Are you a travel enthusiast looking to visit Colombo for a holiday or simply to enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and religious history? The Gangaramaya Temple is your ideal destination. This Buddhist temple is one of the most iconic places in Sri Lanka. Read on and get all the information about the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, its location, opening hours and entrance fees.
About Gangaramaya Temple
Sri Sumangala, a famous scholar monk in the late 19th century, started the Buddhist temple. Today, Gangaramaya is more than just a temple; it is a place of worship and learning the culture and religious Buddhist history.
The ground on which the temple stands was initially a small shrine. Still, when Venerable Sri Sumangala realized the surging need for a larger Buddhist ground of worship, he started the construction of the temple in the late 18th century. Thanks to the support rendered by the locals, the temple has since expanded over the years.
Gangaramaya’s architecture is a blend of both modern and cultural essence. With several imposing buildings, you will surely enjoy an electric mix of Asian culture, including the Sri Lankan, Chinese, Thai and Indian tastes.
The temple is famous for its incredible festivals, ceremonies, and charitable initiatives. Most importantly, the temple hosts an annual procession called a Perahera, where people from all walks of life gather to witness and pay homage to the sacred relics of the Buddhist religion displayed during the procession.
The Gangaramaya temple is a fascinating tourist attraction and, thus, a must-visit for anyone planning to travel to Sri Lanka. Its most distinguishing feature is the treasure trove museum, where you’ll be amazed at the innumerable statues of Buddha and Hindu gods, among numerous other antique collectables.
Location
The Gangaramaya temple is probably the most iconic in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
It is about 1.5 KM from the National Museum and 5 KM from Colombo’s Fort Railway Station. It is located near Beria Lake and is one of the ancientBuddhist temples in Colombo.
Gangaramaya Temple opening times
Every day, the temple opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening. To get the most serene experience, however, I recommend visiting the temple early in the morning when it is less crowded. To be precise, the temple opens from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Gangaramaya Temple entrance fee
There is no entrance fee for the locals; thus, they can enter freely. Foreigners must pay an entrance fee to access the Gangaramaya temple. Adults are expected to pay 300 Sri Lankan Rupees, while children are expected to pay 200 Sri Lankan Rupees.
Check the current temple entrance fee if you plan to visit Gangaramaya temple. Also, you can offer your donations to support and maintain the temple.
Dress code
Overall, those who visit the temple are required to dress modestly. Both men and women should dress decently by covering their shoulders and knees. That said, you can wear any casual wear as long as it covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Hats, Caps and Hijabs are not allowed inside the temple; you’ll most likely be requested to remove them before entering the temple. In addition, shoes or slippers are not allowed inside the temple; thus, you’ll have to leave them at the temple’s entrance.
