Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple that is over 120 years old, has a museum with thousands of artifacts, a library with rare books, a floating platform on a lake, and a procession of elephants and dancers every year? If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, then you should definitely visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most spectacular and cultural gems in the city.
Gangaramaya Temple is not just a place of worship, but also a center of learning, art, and culture. It is one of the most prominent and influential Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, and attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or spirituality, you will find something to admire and enjoy at this temple.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Gangaramaya Temple, from how to reach it, when to visit it, what to expect, and what to see. We will also share some tips and insights to help you make the most of your visit. Let’s get started!
How to Reach Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is located in the heart of Colombo, on the Jinaratana Road, near the Beira Lake. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as bus, train, taxi, or tuk-tuk.
Bus:
You can take a bus from any major bus station in Colombo, such as the Colombo Fort, Pettah, or Bastian Mawatha, and get off at the Slave Island or Kollupitiya bus stops, which are about 1 km away from the temple. The bus fare is around LKR 20-30 (USD 0.10-0.15).
Train:
You can take a train from the Colombo Fort railway station, which is the main railway hub in the city, and get off at the Slave Island railway station, which is about 1.5 km away from the temple. The train fare is around LKR 10-20 (USD 0.05-0.10).
Taxi:
You can hire a taxi from any part of the city, and reach the temple in about 15-20 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare is around LKR 300-500 (USD 1.50-2.50).
Tuk-tuk:
You can also take a tuk-tuk, which is a three-wheeled auto rickshaw, from any part of the city, and reach the temple in about 10-15 minutes, depending on the traffic. The tuk-tuk fare is around LKR 150-300 (USD 0.75-1.50).
You can also use online platforms like Uber or PickMe to book a ride to the temple. Alternatively, you can walk to the temple from the nearby areas, such as the Galle Face Green, the Colombo City Centre, or the Viharamahadevi Park, which are all within 2-3 km from the temple.
Best Time to Visit Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is open throughout the year, from 6 am to 10 pm, and welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. However, there are some factors that you may want to consider before planning your visit, such as the weather, the festivals, and the crowds.
Weather:
Colombo has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather all year round. The average temperature is around 27°C (81°F), and the average rainfall is around 200 mm (8 inches) per month. The best time to visit Colombo in terms of weather is from January to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant, and the chances of rain are low. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so you may encounter more crowds and higher prices. The worst time to visit Colombo in terms of weather is from May to August, when the weather is wet and stormy, and the chances of rain are high. However, this is also the low tourist season, so you may find less crowds and lower prices.
Festivals:
Gangaramaya Temple is famous for its festivals, especially the Navam Perahera, which is one of the biggest and most colorful Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. The Navam Perahera is held every year in February, on the full moon day of the month of Navam, according to the Buddhist calendar. The festival features a grand procession of hundreds of elephants, dancers, drummers, and monks, who parade through the streets of Colombo, starting from the temple and ending at the Beira Lake. The festival attracts thousands of spectators and pilgrims, who come to witness the spectacle and receive blessings. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the culture and tradition of Sri Lanka, but it also means that the temple and the city will be very crowded and noisy during this time. If you want to avoid the crowds and the noise, you may want to visit the temple at a different time of the year.
Crowds:
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most popular and visited attractions in Colombo, and it can get very crowded and busy at certain times of the day and the year. The temple is usually more crowded in the mornings and evenings, when the devotees come to offer prayers and donations. The temple is also more crowded on weekends and public holidays, when more locals and tourists come to visit. The temple is also more crowded during the festivals, especially the Navam Perahera, when the temple and the city are filled with people and activities. If you want to enjoy the temple peacefully and quietly, you may want to visit the temple in the afternoons and weekdays, when the temple is less crowded and more serene.
What to Expect at Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is not just a temple, but also a museum, a library, a school, a cultural center, and a tourist attraction. It is a place where you can learn about the history, culture, and religion of Sri Lanka, as well as admire the beauty and diversity of the temple and its surroundings. Here are some things that you can expect at the Gangaramaya Temple:
Entrance fee:
The entrance fee to the temple is LKR 300 (USD 1.50) per person, which includes access to the temple, the museum, the library, and the Seema Malaka. You can pay the fee at the ticket counter near the entrance of the temple. You will also receive a brochure with some information about the temple and its attractions.
Dress code:
The temple is a sacred and respectful place, and you are expected to dress modestly and appropriately. You should cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or hats. You should also remove your shoes and socks before entering the temple, and leave them at the shoe racks near the entrance. You can also wear a sarong or a scarf to cover yourself, which are available for rent or purchase at the temple.
Customs:
The temple is a place of worship and devotion, and you should follow some basic customs and etiquette while visiting the temple. You should not touch or disturb the statues, relics, or offerings in the temple. You should not take photos or videos of the monks or the devotees without their permission. You should not turn your back to the Buddha statues or point your feet at them. You should also not talk loudly or play music in the temple. You should respect the silence and the peace of the temple, and observe the rituals and ceremonies with reverence and curiosity.
Attractions:
Gangaramaya Temple is a treasure trove of attractions, both inside and outside the temple. The temple complex consists of several buildings, halls, shrines, and courtyards, each with its own charm and significance. The temple also has a museum, a library, a Seema Malaka, and a Navam Perahera, which are some of the highlights of the temple. Here are some of the attractions that you should not miss at the Gangaramaya Temple:
Museum:
The museum is located in the main building of the temple, and it is one of the most impressive and eclectic museums in Sri Lanka. The museum houses a collection of over 10,000 artifacts and relics, ranging from ancient to modern, from local to foreign, and from religious to secular. You can find statues, paintings, carvings, coins, jewelry, weapons, vehicles, and even a stuffed elephant in the museum. The museum showcases the history, culture, and diversity of Sri Lanka, as well as the world. The museum is open from 6 am to 10 pm, and the entrance fee is included in the temple ticket.
Library:
The library is located in a separate building next to the museum, and it is one of the most valuable and rare libraries in Sri Lanka. The library contains a collection of over 5,000 books and manuscripts, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The library covers various topics, such as Buddhism, philosophy, history, literature, and science. The library also has some original copies of the Tripitaka, the sacred scriptures of Buddhism, written on palm leaves. The library is open from 6 am to 10 pm, and the entrance fee is included in the temple ticket.
Seema Malaka:
The Seema Malaka is a floating platform on the Beira Lake, connected to the temple by a wooden bridge. The Seema Malaka was designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, and it is a stunning example of modern and traditional architecture. The Seema Malaka consists of three pavilions, surrounded by a row of Buddha statues and a fence of Buddhist flags. The Seema Malaka is a place of meditation and tranquility, where you can enjoy the views of the lake and the city. The Seema Malaka is open from 6 am to 10 pm, and the entrance fee is included in the temple ticket.
Navam Perahera:
The Navam Perahera is the most famous and spectacular festival of the Gangaramaya Temple, and one of the biggest and most colorful Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. The Navam Perahera is held every year in February, on the full moon day of the month of Navam, according to the Buddhist calendar. The festival features a grand procession of hundreds of elephants, dancers, drummers, and monks, who parade through the streets of Colombo, starting from the temple and ending at the Beira Lake. The festival attracts thousands of spectators and pilgrims, who come to witness the spectacle and receive blessings. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the culture and tradition of Sri Lanka, but it also means that the temple and the city will be very crowded and noisy during this time. If you want to see the Navam Perahera, you should book your tickets and accommodation in advance, and arrive early to secure a good spot. The festival is usually held in the evening, from 7 pm to 10 pm, and the entrance fee is LKR 500 (USD 2.50) per person.
Gangaramaya Temple is a must-see attraction in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for anyone who wants to experience the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the country. The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of learning, art, and culture. The temple offers a variety of attractions, such as the museum, the library, the Seema Malaka, and the Navam Perahera, that will appeal to different interests and tastes. The temple is also a place of peace and serenity, where you can relax and meditate in the midst of the bustling city. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, you will find something to admire and enjoy at the Gangaramaya Temple.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative guide to the Gangaramaya Temple, and that you are inspired to visit this spectacular and cultural gem in Colombo. If you want to learn more about the temple, or book a tour of the temple, you can visit the official website of the temple [here]. You can also check out some of the other amazing attractions and activities in Colombo and Sri Lanka on our website. Happy travels!
