Can we hold hands at Perahera? Hats? Smoking? Drones over the elephants??
First big Buddhist festival. Do not want to be the loud foreigners. What actually offends people on the Kandy streets this week?
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4 Answers from travellers
It is a sacred procession, not a carnival, even if it looks like one. No hats toward the relic casket, no turning your back for a selfie with the tusker, no touching elephants, no drones (you will have a very bad conversation with police). Shoulders covered. Do not push in front of people sitting on the road who have been there since 3pm. Alcohol is already a Poya problem on the 27th. Bring a seated pad. Kids on shoulders is fine until a policeman says it is not.
Locals were kind when we asked where to stand. A guy with a mini drone got shouted off the lakeside on the 19th.
Hold hands if you want, keep it quiet. Making out on the parapet is the bit that gets looks, not fingers.
Scam Watch: kandy
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.
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).
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