Gangaramaya Temple

If you are down here in Colombo, on the sun-kissed roads amidst the colourful canvas of Sri Lankan culture, you need to scribble in Gangaramaya Temple to your list of must-sees. The Gangaramaya Temple boasts authentic Lankan architecture infused with Thai, Indian and Chinese artistry. Lined with statues of Lord Buddha in stones, white plastic and gold, the premises of Gangaramaya Temple consists of a library, a museum, a residential hall and educational halls too.

Once a swamp located adjacent to the Beira Lake, the area has now become the extravagant centre of a vibrant Vesak celebration lit picturesquely over the waters. Adorned with an extensive array of gifted jewels and gilded presents, the temple has also become an attraction where tourists and locals alike gather to share a serene moment. Most notable for tourists and much revered by local Buddhists is the “Simamalaka Shrine” that was built by the devotees. If what you are looking for is affordable Colombo hotel rooms within easy reach of sites such as Gangaramaya Temple, consider properties like Cinnamon Red Colombo which is only about a 5-minute drive away.

Gangaramaya, on account of it being a space for housing sacred objects in gratitude of Lord Buddha as well as being a place of worship, organises one of the most vibrant processions in the country, the “Nawam Maha Perahera”. If you get the chance of visiting Sri Lanka during February you will be delighted to catch the sight of this procession of sacred relics housed in a casket atop majestic elephants amidst dancers and drummers carrying Buddhist flags and marching forth.

When visiting the famous Gangaramaya Temple, you can also enjoy the sight of Beira Lake, the lake this temple is built on. Enjoy a peaceful relaxing break from sightseeing by the Beira Lake which was once used solely for transporting commercial goods within the city premises.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+