The most revered Gangarayama temple stands as not just one of the most iconic temples in Sri Lanka but also as a great tourist hotspots based in the commercial capital Colombo as well.
Check for the following information to learn about the temple to get inspire about the values that it may share your most awaited holiday experiences looking forward to make in Sri Lanka and also find out how it can contribute your itinerary.
Go through the below listed information and learn how this fascinating place can appeal your days to spend in Sri Lanka.
History of Gangaramaya Temple
The holy Gangaramaya temple comes to the picture with a patronage of the revered Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala thero in 19th century. And latter the temple soon become one of main tourist hotspots based in Sri Lanka and also in Asia that present the best of a great blend of the Buddhist cultures and practices that spread all across the globe.
Things to See in Gangaramaya Temple
It is worth to call Gangaramaya temple complex as one of the best glimpse of local culture and history. The temple is happily present you a wide range of highlights and artifacts, hence a visit to Gangaramaya temple would be a discovery of local practices and norms shaped by the pulse of an island country which has so much inspired by Buddhist beliefs and traditions.
Also if you would like to make a spiritual tour Gangaramaya temple is one of the best places that you should not skip in your itinerary. You may spend some good time in the temple by refreshing your thoughts and vibes. You may have some meditative session as well while you admire the imaginative, art , historical and cultural value of the beautiful temple.
Once you enter the temple you will come across a series of structures and constructions all across the temple. The first in the list is the image house which also called as Viharaya. The building is filled with beautiful paints and sculptures that would persuade you to spend here some prolong time. The arts and the artifacts you find here looks absolutely vibrant and vital.
Next you will find the mesmeric building name Aya Visi hall. By definition the construction is homing 28 Buddha statues including the images of the 27 Buddhas who preceded the 28th Buddha called by the name of Gautama. In this place offerings are made to the 28 of Buddha statues.
Samadhi statue and stupa is the next most eye catching attraction found in Gangaramaya temple. It is a beautiful stupa followed by a graceful white Buddha statue that will lead you to the pensive stupa place. The beautiful Buddha statue has been designed by a Myanmar artist.
One of the most sophisticated from the collection is the Borobudur Replica. The structure find as the most picture we from the whole scene. As Gangaramaya is known as a great representation of worldwide Buddhist cultures and norms, Borobudur replica is one of the great evidence that how beautifully Gangaraya temple reveals the internal Buddhist traditions. The temple is an aesthetically pleasing imitation of the largest Buddhist temple exists in Indonesia.
Relic Chamber is the next thy you encounter from the series of attractions. The place which shelters and revered the holly relics are known as the Relic Chamber.
Also, it’s worth visiting the little museum in the temple for the values preserve and presented in the temple. This would be undeniable the best place to get a better understanding of the Buddhist culture and norms.
Location
The temple is located based on the heart of Colombo. If you are already in Colombo the temple is conveniently reachable and accessible in small time period.
If you are arriving right from Colombo international airport you may require about a hour to reach the temple if you travel via expressway while it will take further time approximately about 3 hours if you arrive via the normal route.
If you are make it all the way from Colombo international airport the best recommended is to make it by private transfer and the use of public transport would be further hectic and not so reliable whereas you require to keep changing the connections to another.
The temple is based in Colombo 2 right faces the famous Beira Lake. And location wise it is very easy to find the place conveniently as long as you use a reliable transfer option to make the trip.
Entrance fee
By paying a very affordable and reasonable price you can explore this fascinating temple complex. It’s even less than 1 dollar and in local currency of Sri Lankan Rupees somewhere of 300 to 400 small fee is applied. You may also donate temple if you would like to make any.
Opening time
The temple is opened from morning 06.00 HRS to 22.00 HRS around. And day time and evening usually the temple find a bit crowded but if you would like to make it in less crowded time in morning hours and night time find it more pensive and peaceful.
Tips For Visiting Gangaramaya Temple
To get the best of this beautiful temple which is laying at the heart of Colombo it is always advised to prepare yourself for making it the best. The temple is usually found crowded with local and foreign tourists and pilgrims yet the peaceful setting of the temple will soothe your mind and body.
You may visit the temple on less crowded hours and so you will be happier to find the best glimpse of the temple complex. And this is a tip if you would like to check for less crowded occasions.
When visiting Gangaramaya what you should highly concern is the outfit you wear. The attire should be a moderate one. You are requested to cover your shoulders and knees, so probably you can wear something or you can bring a shawl or something to cover yourself if you are not wearing an attire that doesn’t cover the shoulders and knee levels.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
