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

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Caitlin Fraser•132 rep•1

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.

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kandyaccommodationsafetyWeather

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.

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Dhammika Wijetunga•1820 rep•1

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.

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Aditi Deshpande•288 rep•1

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.

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Fayaz Nizar•1020 rep•1

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.

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Andres Salinas•247 rep•2

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

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Caitlin Fraser•132 rep•1

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