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Gangaramaya Temple, or Gangaramaya Vihara, is a significant Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was founded by Ven. H. Sri S. Mahinda in the late 19th century. Some of the primary features include its eclectic design, which combines a bit of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese origins. The central shrine is solely devoted to Lord Buddha, a much-admired museum with a wide array of exhibitions, a quiet and serene lake with a pavilion, a giant library containing innumerable Buddhist literature, and cultural and education programs. This temple is a famous pilgrimage attraction in Sri Lanka.
Location
Photo: Thilina Alagiyawanna / Pexels
Gangaramaya Temple address is easy to navigate. It is located at the centre of Colombo, Sri Lanka, along Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo 2. The temple lies amidst residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, hence easily accessible to visitors and locals alike. It is situated close to some of the city’s landmarks, such as Beira Lake and the area of Colombo Fort, and it is very convenient to pass by when touring cultural and historical sites across the city.
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How To Reach
Photo: Oskar Kadaksoo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Road: Reaching Gangaramaya Temple, Sri Lanka, is relatively straightforward due to its central location. To reach Sri Jinaratana Road from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, take the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, merge onto E03, and follow signs for Colombo.
By Air: To reach the temple by air, fly into Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. You can hire a taxi from the airport or use a rideshare service for the 30-kilometre drive to the city centre.
Places To Visit In And Around Gangaramaya Temple
When visiting Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, there are several interesting places and attractions nearby that you can explore. Here’s a list of notable places in and around the area.
1. Beira Lake
Photo: Manorie Kodithuwakku / Unsplash
Beira Lake is a 65-hectare lake in Colombo, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s urban life. Its historical significance dates back to the Dutch colonial period, and green spaces and parks, including Viharamahadevi Park, surround it. It is a unique lake with an island in the middle, which houses a Buddhist shrine. It is famous for boating, walking paths, and promenades. Being the habitat for various birds and aquatic life, it’s great for birdwatching and local wildlife observation. The lake is also used for community events, cultural activities, and festivals.
Things To Do: Boating, strolling, photography
Location: Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo
How To Reach: You can drive or take a taxi to Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha Lake.
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2. Colombo National Museum
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The Colombo National Museum is the largest museum in Sri Lanka, located in the heart of Colombo. It was established in 1877 to collect and conserve the history and culture of the island. It accommodates a large collection of antiquities, cultural artefacts, regalia and ceremonial objects, a natural history section, fossils, and archaeological finds. It is among the major institutions in the country for education and research. It has played a vital role in preserving the historical artefacts of the island and making them available for public viewing.
Things To Do: Exhibits exploration
Location: Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7
How To Reach: Directly drive or hire a taxi to the museum on a major road
3. Viharamahadevi Park
Photo: David Stanley / Wikimedia Commons
Viharamahadevi Park is a 50-hectare urban park. Established in 1873, this was known as Victoria Park and was later renamed Viharamahadevi Park in 1958 in memory of the ancient Sri Lankan queen and mother of King Dutugemunu, Viharamahadevi. It has broad, well-maintained, and tree-lined paths, large grassy areas, and well-maintained flowering gardens with a mix of tropical and temperate flora. The park contains a beautiful central fountain, children’s playgrounds, and open spaces that can be rented for sporting and recreational activities.
Things To Do: Picnicking, jogging, strolling
Location: Located on Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7
How To Reach: There are buses and tuk-tuks available that go to this park
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4. Colombo Fort
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Colombo Fort is an area of the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which serves as an important commercial and administrative hub. This grew from a Portuguese fortification, later expanded and fortified by the Dutch & the British administered it at different times as their colony. Today, many government offices, banks, business houses, and historical buildings can be found here to remind one of the colonial heritage of this city. This entire area is surrounded by Beira Lake, giving a serene contrast to the city. The fort walls are mostly dismantled but still depict their historic significance.
Things To Do: Tour, shopping, dining
Location: Colombo
How to Reach: Buses and tuk-tuks are available to go to the fort area
5. Kollupitiya
Photo: Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne / Wikimedia Commons
Kollupitiya, or Colpetty, is the commercial and residential hub. It is centrally located along Galle Road and surrounded by other leading areas like Bambalapitiya, Havelock Town, and the Colombo Fort area. Kollupitiya is renowned for its residential buildings, towering apartments, commercial establishments, and shopping centres, all of which contribute to a modern flavour in this essence of Sri Lankan tradition. Some features that define Kollupitiya are shopping malls such as Liberty Plaza and the Colombo City Centre, local markets, towering apartments, and usually quiet residential streets.
Things To Do: Sightseeing, shopping
Location: Situated along Galle Road and bordered by Bambalapitiya and Havelock Town
How To Reach: Direct drive or taxi via major roads like Galle Road
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Where To Stay
Photo: Sara Dubler / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Colombo features a long array of accommodation facilities located near its commercial hubs and beaches, suiting different budgets and tastes. Some recommended places to stay here are Mercy Guest House, Ramada by Wyndham, ITC Ratnadeepa, Taj Samudra Colombo, and VAUX Park Street.
Where To Eat
Photo: Nilantha Sanjeewa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are restaurants located near the temple offering international and Sri Lankan cuisine, like Cafe Galle Face, The Mango Tree, The Lagoon, Shanmugas, Nihonbashi, and The Gallery Cafe. Some varieties of seafood at the Museum of Crab, Gallery Cafe, Siam Trading Co., Kandys, and Royal Thai, located in Kollupitiya.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo is from December to March when the days are more comfortable and dry. From May to September, there will be fewer people, making it peaceful. On Poya days, it offers a special kind of culture and spiritualism, but sometimes it can be too crowded.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: John Matychuk / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The visit to Gangaramaya Temple will involve transport, food, and other expenses. The entrance is free, although a donation is expected. The estimated cost for just one visit will be approximately LKR 2,000 (₹562.4) to LKR 10,000 (₹2812.1).
Tips For Travellers:
- Respect the etiquettes in the temple, dress modestly, remove shoes before entering, and maintain complete silence all the time.
- Be respectful of people’s privacy. Do not click Gangaramaya Temple photos without permission.
- Donations and offerings are to be given respectfully, and small-denomination currency can be donated.
- You can hire a local guide if you want to learn more about the history and significance of the temple.
- Avoid peak hours and plan your trip accordingly.
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Gangaramaya Temple, a serene oasis in the heart of Colombo, offers a profound spiritual experience. Highly intricate architecture, sacred relics, and soothing serenity make the place a must-see for every traveller who wants to experience cultural immersion, be it a devoted Buddhist or just an appreciator of beauty in religious art. Explore more of Sri Lanka’s wonders with TripXL, your trusted companion for unforgettable journeys.
Cover Photo: Dan arndt / Wikimedia Commons
