The Kumana entrance on the eastern edge of Yala National Park is set to reopen today (21) to accommodate pilgrims journeying to Kataragama for the 2025 pilgrimage season.
Recognized as the longest pilgrimage in Sri Lanka, the annual Kataragama walk sees devotees from the North and East of the country travel over 100 kilometers on foot, passing through rugged landscapes and wildlife zones in the Kumana and Yala National Parks.
An official from the National Park Department confirmed that the Kumana gate will remain open for two weeks, enabling safe passage for the pilgrims traveling from Okanda to Kataragama.
This sacred journey culminates at the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, where the annual Perahera Festival is scheduled to begin on June 26. Pilgrims typically take five to six days to complete the spiritual trek, navigating a route rich in both natural beauty and religious significance.
