Is Kataragama safe to visit during the main festival.
3 Answers from travellers
Yes, Kataragama is generally safe during the massive Esala Perahera festival, but the sheer volume of pilgrims can be completely overwhelming for foreign tourists. The streets become incredibly packed with thousands of devotees.
Because the crowds are so dense during the evening parades, opportunistic pickpocketing is a very real risk. You must leave your passport and large amounts of cash locked safely in your hotel room and only carry what you strictly need in a secure front pouch.
If you want to observe the intense fire walking and body piercing rituals safely, try to arrive very early to secure a good viewing spot behind the barricades, or ask your hotel to arrange a viewing balcony if available.
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