Explore key Colombo religious sites in a single day, moving between Buddhist temples, a colonial-era mosque, Hindu kovils, and a centuries-old Catholic shrine within a few kilometers of each other.
Gangaramaya Temple sits on the edge of Beira Lake in Colombo 2. Construction began in 1885, led by scholar-monk, Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero, and the complex has grown steadily since. Its architecture blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles into a single space.
Gangaramaya functions as a museum, library, and vocational training center. The museum holds an eclectic collection: ancient Buddha statues, old coins, vintage vehicles, and gifts from devotees worldwide. Open daily 6 AM–10 PM. A small entrance fee applies for foreign visitors.
Connected to Gangaramaya by a pontoon bridge, Seema Malakaya floats on the calm waters of Beira Lake. Architect Geoffrey Bawa designed it in 1985 as a place for rest and meditation rather than active worship. Two island pavilions sit on the water: one containing Thai bronze Buddha statues, the other centered around a Bodhi tree.
The pavilions are part of the Gangaramaya complex and can be visited on the same trip. The setting makes it one of the quieter spots in an otherwise busy part of the city.
St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Kotahena, is a Roman Catholic church dating back to the Dutch colonial period, when Catholicism was banned. A priest, Father Antonio, built an early chapel on the site. The current Neoclassical church was consecrated on 1 June 1834 and houses a statue of St. Anthony brought from Goa in 1822.
The shrine holds the status of a national shrine and minor basilica. What makes it particularly notable in Colombo is that it draws devotees from Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim backgrounds, not only Catholics: many visit to seek blessings through St. Anthony. The church also houses a small museum on its first floor and a reliquary containing a relic of St. Anthony. Entry is free.
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque on Second Cross Street in Pettah was built between 1908 and 1909. It was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community to serve the needs of daily prayer and Friday Jummah. The designer, Saibu Lebbe, was a self-taught architect.
The result is a red-and-white candy-striped two-story building with a clock tower and domes shaped like pomegranates, unlike the traditional onion-dome design. By 1975, the mosque had expanded its capacity to accommodate 10,000 worshippers. Entry is free; visitors are asked to dress modestly and remove footwear.
On Sea Street in Pettah, the Old and New Kathiresan Kovils stand side by side, both dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and son of Lord Shiva. The Old Kathiresan Kovil dates to around 1830, making it one of the oldest Hindu temples in Colombo.
Both temples feature tall gopurams decorated with carved sculptures of Hindu deities. Visiting hours: 5:30 AM–10:30 AM and 5:30 PM–8:00 PM.
Northeast of Pettah in Kotahena, Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil is built from granite believed to have been imported from South India in the mid-19th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and follows traditional Dravidian architectural principles, with detailed carvings across its exterior.
This kovil is quieter than the Kathiresan temples and draws fewer tourists, making it a worthwhile stop for those who want more time to observe the space without the crowds.
These locations are close to each other, but timing, dress code, and cultural awareness will help you make the most of your visit.
Stay close to Pettah, Beira Lake, and Colombo’s key religious sites for easy travel. Choose MaRadha Colombo as your base and explore the city’s cultural landmarks with comfort and more time to experience each place.
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