[2025 Colombo Attraction] Travel Guide for Gangaramaya Temple (Updated Jan)

Gangaramaya Temple (Sinhala: ශ්රී ගංගාරාම මහාවිහාරය śrī gangārāma mahāvihāraya, Tamil: ஸ்ரீ கங்காராம மகாவிகாரம் Srī Gaṅgārāma Makāvikāram) is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century.

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important religious and historical building in Colombo. The location is quite convenient as it is in the hearth of the city's down town. The recommended sightseeing time is between one to two hours. The temple is really well preserved and is a pleasure to see in person. Women must be dressed appropriately with no revealing clothes and shoulder should be covered. One advantage is that this place closest very late. It is open to the public from 6:00 am until 10:00 PM. #createwithtrip #colombo #srilanka #gangaramayatemple

Gangaramaya Temple This is one of the most important temples in Colombo, combining modern architecture and cultural essence, and incorporating Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, Chinese, and British architectural styles. It is located on the banks of Beira Lake and was completed in the late 19th century. Its main features are the Vihara (temple), Cetiya (stupa), Bodhi tree, Seema Malaka (monk assembly hall), and relic room. In addition, there is a museum, library, residential hall, education hall, and relief hall. It is clear that the main building imitates the pagoda style of Bodh Gaya in India, and the rows of Buddha statues in front of the pagoda are very striking and spectacular. The Buddhist Museum has a collection of items from various countries and regions, and it is difficult to distinguish between real and fake. It is quite large inside, and you can spend more than half an hour slowly browsing. The temple is beautiful and has a collection of antiques from old watches to pottery, gems, Rolls-Royce cars, statues, ivory products, and more. Overall, it feels more like a cultural center or attraction, suitable for those who are not familiar with Buddhist culture. Practical Information 📍Address: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka 🎫Tickets: 400 rupees, shoes need to be placed in the box at the entrance, no extra charge. 🪭Nearby attractions: You can visit the Water Temple, so remember to keep your ticket. There is a large modern shopping mall opposite the temple, which is convenient for dining and shopping, and you can also go inside to enjoy the air conditioning and take a break.

#cityscape Gangaramaya Temple, situated in the bustling heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a prominent center for Buddhist learning and worship. Founded in the late 19th century by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, the temple blends traditional architecture with modern elements, creating a unique spiritual haven. Visitors are greeted by an array of statues and relics, including a giant Buddha statue and intricate wood carvings, showcasing the island's rich artistic heritage. The temple complex includes a Vihara (temple), Cetiya (pagoda), Bodhi Tree, and a museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the world. Gangaramaya is not just a place of worship; it plays a significant role in community service and education. Its annual Navam Perahera, a grand procession of elephants, dancers, and drummers, draws thousands of visitors, making it one of Colombo's most anticipated cultural events.

This temple is located near Beira Lake, where Gangaramaya Park is located. Take off your shoes and pay the 400 rupee entrance fee to enter. There are exhibitions inside, but the atmosphere is chaotic, with various items on display with no clear theme. It also has a bit of a junk market feel to it. Recommended for those who like the chaos of Asian temples. Of course, there are temple-like attractions, such as an area lined with Buddha statues and a golden tower. #0yentravel #Colombo #SriLanka

Water temple, Colombo. Sat in the Buddha hall for half an hour, the cool breeze was comfortable and quiet. Two snakes protect the big footprints. The Guanyin statue shows the flexibility of Theravada Buddhism. The offerings even come with a set of Western tableware, which is quite interesting. The water temple is actually part of the Gangaramaya Monastery and Museum, the main temple is located at another nearby location, you can go together, I went a few nights ago. Note: If you join a group, these two places are not on the itinerary, you have to find time to go. The temples in Colombo are open at night, but not too late, eight or nine o'clock at night, definitely open.

Wat Kongkaram is a very important Thai temple in Sri Lanka. It is a Siam Wong Thai temple and the location of the first Sunday Buddhist school in Sri Lanka. Inside the temple, there is peace and quiet and is filled with many valuable Buddhist arts, such as the yellow Buddha statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture enshrined inside the chapel, along with beautiful and magnificent murals. There is also a Bodhi tree that has a shoot from the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, and a museum collecting antiques, both sacred objects and utensils, which the temple has collected for us to walk and study the history in an interesting way. #Waiting for the day to travel