Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys — explore trails, experiences, activities, hotels, and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys — explore trails, experiences, activities, hotels, and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys — explore trails, experiences, activities, hotels, and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Gangaramaya Temple is the most important Buddhist temple in Colombo and one of the most architecturally eclectic religious sites in South Asia, making it a highlight in any Colombo travel guide. This 19th century complex sits on the edge of Beira Lake and blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese Buddhist styles within a compact urban setting, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Colombo. The temple’s main shrine room features a 6.6 meter seated Buddha image, along with a relic chamber that is believed to hold a strand of Buddha’s hair. The on-site museum adds to its appeal as one of the top attractions in Colombo, displaying an unusual mix of Buddhist artifacts, vintage cars including a Rolls-Royce gifted in the 1950s, and even a stuffed elephant that served as the temple’s mascot for 39 years. Nearby, the Seema Malaka prayer pavilion located in the middle of Beira Lake and designed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1976 is part of the same temple complex but requires a separate visit, offering another peaceful experience for those planning things to do in Colombo.
What makes this place special
The 6.6 meter seated Buddha statue in the main hall of Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most striking spiritual sights in Colombo, surrounded by hundreds of smaller Buddha figures gifted by devotees over the years. This sacred setting makes it a key highlight in any Colombo travel guide. In the courtyard, the revered Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the original in Anuradhapura, adds deep religious significance, making it one of the top attractions in Colombo for those interested in culture and spirituality.
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Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys — explore trails, experiences, activities, hotels, and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
The Seema Malaka meditation pavilion, designed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1976, is one of the most serene places to visit in Colombo. Set on Beira Lake, this floating structure consists of three platforms connected by walkways and lined with small Buddha images, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Often featured in every Colombo travel guide, it stands out among the top attractions in Colombo for its minimalist design and spiritual atmosphere. Visiting at dawn or dusk is one of the most calming things to do in Colombo, offering a quiet contrast to the city’s busy Colombo tourism scene.