Ideal for both a relaxed holiday in the tropical sun as well as a fun and adventure packed time complete with new cultural experiences and differing tourist attractions, the tropical Sri Lanka beach hotels never fail to deliver. Tourists seeking to reside close to Colombo when they first arrive in the island and until they settle down, the little town by the beach known as Negombo is a perfect place to stay. While hotels such as Jetwing Beach can offer you the opportunity to relax and bask in the warm sun, they are located close to a number of popular tourist attractions as well.
Located in the vicinity of Negombo is one such tourist attraction, and a place of worship for locals, known as the Angurukaramulla Temple. Easily accessed by car or even public transport, the Angurukaramulla Temple is visited by throngs of tourists and locals alike. A Buddhist Temple, this place of worship pays homage to Lord Buddha and many locals pay a visit, especially on Full Moon poya days, to venerate their faith. Tourists visiting the Angurukaramulla Temple on such a day will be able to observe the manner in which Buddhists light incense and lamps, water the Bo tree and chant ‘pirith’. On a number of days, such temples have ‘Poojas’ where communities congregate and partake in ‘pinkam’: actions that Buddhist believe will bring them merit.
The Angurukaramulla Temple in particular is well known for its large Buddha statue, believed to be around six metres in height whereas just below the statue, the face of a dragon has been carved to dispel any malevolent spirits. Many Buddhists have taken to the habit of donating Buddha statues to the Temple and those who make a visit to the Temple will be able to observe this collection while also marvelling at the beautiful murals and paintings done by devotees.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
