Nestled in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Gangaramaya Temple is a sacred Buddhist site that offers a captivating perspective of the island’s rich religious heritage.
Getting There
This temple is located along Sri Jinarathana Road in the Colombo 02 area of the city. Around a five minute walk from Residence by Uga Escapes, this site is close to Beira Lake and is easily accessible by public bus, taxi or tuk-tuk from most hotels in Colombo.
The Image House
One of the key attractions at Gangaramaya Temple is its Image House which can be reached after passing through the site’s intricately designed dragon arch. Here one will find a statue of Lord Buddha in a meditating pose along with other statues as well. Also of note are the wall paintings showcasing incidents from Lord Buddha’s life.
Other Highlights
As you explore the temple you will also come across a sacred bo tree and the Ata Visi Hall which features statues of the 28 Buddhas. At the Relic Chamber, you will find a beautifully designed sanctum where sacred relics of Lord Buddha are kept.
The Museum
Gangaramaya Temple has a museum well worth visiting; here you will not only find a collection of various Buddha statues and religious iconography but other fascinating items that have been collected or donated. These include everything from wood carvings and ola leaf writings to vintage cars!