Stretched on land and water, Gangaramaya temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka. Situated within the Colombo city limits, the temple can take you to its ownย serene world in the busy city. One specialty of the temple is that one part of the templeย is built on the water of a lake whereas the other part is built on the ground away fromย the lake. The two sections are divided with a distance of 200 meters.

Both sections of the Gangaramaya temple have their own reasons to attract visitors. The section that is built on the Beira Lake, which is known as the Seema Malakaya gives visitors a marvelous experience by taking them into the water on a wooden platform that bridges the temple to the ground. Seema Malakaya attracts the attention of those who pass by with its little white pagoda and the seasoned Boa tree which can be seen even from the other side of the lake.

The other part of the temple is situated away from the lake. This part of the templeย which could be referred to as Gangaramaya Temple accommodates constructions thatย depict the magnificent combination of different architectures. The temple is known for itsย unique architecture which is a fine blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chineseย architecture. The buildings of the temple exhibit this blend of architecture and the vividย wooden carvings of them stand out in attention.

The temple also provides shelter for Ganga, the lonely elephant of the temple who is theย one and only elephant in the Gangaramaya Temple.

Galboda Gnanissara Thera who is also known as Podihamuduruwo, organizes various events at the temple. One such colorful event is the annual Perahera of the Gangaramaya temple which is held in February. Buddha Rashmi Pooja in 2012 was another event that exhibited many colorful nights with breathtaking views of the beautifully decorated temple premises.

Written by Dinakara for Travel Lanka Compass