Taking the bus to Kandy during Vesak festival crowds
8 Answers from travellers
The buses are absolutely running, but they will be packed to the brim with pilgrims wearing white, heading to the Temple of the Tooth. It is not locked down, but traffic entering Kandy will be at a complete standstill. Expect a 3-hour bus ride to take 6 hours. Take the train if you possibly can, or just embrace the slow, chaotic, beautiful cultural immersion of the bus ride.
Make sure your hotel is walking distance to the center, because tuk-tuks cannot move in Kandy during Vesak.
If you take the bus, use the private AC minivans. At least you are guaranteed a seat in the gridlock.
Watch your pockets on the crowded buses. Pickpockets love festival weekends.
The atmosphere is amazing though. People will pass free food (Dansal) through the bus windows!
Yes, there are special late-night CTB buses running to accommodate people viewing the illuminated lanterns.
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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