The Kumana entrance, located on the eastern boundary of Yala National Park, will be opened today (20th) in preparation for the 2025 Kataragama pilgrimage season.

This annual pilgrimage, regarded as the longest in Sri Lanka, sees devotees from the North and East journey on foot to the sacred site of Kataragama.

Pilgrims cover over 100 kilometers on foot, passing through diverse terrains and wildlife-rich areas between the Kumana and Yala National Parks.

According to a National Park official, the Kumana entrance will remain open for two weeks to support the pilgrimage route from Okanda through Yala to Kataragama.

Meanwhile, the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya Perahera Festival is set to begin on June 26.

As part of this sacred journey, pilgrims will spend around five to six days trekking through the wilderness areas of Kumana and Yala.