The annual Elephant Round up is one of the most exciting spectacles of the year in Thailand. Surin, in the northeast of the country, known as the province of elephants, has long been associated with elephants. The people here are well known for their skills in rounding up wild elephants, training and taming them. Every year, more than one hundred elephants take part in the festival, displaying their grace, strength and intelligence in games of soccer, log carrying and tug-of-war, and the highlight of the festival, a dramatic mock battle.

TOURS:
Surin Elephant Round up - AST15 >

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“Loi Krathong” - the Festival of Lights – is one of Thailand’s oldest and best preserved traditions. It is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, and throughout Thailand, hundreds of thousands of ornately decorated krathong or banana leaf floats carrying candles and incense sticks, are set adrift in rivers and waterways. In Sukhothai province the festival also features a procession of offerings, sound and light show and firework display.

TOURS:
Loi Krathong Festival of Lights - AST14 >

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The colourful Pushkar Camel Fair is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience. In the month of November a staggering number of Camels travel their way across the golden sands of Rajasthan to meet at Pushkar for the week-long fair devoted to them.

TOURS:
Mystical Rajasthan - ASIN9 >

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The Kandy Perahera Festival is held over a period of 10 days during July/August. The exact dates are calculated by the Temple of Authorities according to the lunar movements, and are sometimes not known until April. Originally the festival was held following the harvest period, as a Thanksgiving to Lord Buddah and other deities for helping the people of Sri Lanka to harvest with no problems. Over the years the festival became more religious, and over the course of the festival, with each passing day, the level and beauty of the Perahera (Pageant) increases, the final night being the most beautiful.

TOURS:
Sri Lanka Uncovered - ASS2 >
Elephants, Fire Walkers & Beaches - ASFS1 >

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Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival held each year in Munich, Germany, running from late September to early October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year, and is an important part of Bavarian culture. The Munich Oktoberfest, traditionally takes place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October, The Oktoberfest is known as the Largest Volksfest (People's Fair) in the World. There are currently fourteen main tents at the Oktoberfest. The tents themselves are non-permanent structures which are constructed for and only used during the festival.

TOURS:
Central Europe - (London) >
Central Europe - (Paris) >
Central Waltz - (London) >
Central Waltz - (Paris) >
Central Symphony - (London) >
Central Symphony - (Paris) >

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ANZAC day falls on 25th April and is a National remembrance day in both Australia and New Zealand, commemorating those Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives during the Gallipoli offensive in World War 1. Many travelers choose to spend this day at ANZAC cove in Gallipoli, Turkey. Kumuka has developed several tours which include the Dawn services held on 25th April as well as tours of the area and the museums set up to represent the stories of those involved.

TOURS:
2 Day Anzac Tour - ME9D >
3 Day Anzac Tour - ME9E >
4 Day Anzac Tour - ME9B >
7 Day Anzac Tour - ME9A >
Discover Turkey - EU26 >
Turkish Delight - EU27 >

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Mali, West Africa is said to be the birth place of West African rhythms with many renowned artists bringing their enchanting vocals and ethereal tones of the Kora to the forefront of world music. Whilst there are several influences from the various regions throughout the country which have helped develop these unique sounds Malians, are fiercely proud of all representations. The 2 festivals in the country held in January have been developed, not only to celebrate the diversity and caliber of the music but also, as a means to bring together the different cultures in a peaceful environment to celebrate all which is important to this region. On a backdrop of either the largest desert in the world or one of the main life-giving rivers of Africa these festivals offer the traveler an insight into tradition, culture and spectacular landscapes. Join Kumuka on the following tours to experience the wonder.

TOURS:
Mali – Festival on the Niger - AFWA7 >
Mali - Festival of the Desert - AFWA8 >

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The Kumuka Carnival packages for are bigger and better than ever. We have introduced an all inclusive package so you can spend less time planning and more time partying!! Accommodation and half day tours to the must-see spots around Rio, buffet breakfast and a ticket to the unforgettable Sambadrome Parade are included.

TOURS:
Click here for Rio Carnival package details >

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Salvador Carnival is just as big and crazy as the Rio version, however it tends to be more popular with the locals – there's not quite so many tourists. There is a slightly different feel at the Bahia state capital carnival as the area has a huge African influence on the culture. This is very apparent all year round not just during carnival. It is just as big and crazy, with loads of street parties and parades, not to mention all that yummy Bahian/Brazilian style food!

TOURS:
Click here for Salvador Carnival package >

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La Paz Carnival has a great party atmosphere and is a crazy few days of just plain fun. The Bolivians really know how to have a good time as they have 3 full days of street parades, fancy dress fun and water fights! Head into the city centre armed to the teeth with water balloons, water pistols and cans of foam – and be ready for the most fun you have had since you were a child. Everyone in town involves themselves in the biggest water fight ever - kids, old ladies, tourists - everyone gets in on the action!

TOURS:
Latin Landscapes - SA1004 >
Andean Trail - SA1304 >
Peru Adventure - SA1104 >
The Explorer - SA1404 >
Camino - SA1504 >

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Uruguay Carnival is the longest Carnival in the world running for 40 days. It has a different style to that of the Brazilian carnival even though they are neighbours. There are still street parties and parades and Samba, however they also have Murga which is a performance by groups of people (almost exclusively Men) who get together to sing a cappella about political issues whilst being extremely entertaining. They also have groups of drummers and dancers parading around the streets.

TOURS:
Tucans & Tango - SA36
Patagonian Loop - SA49 >
Piranha Express - SA6 >
Patagonia High Road - SA29 >

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Intiraymi means festival of the sun and is the biggest festival of the year in Cusco. People come from all over the world to visit the Incan capital and to become a part of this sacred Incan ritual whereby the Incas would pray to the sun god and sacrifice llamas in a bid to keep him happy. Falling on the winter solstice every year, it becomes apparent when the sun rises on the shortest day of the year just how special the Sun was to the Incas. There are free concerts in the Main plaza of Cusco, there is also a big traditional Incan ceremony in Sacsayhuaman (an Incan site close to Cusco) and of course a large dose of good old South American chaos!

TOURS:
Latin Landscapes - SA1004 >
Andean Trail - SA1304 >
Peru Adventure - SA1104 >
The Explorer - SA1404 >
Peru Volunteer Programme - SAC5 >
Inca Magic - SA2 >
Inca Heights - SA3 >

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