Experience Buddhist culture at Gangaramaya Temple
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
25°C – 32°C, warm and dry with minimal rainfall, high crowds, peak season
25°C – 32°C, warm and dry with minimal rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain and stairs present.
Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain and stairs present.
Value for money
Medium
Entry fee is reasonable for a unique cultural experience.
Entry fee is reasonable for a unique cultural experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Peaceful Ambiance
Couples found the temple a serene escape, perfect for a quiet, shared experience.
Beautiful Design
Visitors were impressed by the architecture, perfect for couples to admire together.
Rich Culture
Couples enjoyed the museum, immersing themselves in the local history and artifacts.
Hot Surfaces
Travelers should be aware of the hot surfaces, which can be uncomfortable to walk on.
Overcrowded Times
During peak season, couples may find the crowds disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
Elephant Concerns
Some couples expressed concerns about the temple elephant's welfare.
How to book
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Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
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USD 70
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
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USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A traveler embarks on a visit to Gangaramaya Temple.
Discover the captivating highlights of Gangaramaya Temple.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
24-30°C
December features a significant decrease in rainfall to 148mm, with temperatures ranging from 23.7°C to 29.9°C. Humidity levels are consistent, and the weather is generally comfortable for outdoor activities.
December features a significant decrease in rainfall to 148mm, with temperatures ranging from 23.7°C to 29.9°C. Humidity levels are consistent, and the weather is generally comfortable for outdoor activities.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability of accommodations and services; advance booking is recommended.
High demand may lead to limited availability of accommodations and services; advance booking is recommended.
Recommended
December offers favorable weather conditions and a festive atmosphere, making it an ideal time to visit Colombo and the Gangaramaya Temple. However, travelers should be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.
December offers favorable weather conditions and a festive atmosphere, making it an ideal time to visit Colombo and the Gangaramaya Temple. However, travelers should be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.
January
HIGH
25-32°C
Warm and dry with minimal rainfall.
Warm and dry with minimal rainfall.
Open
Higher prices and limited availability due to peak season.
Higher prices and limited availability due to peak season.
Recommended
January offers warm and dry weather, making it an excellent time to visit Gangaramaya Temple. However, expect large crowds and higher prices due to peak tourist season.
January offers warm and dry weather, making it an excellent time to visit Gangaramaya Temple. However, expect large crowds and higher prices due to peak tourist season.
February
HIGH
24-28°C
Warm and dry with minimal rainfall.
Warm and dry with minimal rainfall.
Open
Higher prices and limited availability due to peak season.
Higher prices and limited availability due to peak season.
Recommended
February continues the warm and dry conditions, ideal for visiting Gangaramaya Temple. The Navam Perahera festival occurs this month, attracting even larger crowds and potentially higher prices.
February continues the warm and dry conditions, ideal for visiting Gangaramaya Temple. The Navam Perahera festival occurs this month, attracting even larger crowds and potentially higher prices.
March
MEDIUM
24-33°C
Warm with slightly increased chance of rain.
Warm with slightly increased chance of rain.
Open
Better availability and prices as crowds decrease.
Better availability and prices as crowds decrease.
Recommended
March offers warm weather with a slight increase in rainfall. Crowds begin to decrease, leading to better availability and more reasonable prices.
March offers warm weather with a slight increase in rainfall. Crowds begin to decrease, leading to better availability and more reasonable prices.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Public buses are an economical option. Look for buses passing through the Slave Island area or along Sir James Pieris Mawatha. The temple is approximately a 1-kilometer walk from the nearest bus stops.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and PickMe offer direct routes to the temple, dropping passengers at the entrance.
Train
Recommended
The closest station is Slave Island Railway Station, about 1.5 kilometers away. Colombo Fort Railway Station is also nearby. From either station, take a short tuk-tuk ride or walk to the temple.
Car
Travelers using a private vehicle can navigate via key city roads such as Sir James Pieris Mawatha and Nawam Mawatha, which lead to the temple's location on Sri Jinarathana Road. Parking can be limited.
Walking
Walking is a pleasant option for those lodging in downtown Colombo. The temple is within a 2-3 kilometer radius of major landmarks like Galle Face Green, Colombo City Centre, and Viharamahadevi Park.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required