Gangaramaya Temple
Colombo's most visited Buddhist temple, built in the 1880s, housing a museum of rare artefacts gifted by donors from across Asia.
Duration
1-2 hours
Entry Fee
$3 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
budget
About Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple was established in the 1880s by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero and has grown into one of Colombo's most culturally layered Buddhist complexes. The temple holds an eclectic collection of artefacts given by devotees from Thailand, China, Japan, and India: antique cars, elephants, ivory carvings, statues in dozens of styles, and rare Buddha images spanning multiple Asian traditions. The free daily puja ceremony at 6:30am draws both monks and local worshippers and is one of the most atmospheric early-morning experiences in the city. The Seema Malaka meditation hall, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, sits on Beira Lake and is technically part of the temple complex. Remove shoes before entering any shrine room, and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
Highlights
- Free daily puja ceremony at 6:30am
- Eclectic artefact museum with donations from across Asia
- Antique cars, ivory carvings, and rare Buddha images on display
- Connected to the Seema Malaka floating temple on Beira Lake
- Annual Navam Perahera procession (February full moon) attracts thousands
Practical Tips
Attend the 6:30am puja for a quiet, authentic religious experience before tourist crowds arrive.
Combine with a walk to Seema Malaka on Beira Lake, which is a 2-minute walk away.
Dress modestly: shoulders and knees must be covered; sarongs available to borrow at the entrance.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Best time of day: Year-round; February for the Navam Perahera festival
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Often busy
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- mixed
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- budget
- Photography
- ★★★★☆
Plan Your Visit
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ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Galle Face Green
A 500-metre oceanfront promenade in central Colombo, the largest open urban space in the city and a popular spot for kite flying and street food.
Explore →
Beira Lake
A 65-acre lake in central Colombo used by the Dutch as a defensive moat in the 17th century, now a public park and rowing venue.
Explore →
Seema Malaka Temple
A Buddhist meditation pavilion on three floating platforms on Beira Lake, designed by Geoffrey Bawa and completed in 1978.
Explore →
PLAN YOUR VISIT
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