About Gangaramaya Temple Architecture & Spaces Museum & Artifacts Cultural & Religious Significance Community & Education Visitor Information
Gangaramaya Temple, located at 61 Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 00200, is one of the city’s most important Buddhist temples. Founded in the late 19th century by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera and expanded under Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera, it blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles and stands alongside Beira Lake. Official Temple Site
The complex includes a main sanctuary with a large Buddha statue surrounded by intricate murals, a stupa, a Bodhi tree, a relic chamber, and a three-storey preaching hall. The adjacent Seema Malaka is a floating meditation hall designed by Geoffrey Bawa, offering a serene retreat by the lake. Explore on Wikipedia
The temple’s museum houses a vast collection of Buddhist statues, ancient manuscripts, tiny Buddha figures, Hindu icons, Dutch-era coins, vintage vehicles (including antique Rolls-Royce and Mercedes), and more—offering an eclectic glimpse into culture and history. Highlights from the Museum
The temple is a key venue for Buddhist observances—daily worship, Poya (full moon) ceremonies, and major festivals such as the annual February Navam Perahera and the Vesak lantern celebrations along Beira Lake. Festival Details
Gangaramaya functions as a cultural center, offering educational programs, vocational training, an orphanage, and an elderly care home, all guided by the late Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera. Learn About the Chief Incumbent
Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PM
Entry Fee: Foreign visitors LKR 300 (approx. US$2), locals free; small museum fee applies
Dress Code: Modest attire—cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering
How to Get There: A 10–15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Colombo Fort or via Bus 138/101 from Fort to Colombo 02
| Accepted Currencies: | Sri Lankan Rupees |
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| Payment Types: | Cash |
| Mon |
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
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| Tue |
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
| Wed |
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
| Thu |
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
| Fri |
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
| Sat |
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
| Sun |
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
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61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200 Colombo, Western 00200 Sri Lanka
Founded in the late 19th century, Gangaramaya Temple blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. A center for worship, learning, community service, and cultural events—including the annual Navam Perahera