The Kataragama Esala Festival is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and vibrant religious celebrations. Held annually in the holy town of Kataragama, located just 6 km from Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Yala, the festival reaches its climax on the Esala Full Moon Poya Day (usually in July or August) with the final Maha Perahera—a grand cultural and spiritual procession.
The following morning marks the Water Cutting Ceremony (Diya Kepeema), a symbolic ritual held on the Menik Ganga (River of Gems), signifying the end of the festivities. This deeply spiritual festival brings together Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and indigenous Vedda communities, creating a rare and powerful expression of interfaith unity.

The Pada Yatra is a centuries-old pilgrimage on foot to Kataragama that begins in the far north or east of Sri Lanka—some pilgrims walk all the way from Jaffna. Covering hundreds of kilometers over several weeks, it is a journey of profound devotion, hardship, and spiritual reflection.
The final stretch of the pilgrimage route passes just a few hundred meters from our safari lodge near Yala National Park, offering you a front-row view of this moving tradition. The sound of chants, the sight of barefoot pilgrims, and the rhythm of ancient rituals add a rare layer of depth to your stay at Yala Park Sri Lanka.

By staying at Funky Leopard Safari Lodge during this special period, you have the unique opportunity to witness—and even participate in—a living tradition that continues to inspire thousands. You can:

• Observe the pilgrims up close as they pass by, often stopping at nearby shrines.
• Join the evening procession to the Kataragama Temple, which we arrange as an excursion (advance booking required).
• Experience a Dansala, an almsgiving stall set up by devotees to offer free food and drinks to pilgrims—open to all, including you!

These immersive experiences complement your Yala safari adventure, creating not only wildlife memories but also moments of spiritual and cultural significance.

Please be aware that festival music, devotional chants, and drumbeats may be audible from the lodge during the festival period. We provide complimentary earplugs in your tent for your comfort and peace.