Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka
“Sacred lakeside sanctuary seamlessly blending traditional art and modern architecture”
About & Heritage
Established in the late 19th century by Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Gangaramaya is not merely a temple but an international center of learning and cultural preservation. The temple displays centuries of antique clocks, gem-studded statues, vintage cars, and brass carvings. Just a short stroll away on Beira Lake sits the tranquil Seema Malaka meditation pavilion, redesigned in the 1970s by Sri Lanka’s legendary tropical modernist architect Geoffrey Bawa.
One of Colombo’s most venerable Buddhist temple complexes, featuring an extraordinary collection of sacred artifacts, a Bodhi tree shrine, and the serene floating Seema Malaka pavilion designed by Geoffrey Bawa on Beira Lake.
Key Highlights & Features
Transit & Bus Route Guide
Public transportation stops and bus numbers serving this area
Pettah – Maharagama
Nearest stop: Kompanna Veediya / Slave Island
Pettah – Horana
Nearest stop: Beira Lake Junction
Nearby Cafes & Street Food
Handpicked Ceylon tea lounges, cafes, and dining spots nearby
Park Street Mews Cafe
500mArtisan Espresso & Pastries
Cafe Noir
650mSpecialty Coffee & Desserts
Nearby Hotels & Accommodations
Convenient stays from colonial heritage hotels to modern city suites
Cinnamon Red Colombo
Residence by Uga Escapes
Cloudinary Photo Showcase
Quick Guide Details
Need a Tuk-Tuk or Custom Route?
Connect with the Colombo travel desk for tailored routes, driver contacts, and local recommendations.
Inquire With Travel DeskMore in Colombo & Environs
Explore neighboring streets, beaches, and landmarks.
Colombo Lotus Tower
Rising 350 meters above the Colombo skyline, the Lotus Tower (Nelum Kuluna) symbolizes modern Sri Lanka. Offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Beira Lake, and city lights.
Galle Face Green & Promenade
A sprawling five-hectare oceanfront promenade where the Indian Ocean breeze meets Colombo’s vibrant community life. Renowned for glorious coastal sunsets and famous crispy Isso Vadai street treats.
Mount Lavinia Beach & Headland
Situated 12 km south of central Colombo, Mount Lavinia is famous for its sweep of golden beach, gentle surfing waves, and the legendary 1806 colonial Governor’s Mansion presiding atop the rocky headland.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Located 10 km northeast of downtown Colombo along the tranquil Kelani River, this historic temple is revered as one of the three places in Sri Lanka visited by Gautama Buddha over 2,500 years ago.