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).