Gangaramaya Temple is not only one of the most beautiful but also one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It is more than a century since this temple was constructed; however even today, the temple doesn’t stop to surprise tourists and devotees. The pathways and doors that lead into the main sanctum sanctorum contain intricately carved sculptures that are simply breath-taking.
Highlights: The ceilings and walls contain pictures and miniature paintings that explain stories from Buddhism religion. In the main sanctorum, a huge Buddha statue exudes a brilliant sense of calmness in the devotees. Built in a mix of various architectural styles including India, Burmese, Thai and Chinese, this temple also houses a museum.
Location: The temple is located right on the Jinaratana Road in the heart of Colombo city.
Timings: The temple is open from 5.30AM to 10PM.
Price: Entry fee is LKR200 per adult.
One of the most popular Buddhist temples in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is known for its tranquil surroundings and serene atmosphere. The temple sports exceptionally beautiful architecture and is located on the banks of the famous Beira Lake. On the opposite side of the lake, are several statues and intricate carvings that mark the majestic entrance to the temple. The main premises of this place houses a large statue of Buddha, and the ceilings of the temple tell the tales of his life. The Gangaramaya Temple was constructed in the late 19th century by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. Soon after its construction, the temple gained wide popularity in Sri Lanka as well as the rest of the world, including countries like India, Thailand and China.
This was because of the unique blend of architectural elements of the temple, which still attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. Gangaramaya Temple is not just a place for worship. It is also functioning as a center of learning. The temple hosts the Sri Jinarathana Training Institute. This institute controls nearly 40 training centers, all of them hosting a variety of vocational courses. It is estimated that more than 7,000 students are enrolled in these centers. In addition to all this, the temple committee also believed in giving back to the people. The Gangaramaya Temple’s Na Sevana’s Community Development Project in Sooriyawewa has been set up to help in upliftment of the local community by helping them with cultivation of crops, animal husbandry, vegetable and fruit yards, and also educating the locals about health and wellbeing.
Gangaramaya Temple is located 35 km away from Bandaranaike Airport.
Here are the best ways to get to the temple from the airport:
1. Colombo Express Bus: The express highway bus will take about an hour to go from the airport to the temple, and the waiting time is around 30 minutes. That may sound like a long time, but it is a cheap mode of transportation, and will only cost you around INR 80.
You can buy a ticket from the conductor. The last bus from the airport leaves at 8.30 pm, and there are no night buses. So, plan your journey accordingly.
2. Taxi: A taxi will take around 45 minutes to transport you from the airport to the temple, and there is no wait time as you can order one anytime. But the price is quite high - it will cost you around INR 2000. You can also pre book a taxi before you arrive.
To get the most out of your visit to the temple, you should plan your trip here in mid-February. This is because during this time, the annual moon day celebrations are planned, so you will get to experience the lovely atmosphere this month. The entire temple is festooned with flags, bells are ringing everywhere, and the atmosphere is extremely serene and calming.
The weather in Colombo is also pleasant in February. In the summer, that is, between April and July, it can get quite hot, and in winter, the temperatures are too low. During February, you will be able to enjoy the temple’s tourist destinations without worrying about excessive heat or cold.
As for when to visit the temple during the day, it is recommended to go there during the morning, midday or evening prayer times, as the vibes at these times are extremely holy and sacred.