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Found in 1996, The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is famous for its Theravada teachings and spiritual and cultural practice in accordance with the pure tradition of Buddhism. Its architecture is in unison with traditional Buddhist architecture, amid a serene atmosphere, while the philosophy emphasises Theravada through meditation practices of Vipassana and Samatha. Community activities include educational programs and public teachings. It has branches in the United States, Canada, and Australia, catering to the global Buddhist community. The monastery is known for its commitment to traditional Theravada practices, community service, and promoting Buddhist values.
Location
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The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery address is 7 Rajagiriya Road, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, a suburb of Colombo. It is the primary hub for the monastery’s activities and administration, including meditation retreats, teachings, and community services.
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How To Reach
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By Road: To reach Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte from Colombo, take the A4 road or B294 road, following local signs or GPS directions to 7, Rajagiriya Road, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
By Air: Follow the airport access road to the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway and E03 Expressway towards Colombo.
Places To Visit In And Around Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
If you’re visiting the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Sri Lanka, there are many places and attractions around the place and in its vicinity.
1. Diyatha Uyana
Photo: Weranga Rajapaksha / Wikimedia Commons
Diyatha Uyana is one of the urban parks in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka, which borders the Diyawanna Oya. The serene lakeside environment of the park comes with well-maintained gardens, walking paths, and open spaces. It has a children’s playground, public art installations, and decorative fountains. Food stalls and kiosks sell local snacks and refreshments, with small shops and vendors selling souvenirs and handicrafts. It hosts community events and festivals, thereby offering a chance for socialisation and celebration of culture.
Things To Do: Picnicking, walking and jogging
Location: Diyatha Uyana, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo District, Sri Lanka
How To Reach: About a 10-minute drive from Colombo city centre.
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2. Gangaramaya Temple
Photo: TheSriLankaLK / Wikimedia Commons
Gangaramaya Temple, more commonly known as Gangaramaya Vihara, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo. It is a temple famous for its architectural variety, cultural value, and lively religious activities. The amalgamation of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles in this temple makes it unique, with a central shrine room of a big Buddha statue. The details are a main hall with Buddha statues within the Vihara, a library, and a museum. The temple also accommodates a cultural museum, educational programs, and Buddhist monuments.
Things To Do: Prayer, meditation
Location: 61, Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka
How To Reach: Located about 15 minutes from Colombo Fort. Use Sri Jinaratana Road to reach the temple
3. Galle Face Green Beach
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Galle Face Green Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Colombo. It is a large open space of nearly 5 hectares, facing the sea, with a broad grassy area with a frontage catwalk and sporadic landscaping. The nature of this park is vibrant, which ideally suits families, love birds, and groups hanging out, especially during evenings and weekends. It serves as an open space for recreational purposes and local events, hence adding to the social life of Colombo. It also offers a sweeping view of the Indian Ocean, adding a historic charm to the backdrop.
Things To Do: Picnicking, kite flying, walking and jogging
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
How To Reach: Visitors can easily reach Galle Face Green by taking a taxi, tuk-tuk, or by bus from various parts of Colombo
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Best Beaches In Colombo
4. 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: You can take buses and tuk-tuks to Colombo 7
5. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most famous and ancient Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple comprises a big main shrine hall, elegantly decorated with paintings on the walls, depicting events from Buddha’s life and Jataka stories. There is also a large stupa within the compound, which is considered to be a centre of worship and meditation. The temple is a major centre for Poya Day observances as well as other numerous festivals that are held throughout the year.
Things To Do: Prayer, meditation
Location: Kelaniya, Colombo District, Sri Lanka
How To Reach: Take the A1 road north from Colombo, then follow signs to Kelaniya
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Where To Stay
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Colombo features an array of accommodation facilities located near its commercial hubs and beaches, suiting different budgets and tastes. Some recommended places are Gamodh Citadel Resort, The Lake Forest Hotel, Heritage Hotel Anuradhapura, Monaara Leisure and Muragala Holiday Resort.
Where To Eat
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High-end fine dining in Colombo would include The Lagoon, Museum of Crab, Nihonbashi, and Bambalapitiya Grill. Numerous outlets offer Sri Lankan street food from vendors and small eateries within the Pettah Market Area. These food outlets cater to diverse tastes and individual choices and thus would prove convenient for travellers.
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Colombo
Best Time To Visit
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This monastery is best visited during the dry season, from December to March, or during Poya days, when special religious activities are held. Throughout the year, the monastic community remains busy with festivals and other special events.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
The overall expenditure for a trip to the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka may vary depending on transport, accommodation, and personal expenses. Transportation ranges from LKR 1,500 (₹421.8) to LKR 3,000 (₹843.6). Accommodation typically costs between LKR 3,000 (₹843.6) to LKR 9,000 (₹2530.9) per night. Meals cost LKR 1,000 (₹281.2) to LKR 2,500 (₹703) per person. Other expenditures include entrance fees and souvenirs.
Tips For Travellers
- Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple buildings.
- Maintain silence and respect local customs, following instructions from monks or staff.
- Ask permission before taking photos inside the monastery.
- Prepare and plan your visit by checking visiting hours and planning transportation.
- Stay hydrated, bring sunscreen and a hat, and wear comfortable shoes.
- Engage respectfully in activities, such as meditation sessions, and consider donating to support the monastery.
- Explore local cuisine and dining options, respecting dining etiquette.
- Carry local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) for small purchases or donations.
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The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery offers secluded retreats to visitors who desire peace and spirituality. With its rich history complemented by the serenity of the surroundings, the abode is perfect for meditation and self-improvement. It offers a glimpse of the teachings of the Buddha for an epitome of real Buddhism. Let TripXL be your partner in making bookings hassle-free for a planned spiritual retreat.
Cover Photo: Mr Gayan Kanchana / Wikimedia Commons
