival is end up with the traditional event of Diya Kapeema ( Water Cutting ) which is held at the Mahaweli River at Gatambe , Kandy.



Began

The Esala perahara is believed to have begun when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India by Princes Hemamala  & Prince Dantha during the 4th century CE , eight hundred years after the passing away of Lord Buddha. By that time , Kandy Region was governed by King Kirthi Sri Megawarna.

Easala Perhara was began in 310 CE , during the region of King Kithsiri Mewan. & it was the first Perahara in Sri Lankan history.  In that time, Perahara was held with the royal sponsor and had separate expenses from Royal Treasury for perahara Events.

Modern Esala Perahara

During the region of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe , Sacred Tooth Relic was a Royal property and nobody was allowed to worship it. But after the Kandyan Kingdome was fell to the British in 1815 , Tooth Relic was handed over to Maha Sanga. Finally , a special person was appointed as a Administrator for held all the customs of Tooth Relic , called as “ Diyawadana Nilame”. From that time , Perahara was consisted with many events and was colorful.

Things to See

Esala Perahara is consisting with colorful dancers. Specially, Kandyan Dancers. And also, fire dancers, whip dancers, drum dancers etc. it shows the culture of Sri Lanka. There are many elephant’s dressed colorful cloths with lights. It’s really wonderful scene. But royal elephant which carry the Golden Cover of Tooth Relic, is more colorful and awesome.

Except the perahara , there are so many boutiques which sell so many things as Foods , Cloths , Souvenirs , Leather Items , Toys , Cloths etc. and also there are carnivals around the Kany Town in Perahara Season. 

Landmarks :
To the Anuradhapura , It is possible to travel on the A9 highway from Kandy. The drive from Colombo is approximately five hours by bus; or 4 hours by private vehicle. Buses travel along this highway, as well, and there is a bus station in the Anuradhapura New Town. Train service also runs to Anuradhapura from the south, with two stations being in and near Anuradhapura.

Transportation:
Your travel agent will provide you all the Transport Facilities on your requirement with guide,

Sum of History:
Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka , and capital city of North Central Province. And also it’s one of ancient kingdom in Sri Lankan history. Anuradhapura is very famous for its well-preserved ruins of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization. Anuradhapura is a first capitol of the Kingdom of Rajarata and founded by King Pandukabhaya in 377BC. The city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies 205 km north of the capital city Colombo (we organize Colombo city tours too, contact us for the best Colombo city tourism packages). Anuradhapura city was the centre of Therawada Buddhism for many centuries.  It’s believed that from the 4th century BC , it was the capital of the Sinhalese until the beginning of the 11th century AD.
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Where To Visit:                           
There are many places to visit in in Anuradhapura Kingdome which show the history.

·       Sri Maha Bodhiya ( Bodhi Temple ) - Sri Maha Bodhiya is taken most sacred place in Buddhist minds since it’ a right side branch of the Bo Tree that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Buddhagaya , had brought by Sangamiththa Theri. Sri Maha Bodhiya is large and oldest living tree in the world.

• Ruwanwelisaya - The Ruwanwelisaya was built by King Dutugamunu in 140 B.C. it is white color clay painted from Himalaya. Sri Lankan Buddhist in believing that it’s a place which have so many miracles. Anyway, people who visit the Ruwanwelisaya  , is being very respectful for the place in every way.

·       Thuparamaya - Thuparamaya was built as a bell shape by King Dewanampiyathissa. The compound has been paved by granite. It’s really looks very attractive.

• Lovamahapaya - Lowamahapaya was built by King Dutugamunu , using Bronze Tiles to the roof. It’s situated between ruwanwelisaya and Sri Mahabodiya.

• Abhayagiri Dagaba - Lowamahapaya was built by King Walagamba. It was a major  monastery site for the Therawada Buddhism. 

• Jetavanarama - This is the third tallest structure in the ancient world and the Sri Lanka , was built by King Mahasena.

• Mirisaveti Stupa - Mirisaveti Stupa was built by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara.

• Lankarama - Lankaramaya was built by King Valagamba.

§  The Archaeology Museum - This is a place which has placed so many artifacts found at the site as jewelries, James, Statues, religious and elite objects

To do:
Apart from the archeological places, it’s possible to visit Anuradhapura New Town and spend time around the city, capturing beautiful places. And it’s possible to cycling around the city on traveler requirement through your Agent.

Buy:                        
So many vendors are abounded the Anuradhapura City who sell Souvenirs, Post Cards , Handicrafts, Wooden furniture , Masks , Earrings , Bangles , and many more items.
And also there are so many boutiques for buy other goods. Sari Shops , Photo Shops and many more shops for buy food items.

Foods & Accommodation:
There are many guest houses and hotels around the Anuradhapura New Town and you are feel free to request any of them through your agent on your willingness. Some of guest houses & hotels are located close to lakes, jungle & paddy fields .

Respect :
ü  It’s very respectful and necessary to remove shoes, while walking along the sites which has taken sacred and should be clean in every way.
ü  Ladies should wear very respectful dresses which cover the shoulders.
ü  When walking along the sites ,  it’s prohibited to make noises , express bad words. Every person should observe calm and quite rule.
ü  Generally it’s fine to capture photos of sites. But be careful when in capturing since you should not capture them in front of the Buddha Statues and if there has been mentioned not to do.

Contacts:
There are numerous places for facilitate you for Local & ID Calls, Skype Calling, Internet Service, GSM Prepaid connections etc around the City.

Get out to nearby Anuradhapura 
Thisawewa :
Thissawewa is an artificial lake is thought to had been built in second or third century B.C. it had been rebuilt in ninth century for the purpose of irrigations.

Isurumuni Lovers :
Isurumuni Lovers is a stone carving creations which relate to 6th century Guptha Style. The woman seated in a man’s lap, and she pointing warning finger. The figure of this carving came to believe as King Dutugamunu’s son Saliya and low cast maiden Asokamala whom Saliya loved.

A visit to these ancient cities of Sri Lanka gives extra flavor to honeymoon holidays. Including these holiday destinations in the Sri Lanka honeymoon package brings a diversified relax together with a travel to other hotspots in Sri Lanka which are popular among honeymoon lovebirds.  The "Isurumuni lovers" definitely has something for the honeymoon couple to cherish and understand the  ancient love of Sri Lanka & explore how history behind the stone carving which express love & affection.