Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
4.2
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4.2
3,175 reviews
Excellent
1,438
Very good
1,088
Average
447
Poor
102
Terrible
100
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Aruna_Saman
Colombo, Sri Lanka84 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Awesome Location in heart of the colombo. and very mind relaxing place in busy town. next to the Colombo City Center and seemamalakaya is mind relaxing and ideal to meditation also. we may need half a day to explore the entire temple coz it has a museum also with old history
Written 31 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🇸🇦 أسماء 🌴
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia179 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The entry was charged by the guide who made sure we visited the temple. We went back to him after checking out the hotel heading to the airport. The lamp must be removed. They didn’t object to my headcover but association is prohibited. The temple is filled with strange collections, old cameras, cooking machines like brass chandeliers, old hours of car paintings, and an enormous setup of all sizes of Buddhas, monks, monks, and strange paintings. It's hot and there's no adjustment. The guide went to explain some Buddhist beliefs even though we were not interested in belief and were busy and impressed by the abundance of charges and statues. We stayed there even though there is another place on the lake we haven’t visited.
Automatically translated
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Praveen Dilshan
Colombo, Sri Lanka89 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
This is the most serene and quiet place in Colombo. It is located near the bustling city, yet remains a peaceful retreat. If you are looking for a tranquil spot in Colombo, this beautiful temple is the ideal choice. It is kept very clean at all times, without any dust or mud, allowing for a pleasant worship experience.
There is a designated seating area for worship, along with many other activities available. A small museum is also on-site, featuring a collection of gems, watches, and some antique items. Additionally, you can find old cars displayed in the museum area.
There is ample space for worship without any hesitation. If you are seeking a place to relax and refresh your mind, this temple is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Buddhism.
There is a designated seating area for worship, along with many other activities available. A small museum is also on-site, featuring a collection of gems, watches, and some antique items. Additionally, you can find old cars displayed in the museum area.
There is ample space for worship without any hesitation. If you are seeking a place to relax and refresh your mind, this temple is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Buddhism.
Written 12 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roslyn138
Wrexham, UK1,201 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We arrived by cruise ship on the last leg of our trip and decided on a 3 hour taxi trip around the city €30 .
The first stop was Gangaramaya Temple . It was a large complex which is the oldest temple in Colombo , an eclectic mix of Thai , Indian as well as Chinese structures. There is an admission cost but it’s only £2 - keep the ticket as you will use it for the temple by the lake .
There is the temple as well as museum- with artefacts from the country’s past . As you would expect numerous Buddha statues - even the smallest in a glass box that you need a magnifying glass to see.
We then visited the temple by lake Beira which was breathtaking and serene. Our only mistake was not to book a guide to explain the various parts of the temple .
The first stop was Gangaramaya Temple . It was a large complex which is the oldest temple in Colombo , an eclectic mix of Thai , Indian as well as Chinese structures. There is an admission cost but it’s only £2 - keep the ticket as you will use it for the temple by the lake .
There is the temple as well as museum- with artefacts from the country’s past . As you would expect numerous Buddha statues - even the smallest in a glass box that you need a magnifying glass to see.
We then visited the temple by lake Beira which was breathtaking and serene. Our only mistake was not to book a guide to explain the various parts of the temple .
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manik S
delhi22 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Shameful experience!!! Asking for entry fees n buddhist temple is like selling the religion for petty gains.i was refused entry as I was not willing to pay then it came to donation. I'm a proud hindu from India and this I have not seen in any part of the world I have visited. Buddhism is one of the most spiritual religion I feel away from all materialistic charms. But people at this temple are robbing the visitors asking for entry fee and refusing people who are not willing to pay. I even complained to a cop there but seems he was a part of the charity show. I told some foreigners entry is free and people started fighting with me why are you telling to others. After a long argument I finally went in but had lost the spirit by then so could not concentrate. Thereafter not visited any temple in colombo.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bhashana Jayakody
8 contributions
Dec 2024 • Business
Gangaramaya Temple, though not ancient, is an iconic modern temple in Colombo. Most of its funding comes from local residents and Sri Lankan donors worldwide. The Bodhi tree base was constructed with support from the 6th King of Bhutan, showcasing its international ties.
The temple is popular among Colombo’s higher-income communities and is known for its museum-like interior, featuring historical artifacts, including Sri Lanka’s first Rolls-Royce car.
Visitors should note there is an entrance fee of 500 LKR for foreigners.
The temple is popular among Colombo’s higher-income communities and is known for its museum-like interior, featuring historical artifacts, including Sri Lanka’s first Rolls-Royce car.
Visitors should note there is an entrance fee of 500 LKR for foreigners.
Written 24 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mustafa Grump
East Garston, UK204 contributions
Mar 2025 • Couples
Difficult to pin a description on once you've passed through the museum sections, but I can confidently state they've never thrown anything away, ever. The eclectic mix of offerings is truly a wonder to behold. Can't decide on the best thing to see, there's a couple of old Rolls Royces, a collection of pressure washers, dozens of Le Leffe beer glasses, enough crockery to run a medium sized restaurant chain, faux art deco glass table lamps and lots of random items I can't begin to put a name to; there's also some religious stuff but that's hard to spot amongst the bric-a-brac. Truly wondrous.
Written 11 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller20175
California Desert, CA582 contributions
Jul 2023
It is a nice temple. But on the evening that we were visiting the temple, the mosquito spray in the temple started as we were entering it. The heavy thick smoke filled every room of the temple and the big truck with the spray was so loud and spoilt the serene atmosphere of the temple. Unfortunately the smoke lingered for a long time and we found it difficult to stay long in the shrines since the smoke made us cough a lot. Wish we had gone at a different time and our experience would have been better. The spray is done once or twice a month and it is good to find out about it before your visit there.
The white marble Buddha outside in the courtyard is very nice and there were also shrines with a large seated and standing Buddhas in the other shrines. The large inscription wall outside the temple is very nice too. You do need to take off your footwear outside as in any other temples. Parking may be an issue here if going during peak times.
The white marble Buddha outside in the courtyard is very nice and there were also shrines with a large seated and standing Buddhas in the other shrines. The large inscription wall outside the temple is very nice too. You do need to take off your footwear outside as in any other temples. Parking may be an issue here if going during peak times.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew P
Brighton and Hove, UK853 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
More of a museum than a shrine but absolutely worth a visit. Buddah statues everywhere as well as a stuffed temple elephant and a plethora of Buddhist memorabilia. Ticket price of 400 Rupees allows entry to a few other tourist spots in town so certainly worth the price.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anand G
Kochi (Cochin), India2,064 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
It is a combination of a temple and a museum. The statues of Buddhas are amazing. The museum part actually needs a guide since a self guided tour confuses a visitor on multiple counts. The entry fee is LKR 400 for a foreigner. We are supposed to leave our foot wear in a basket before entering the temple. That is a very good concept which prevents scattering of foot wear near the entrance. I could not see any parking space for vehicles there.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi all, can foreigners take photos inside the temple with professional cameras? And are there any regulations on dress codes?
Written 5 June 2024
There was no issue with regards taking photographs around the site. With regards to dress code , shoes were left outside and I wore TShirt and shorts , wife covered shoulders and knees - Its what was required for all the temples that we visited.
Written 5 June 2024
which is the entrance fee for the foreigners? Thanks
Written 15 March 2023
Ciao, ci sono ancora gli elefanti??
Written 23 January 2020
Nel tempio non c'erano elefanti vivi.
Written 23 January 2020
What can be done to free the elephant, Ganga, chained in the temple? It has no space to move, is fed poorly, is whipped, sleeps on her own waste, has no elephant company, was taken away from her mother when she was young and is spotted crying by tourists. Why do Buddhists preach refraining from harming living things, but the commit animal cruelty?
Written 6 January 2019
I did not see any live elephant in the temple
Written 14 January 2019
How many hours should we plan for Gangaramaya Temple?
Written 17 December 2018
It depends on how long you want to stay to be honest.
We done it in less than 45 mins as once you've been to the main prayer rooms the rest is like a museum. But if you were to look through all the items they have on display etc. Then it could take quite a bit longer.
Hope that helps.
Written 18 December 2018
Please inform me as i will have limited time which places can i cover in this short period of time as i feel i will get to the city by 6:30 Pm only. Galle face beach is also close to Ramada temple is one in the top priority. Any other suggestions pls
I am also interested to go to casino in the evening any suggestions on casino which is good and safe and which offers free pick and drop and fooding
Written 13 July 2017
Hi, If you are staying at Ramada Colombo, Galle Face Beach is across the road from the hotel. so not a problem going there walking. from there you can hop into metre Taxi and go to Temple. From there can go to Bayllys Casion. It is a safe and reputed place. No experience to comment about the Free food and pick ups cos i have not been inside.
Written 14 July 2017
Hi i am planning to travel to sri lanka on 22nd september i will be reaching hotel ramada colombo by 6 in the evening i am hope the temple will be open till 9 as suggested by u so that we can see the beautiful temple i also wanted to know the entrance fee and other places near the temple we can cover as we have early morning flight next day
Written 27 June 2017
Hi Anuj,
As far as I know the temple is open till 10pm
The entrance is free of cost.
There is a lake also nearby
Could you let me know when your next day flight is ?
I would suggest you to visit the temple in the morning time rather than at night, should you have enough time to reach airport.
Written 27 June 2017
Hi i am planning to travel to sri lanka on 22nd september i will be reaching hotel ramada colombo by 6 in the evening i am hope the temple will be open till 9 as suggested by u so that we can see the beautiful temple i also wanted to know the entrance fee and other places near the temple we can cover as we have early morning flight next day
Written 27 June 2017
Hi, The temple is located quite close to Ramada Hotel. should be able to get to the temple in 10 minutes. Make sure to use a meter taxi. should not cost more than $1/=. if you need any assistance in Colombo feel free to contact me.
Written 13 July 2017
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