Gangarama Seema Malakaya

Colombo

Gangarama Seema Malakaya

Colombo

Colombo4.5

🏛️ Cultural Heritage🗿 Historical LandmarkBuddhist Temple

A Geoffrey Bawa-designed island sanctuary floating on Beira Lake, blending tropical modernism, a sacred Bodhi tree, and Buddhist-Hindu shrines in the heart of Colombo.

Why visit Gangarama Seema Malakaya

Designed by Master Architect Geoffrey Bawa: The temple was redesigned in 1976 by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, known for pioneering Tropical Modernism.
Built on Floating Platforms: It is a unique temple built on three interconnected platforms that appear to float on the serene Beira Lake.
A Center for Meditation: Unlike traditional temples, its main purpose is for meditation and peaceful reflection, with a minimalist design to promote a serene atmosphere.
Houses a Sacred Bodhi Tree: The temple complex includes a sacred Bodhi tree, grown from a branch of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.
Features a Blend of Deities: While Buddhist, it also includes shrines dedicated to Hindu gods like Shiva and Ganesha, showcasing a blend of religious traditions.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Paid

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Colombo

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

Visitor Guidelines

Dress Appropriately for a Sacred Site : Even though it looks like a pavilion on water, it is still a Buddhist temple space. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Mind the Wooden Platforms and Bridges :: The temple sits on the lake, connected by walkways. Be cautious while walking, especially during rainy weather when surfaces may be slippery.
Avoid Feeding Fish or Birds Without Permission :: The lake attracts fish and birds, but feeding them is discouraged unless specifically allowed by temple staff
Entry Fees for International Visitors: Please note that foreign visitors are sometimes required to pay an entrance fee, so it is a smart idea to carry some local currency with you.

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Why visit Gangarama Seema Malakaya

Designed by Master Architect Geoffrey Bawa: The temple was redesigned in 1976 by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, known for pioneering Tropical Modernism.

Built on Floating Platforms: It is a unique temple built on three interconnected platforms that appear to float on the serene Beira Lake.

A Center for Meditation: Unlike traditional temples, its main purpose is for meditation and peaceful reflection, with a minimalist design to promote a serene atmosphere.

Houses a Sacred Bodhi Tree: The temple complex includes a sacred Bodhi tree, grown from a branch of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.

Features a Blend of Deities: While Buddhist, it also includes shrines dedicated to Hindu gods like Shiva and Ganesha, showcasing a blend of religious traditions.

Visitor Guidelines

Dress Appropriately for a Sacred Site : Even though it looks like a pavilion on water, it is still a Buddhist temple space. Shoulders and knees must be covered.

Mind the Wooden Platforms and Bridges :: The temple sits on the lake, connected by walkways. Be cautious while walking, especially during rainy weather when surfaces may be slippery.

Avoid Feeding Fish or Birds Without Permission :: The lake attracts fish and birds, but feeding them is discouraged unless specifically allowed by temple staff

Entry Fees for International Visitors: Please note that foreign visitors are sometimes required to pay an entrance fee, so it is a smart idea to carry some local currency with you.