4th Kumbal starts 6.40 tonight - where do we stand and which roads are already shut

Seen by 18 travellers
Jump to the accepted answer
C
Caitlin Fraser132 rep1

Just got into Kandy this morning, hotel is past the lake toward Ampitiya. Police already have cones out on Dalada Veediya. We do not have seats. Is the 4th Kumbal actually worth standing in the rain for or should we save our legs for Randoli. And can we even walk from Ampitiya or is that whole side closed.

9

5 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Tonight is the 4th of 5 Kumbal nights. Starts 6:40 from the Maligawa, then Dalada Veediya, Katugodalla / D.S. Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya, back. It is shorter and thinner than Randoli. If you have never seen it, stand tonight so you know the rhythm. If you only care about the big one, Grand Randoli is Thursday 27th. Pavement on the lake side of Dalada Veediya fills from about 5. Queen's Hotel corner or the stretch facing the temple is the classic free view - you will be standing, you will be squeezed, you will be fine if you arrive before 5:30.

10
D
Dhammika Wijetunga1820 rep1

We walked from near Bogambara last night for the 3rd. From about 4:30 cars were being turned. Tuk-tuks dumped us two streets back. Procession itself was maybe 45 minutes past our spot. Kumbal is real but it is not the postcard yet - fewer elephants, still loud, still beautiful. Bring water and a cheap poncho. People sit on the kerb from 5 and will not move for you.

8
A
Aditi Deshpande288 rep1

Ampitiya / Tennekumbura traffic is being pushed via Rajapihilla and Church Road. William Gopallawa and Old Peradeniya are the Colombo in-and-out. Do not try to drive to the lake after 4. Park at one of the 13 police parks (KMC, railway station, Sahas Uyana) and walk.

6
F
Fayaz Nizar1020 rep1

If it starts raining hard, stay. They do not usually pause a Kumbal for a shower. Umbrella down when the line is in front of you.

3
A
Andres Salinas247 rep2

Ok we will walk in before 5 and skip trying to drive to the lake. Thanks.

2
C
Caitlin Fraser132 rep1

Scam Watch: kandy

Gem Museum Commission ScamVerified

TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.

👍 38by virajperera
Unofficial Temple Guide ScamVerified

Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).

👍 34by virajperera
Report a scam →

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log In to Answer
Browse all questions