Western Province

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

Gangaramaya is one of the most famous and modern Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Founded in the late 19th century, it is not only a place of worship but also a center of cultural and social service activities. The temple complex houses a Bodhi tree, a relic chamber, an educational hall, a library, and a museum displaying rare artifacts, antique jewelry, ivory carvings, and even vintage cars. The architecture is a fascinating mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese influences. Every year, Gangaramaya hosts the Navam Perahera, one of Colombo’s grandest processions with elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and Buddhist relics paraded through the city. For visitors, it’s both a spiritual and cultural experience.

Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia is one of the most popular beaches near Colombo, with a rich colonial history. The highlight is the Mount Lavinia Hotel, originally built as the mansion of Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor, in the early 1800s. The beach is well-known for its golden sands, safe swimming areas, and seafood restaurants that serve freshly grilled fish and crabs right by the water. In the evenings, the beach transforms into a lively scene with bars, beach parties, and music festivals. It’s a perfect getaway for both relaxation and nightlife, just 30 minutes from Colombo city.

Galle Face Green

Stretching half a kilometer along Colombo’s coast, Galle Face Green is an urban seaside park loved by locals and tourists alike. Originally laid out in 1859 by the British Governor Sir Henry Ward, it was used for horse racing, polo, and cricket. Today, it’s a gathering place for families, kite-flyers, food lovers, and sunset watchers. Street vendors sell iconic Sri Lankan snacks like isso wade (prawn fritters), achcharu (pickled fruits), and ice cream. On weekends, the atmosphere is festive with children playing and couples strolling by the waves. The sunsets here are among the most beautiful in Colombo.

Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil

This is Colombo’s oldest and largest Hindu temple, dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. The temple is over 200 years old and is renowned for its ornate Dravidian architecture, with tall gopurams (tower gateways) decorated with colorful sculptures of Hindu gods and mythological figures. Inside, the sanctum is filled with carvings, paintings, and religious shrines. During festivals such as Thai Pongal, Navaratri, and Maha Shivaratri, the temple becomes a hub of devotion, filled with music, rituals, and processions. Visitors experience the fusion of culture and spirituality that makes this site unique.

Viharamahadevi Park

Once called Victoria Park under British rule, this is Colombo’s largest public park and a favorite leisure spot. It was renamed after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugemunu, a great Sinhalese ruler. The park features lush gardens, fountains, walking paths, children’s playgrounds, and a majestic seated Buddha statue at its entrance. In spring, the park bursts into color with yellow cassia fistula (golden shower) flowers. Locals come here for jogging, picnics, and family outings, while tourists enjoy the peaceful atmosphere right in the heart of the busy capital. 

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

One of the holiest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, believed to have been visited by the Buddha during his third and final visit to the island (500 BCE). The temple’s biggest attraction is the stunning wall murals painted by Solias Mendis, which narrate Buddhist history and legends in exquisite detail. It also houses a sacred stupa and a gem-studded throne for the Buddha statue. Every January, the temple hosts the Duruthu Maha Perahera, a grand cultural pageant featuring elephants, drummers, and dancers. For Buddhists, it’s a temple of great faith; for visitors, it’s a treasure trove of history and art.

Brief Garden – Bevis Bawa

Created by Bevis Bawa, the brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this enchanting garden is a masterpiece of landscape design. Once a rubber plantation, it was transformed into a tropical wonderland of exotic plants, sculptures, ponds, and courtyards. Art lovers appreciate the quirky statues and murals scattered across the property. Walking through the garden feels like exploring a living artwork, with hidden nooks, bamboo groves, and fragrant blossoms. It’s a peaceful retreat for anyone interested in art, history, and botany.

 

St. Anthony’s Shrine

This Roman Catholic church, built in the 19th century, is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of miracles. The shrine is unique because it is visited not only by Catholics but also by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, who come seeking blessings and miracles. The church’s Tuesday novena service attracts thousands of devotees each week. The architecture is simple yet spiritual, with stained-glass windows and a serene prayer hall. It remains one of Colombo’s most significant pilgrimage sites.

Kalutara Bodhiya

Located along the Colombo–Galle main road, this sacred Buddhist temple is one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in Sri Lanka. It features a large Bodhi tree (a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura) and a unique hollow stupa, which visitors can actually enter to view smaller statues and paintings inside. Many travelers stop here to make offerings before continuing their journey to the southern coast. It’s a place of both spiritual devotion and architectural uniqueness.

Beruwala Beach

Known as the “gateway to the south coast”, Beruwala Beach stretches with golden sand and calm waters. It’s less crowded than Colombo beaches, making it ideal for swimming and family visits. The area is also known for deep-sea fishing, diving, and sailing excursions. A highlight is Barberyn Island Lighthouse, built in 1889, which stands proudly offshore. Beruwala also has cultural significance as one of the first Muslim settlements in Sri Lanka, and visitors can explore the historic Kechimalai Mosque nearby. 

Independence Memorial Hall

Built in 1948 to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule, this grand hall in Independence Square is both a national monument and a cultural landmark. Designed in traditional Kandyan architectural style, it features carved stone pillars, lion statues, and murals depicting Sri Lanka’s history. A bronze statue of D.S. Senanayake, the country’s first Prime Minister, stands at the entrance. Today, it’s a place for national ceremonies, exhibitions, morning jogs, and photo shoots. At night, the memorial is beautifully lit, symbolizing national pride and heritage.