Joanna James
Spirituality is hardly among the things that even remotely characterise Colombo, but travellers to the vibrant capital city have a whole host of temples that treat them to a delightful spiritual escapade. Tour the many temples that call Colombo home and savour a dose of spirituality.
The undisputed crown jewel of the heartland, the enchanting Gangaramaya Temple, in all its glory, perches over the unruffled waters of the central Beira Lake. The 19th-century temple may not be the most historically significant of the Colombo temples, but it certainly is one of the most beautiful and prominent temples, not just in the capital city but the whole of the island nation. Visitors to the temple are greeted by a spectacle of modern architecture — decidedly distinct from the typical Sri Lankan Buddhist temple — and cultural essence, all complemented by the tranquillity of the Beira Lake.
Venturing northeast of central Colombo, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara in the eponymous urban suburb of Kelaniya is truly an outlier among the whole host of other Buddhist temples that call Colombo home, for it is graced by the divinity of the Lord Buddha himself. According to the long and undoubtedly rich history of the island nation, the temple was visited by Buddha and 500 other monks on his third visit to Sri Lanka back in 500 BC. Aside from the revered religious significance, the majestic reclining Buddha and the score of colourful murals and sculptures also put the ancient temple on the map.
Traversing the affluent Havelock Road, Colombo, Mayurapathy Kovil is sure to grab your eye for it boasts breathtakingly striking traditional architecture. The historical and religious significance of the Hindu temple may be trivial to other Hindu temples in the city, but it sure is a treat for the eyes of all visitors and even passersby. Feast your eyes on the enchanting colour, glamour and architecture and retreat to one of the best Sri Lanka hotels in Colombo, offered by popular chains such as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Holidaying in the bustling capital city of Colombo, a moment of peace and quiet is certainly not easy to come by, but visitors to tranquil Seema Malaka are afforded just that. The Buddhist temple is nestled in the vicinity of the aforementioned Gangaramaya Temple and perched over the same unruffled waters of the Beira Lake but in a world of unwavering repose — truly an oasis of serenity in the bustling capital.
This remarkably long-named temple in central Colombo basks in the glory of being the oldest Hindu temple in the capital city. The architecturally magnificent temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha and Shiva and is a popular stop for tourists touring the quintessential Colombo temples for its vibrant sights.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
