Travel Lanka Guide - August 2019

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In this issue

Dear Visitor... This is the month of August celebrations in Sri Lanka with the Esala Perahera in Kandy, the historic procession of sight and sound as it parades in the Hill Capital for ten days in August. It is a display of cultural splendour with caparisoned elephants parading with the drummers and dancers, led by the whip-crackers, and light from torch bearers, as the majestic elephant from the ‘Dalada Maligawa' Temple of the Tooth Relic - carries the jewelled golden casket of the revered relic, in a tradition dating back two millennia. In addition to the Buddhist pageantry that continues from royal patronage of the past – from the mid 18th Century, the Perahera – highlighted with the decorated and graceful Maligawa Tusker, also have the processions of the three Hindu Devales or shrines that are part of the religious and cultural presence of Kandy, with their own rhythms and rites on show. The Diyawadana Nilame, the Chief of the Maligawa leads the Perahera, and Nilames of the Hindu shrines too participate in this display of colour and performance by the drummers, dancers, and performers of delightful display. The Hill Country remains the focus in August and in the cool mountainous Nuwara Eliya, the biggest draw is Golf, brought by the English. The Nuwara Eliya Golf Course is a big attraction to lovers of the game, and is one of the finest courses in all of Asia, with its hills, valleys and winding terrain, in a sporting tradition dating back more than two centuries. August with all its colour of festivity keeps alive the friendship of the Sri Lankan people with the many attractions of Sun, Sea and Sand, Greenery and Forests that delights visitors. Enjoy your unforgettable holiday. The Travel Lanka Team