colombo

Why are there elephants walking on the roads in Colombo? Is there a festival?

Asked 8 months agoSeen by 1,583 travellers

Stella Martinez•145 rep•1

We are staying near Gangaramaya Temple (Colombo 2) and just saw elephants and dancers practicing in the street.

Is there a big event coming up? Can tourists buy tickets to watch, or is it a private religious ceremony?

colombo culture festivals temples navamperahera jan2026

asked 8 months ago

Stella Martinez•145 rep•1

1 Answer from travellers

Verified Local Expert

You are in the right place at the right time! You are witnessing the preparations for the Navam Maha Perahera.

- The Event: This is Colombo’s biggest cultural pageant. It is scheduled for Jan 31st and Feb 1st, 2026.
- What to expect: Hundreds of drummers, dancers, and caparisoned elephants parading around Beira Lake at night.
- Tickets: Yes, you can watch for free from the roadside (very crowded), or buy "Seated Tickets" ($20-$40) from the stands set up near Navam Mawatha.
- Warning: Traffic in Colombo 02 (Slave Island/Union Place) will be diverted from 6:00 PM onwards on these dates. If you aren't watching, stay away from this zone!

💰Price info from: January 2026

answered 8 months ago

Viraj PereraVerified Local Expert•353 rep•2

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