Religious

Nawan Perahera Parade

Located on the banks the infamous Beira Lake lies the century old Gangarama temple in the heart of Colombo.

Structure and Architecture

The temple’s heterogenous blend of architecture, reverbs the Sri Lanka, India, Thailand , Burma, Indonesia and the China. The temple was built in 1885 by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera during the British Colonial Era. It features the typical structures of most temples in Sri Lanka that includes the Viharaya (temple), the Chaithya  (Pagoda) the Bodhi tree (Boo Tree), the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malakaya (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. The temple complex also houses a museum, Library and a vocational training Center.
nawam perahera

Festive Seasons

One of the most Grandeur Festivals celebrated by this temple is the Navam Perahera held on February dating back to 1979 when it first started its celebration. The festival pageant is one of its kind in terms of parades, decorated elephants with costumes and lights, traditional drummers, fire dancers, flute players, traditional performers, the sacred tooth relic and numerous Buddhist monks. The perahara takes place for 2 days especially with well lit and adorned tuskers carrying the Tooth Relic  This kaleidoscopic pageant attracts visitors from every corner of the world irrespective of religion and race to join and watch the celebration.

Make Sure you don’t miss out

  • The museum: One of attractions of the temple is the museum with artefacts and antiques that resonate the Buddhist culture and spirit. You will come across carvings, ivory and wooden carvings, ancient scripts, Statues of the Buddha, precious and random  trinkets and quite surprisingly vintage cars as well.
  • The Relic Chamber: This chamber houses the sacred relic of the Buddha. It also holds some of the ancient relics of the disciplines of Buddha received through donations from Bangladesh.
  • The Bodhiya: the bow tree that shades the place brings tranquillity and serenity to the place with its rustling leaves.
  • Neatly stacked Statues of Buddha
  • Replica Of Borobudur: This place is a replica of the largest Buddhist temple in the world situated in Java , Indonesia. The stupas and the Buddha Statues look similar to that of the Borobudur.
  • A Friendly Elephant: Do not get to close but you can see it playing with its chains swaying from side to side.
  • Beira Lake and Seema Malakaya: This place has been designed by the renowned architect of Sri Lanka, Geoffrey Bawa who is well known for designing several iconic structures in Sri Lanka such as The Parliament, University of Ruhuna and many other hotels as well. This is where the monks assemble located in the middle of the Beira Lake.
Things to Mind !

Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm.

Entrance Fee: Free but donations will be most  welcome

Dress Code: as most religious places, visitors are required to dress conservatively i.e. avoid shorts, sleeveless skinnies and head gears as well. A T-Shirt, denims and clothing covering the knees is most appropriate.

Photography: allowed free of cost.

Conclusion

Either being religious or not, the aura of the place emits serene vibe that will make you feel peaceful along with indulging in enjoyable recollection of reminisces of the antique and vintage collections and ancient architectural structure. Make sure not to miss out on all that’s mentioned above and keep your eyes open for more surprises.

When you visit the temple, make sure that you also explore the Beira Lake. To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our posts.

How to reach

The tower is about 35 Km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and can take an hour to reach during busy hours. 

If you are stationed in Colombo, you can travel by bus and for a quick ride, hire a cab or a TukTuk for its much convenient. 

Gangaramaya Temple- The splendid temple by the lake Read More »

Colombo Beira Lake

The Beira Lake is one of the well-known landmarks situated in the heart of Colombo having a history of over 500 years from the 16th Century during the invasion of the Portuguese to then Ceylon. For one who looks forward for a waver from the concrete jungle, this tranquil lake is a place of respite.

The Beira Lake inherited from the Portuguese during the Colonial Era of the Portuguese, still remains in the heart of Colombo bordered by the skyscrapers, government buildings, warehouses, Conventional centres and business tycoons of the city. It is said that the name Beira in Portuguese means “Bank or Edge of the Lake”.

A short History

The lake was initially constructed by the Portuguese as a moat for protection against the forces of the then kings who tried to drive the Portuguese invasion away but failed to do so. Thereafter the Dutch built their strong point in the port strengthening their defences within followed by the British who then cleansed the lake of all its perils such as crocodiles to utilise it for recreational purposes such as rowing and Yachting. The lake also became a means of transportation due to its well-connected network to other cities.

Lake of the Modern Era

To this day, many schools practice their sports such as rowing on the Lake. With a maximum length of 1.5 Km, the lake is home to Colombo Rowing Club for over 140 years.

Needless to mention, the spectacular view of the high-rise buildings portrayed at the horizon and the railroad passing above connecting canals, the location is a package that includes adventure, picnics, religious harmony, romance, peace of mind, workouts and for those who wish for some “Me time” the tranquillity of the lake will divert your attention away from the stress and buzz of the city.

You may also be able to witness photography of marriage couples by the lake either in the Seema Malakaya temple or close to the Gangarama temple. The bride will be dressed in the traditional Osariya whilst the groom in the Nilame Costume.   

The lake is home to some very mysterious birds such as Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Painted Storks, ducks, the abundantly nestled big spot-billed Pelicans and many more. Therefore, you do not have to head deep into the wilderness to watch beautiful birds but cherish the beauty of the lake being an audience to its kaleidoscopic mortal ornamental.

Things to do

Some of the noteworthy attractions in and around this lake are:

  • Seema Malakaya Meditation Centre
  • Gangaramaya Temple floating atop the waters
  • 8˚ on the Lake- A massive floating luxury eatery by Cinnamon Lakeside
  • Suspension Bridge to the Garden Island
  • Lovers’ Island- A small garden island in the middle of the lake connected by the suspension bridge
  • Eateries
  • Shopping bazars and boutiques
  • Jogging track
  • Boat/Swan Rides
  • Dutch Museum
  • Lotus Tower

Either if you have just landed in Sri Lanka or are about to bid farewell to this pearl, this place a ideal for a warmup ahead of your journey within the country or a warm down to wrap-up all those nostalgic memories that have been engraved for life.

Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee to the lake although the prices of the rides and activities will depend. The lake is open from 7am until 6pm to the public.

To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our post.

How to reach

From the Airport, the lake is about an hour’s journey for 35Km away and besides if one is to stay in Colombo itself especially due to luxurious hotels around the place, the access to this lake is much easier and may be at walking distance.

Contact us for more details

Beira Lake- Tranquillity Nestled in Colombo Read More »

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