Vihinsa Thejan Bandara

5.0

A very unique temple experience! Unlike many other historical sites, Gangaramaya feels almost like a museum. It houses a massive, fascinating collection of artifacts, relics, and gifts from all over the world—even vintage cars. The blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles is stunning. ​Tip: Give yourself a good hour or two to really explore all the different rooms and the relic chamber. As always, remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, and you'll need to leave your shoes at the entrance.

Anshika Thakur

3.0

In addition to spiritual faith and peace, this temple is full of antique and historical things stored in various rooms. It is at two places, one is temple with antique pieces and other is a Temple placed in middle of the lake. It has tranquility and peace. Best for meditation. You need to buy ticket of LKR 500 per person to visit both the places.

SAMIR K S

5.0

I visited the Gangaramaya Temple today, and it was honestly one of the most unique experiences I’ve had in Colombo. It’s not just a temple; it feels like a massive, eclectic treasure trove of history and spirituality. What I loved: The Vibe: Even though it’s in the heart of the city, there’s a deep sense of calm the moment you walk in. The mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, and Chinese architecture is stunning. The Museum: I was blown away by the sheer amount of "stuff"—everything from tiny gold Buddha statues and intricate ivory carvings to random vintage watches and even old luxury cars. It’s wild and fascinating. The Sacred Tree: Watering the Bodhi tree felt like a really grounded, peaceful moment. Seema Malaka: Don't miss the floating part on Beira Lake (just a short walk away). The views over the water are beautiful, especially if you catch the light just right. A few tips if you're going: Dress Code: Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. I saw they have sarongs at the door if you forget, though. Feet: You have to take your shoes off at the entrance. The floor can get a bit warm, so socks are a life-saver. Fee: It was 500 LKR for the entry ticket, which covers both the main temple and the lake pavilion

Rave Galili

4.0

This is a simple local temple where people come to pray, giving it an authentic and peaceful atmosphere. The place is relatively small and filled with many different items, which gives it a unique and lively character. There is an entrance fee for foreigners. One nice highlight is the large tree inside the temple grounds, and the main tower has an unusual shape compared to other temples, which makes it interesting to see. If you arrive during prayer time, you can experience a more traditional Buddhist moment, which adds to the visit. Just about 200 meters away, there’s another small temple by the lake. It’s perfect for a short stop of around 10 minutes and offers a nice spot for photos.

GeoDe

5.0

I really loved the atmosphere, especially the beautiful lighting around the temple—it makes the whole place feel peaceful and magical. The museum inside is impressive, filled with history, culture, and so many interesting artifacts. One thing I truly appreciated is how they honor and respect the elephant that lived here before. You can really feel the connection they had and the way they preserved its memory.