Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple Colombo
The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most popular and iconic temples located in Colombo. The Gangaramaya temple's architecture features a heterogeneous mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles. Located on the banks of the famous Beira Lake in Colombo 2, the Gangaramaya consists of the main temple, a museum, a library and vocational training centers.
Galle Face Green
Sri Lanka, being an island, is known for her amazing beaches and views of the sea. However, in Colombo, it isn’t always easy to find a place where you can enjoy the crashing of the waves and most of all, an undisturbed view of the sunset. Galle Face Green thus attracts a large number of people, especially during the evening, although it is rarely empty, even in the afternoon when there is very little shelter from the scorching sun. Galle Face Green is a half kilometer promenade in the heart of Colombo and was initially laid out in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, Governor of British Ceylon.
History of Colombo
Colombo isn’t only a city of the future or even the present. Many areas still belong to the past, with streets and building that take many a Sri Lankan down memory lane. If you speak to a Sri Lankan about his life in Colombo, you would most probably get a detailed comparison of the then and now of the city.
Visiting Pettah
Renowned for its open air bazaars and markets, Pettah is by far Sri Lanka’s busiest commercial area. It is where most of Sri Lanka’s trading is done. From textiles to vegetables, fruits, grains, spices, condiments and stationery to electronic items, chemicals, toys and so much more, Pettah is dusty, noisy and as they say, where the rubber meets the road!
Colombo International Airport (Bandaranaike International Airport)
The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is the primary airport servicing Sri Lanka. Located approximately 32 km from the Colombo city centre, it serves as the hub for Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya (Buddhist Temple)
Situated 10km away from the heart of Colombo is the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya. The ancient chronicle ‘Mahavamsa’ states that on the eighth year following enlightenment; the Buddha visited Kelaniya with 500 Bikkhus (Monks) on the invitation of King Maniakkhikha to preach the dhamma.
Visas to Sri Lanka
Information for tourists on obtaining visas or ETA to Sri Lanka, types of Sri Lankan visas, eligibility, travel restrictions and links to visa services.
Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya (Buddhist Temple)
Located on the outskirts of Colombo away from the hustle and bustle of city life, lined by beautiful green paddy fields is the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharya. Easily accessible and situated along the road to Maharagama this temple holds a special place in Buddhist devotees of Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was established as a capital by the Wijeya dynasty and had continued as a royal capital throughout the reign of over 100 rulers. With the foreign invasions Anuradhapura lost its glimmer and faded into the creeping woods but the colonial rule once again discovered this ‘lost city’ and it stands today as a testimony to the architectural and aesthetical wonders of the ancestors of Sri Lanka.
Yvonne van der Laan Travel Blog
Sri Lanka itinerary that has it all
Sri Lanka has a lot to offer. This route takes you to the best beaches, lovely tea plantations, ancient cultural sights and on great train journeys. And a 2nd route to offer you a choice when it’s rainy season on 1 side of this paradise island.